Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Authentic Martin Guitar-Inspired Spice Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs seasoned with a warm, woody spice rub inspired by the rich history and craftsmanship of vintage Martin guitars. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 28 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each thigh.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear without moving for 6-7 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Flip the thighs and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Authentic Martin Guitar-Inspired Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Authentic Martin Guitar-Inspired Spice Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Authentic Martin Guitar-Inspired Spice Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Authentic Martin Guitar-Inspired Spice Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Authentic Martin Guitar-Inspired Spice Rub?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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