Pan-Seared Chicken with Dusting Spice Rub
A simple pan-seared chicken breast coated in a delicate dusting of aromatic spices for a light, flavorful crust. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a dusting spice rub.
- Step 2: Lightly coat each chicken breast evenly with the spice rub, pressing gently to ensure it adheres but does not form a heavy crust.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the edges are golden and crusted with the dusting spices.
- Step 5: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices and keep the dusted crust intact.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Dusting Spice Rub take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 with Dusting 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 ground cumin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Dusting 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 with Dusting Spice Rub for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 with Dusting 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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