Pan-Seared Chicken with Eleven-Spice Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts coated in a fragrant eleven-spice powder then pan-seared to golden perfection. This mediterranean-inspired new year ready in about 22 minutes pairs paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp salt to create the eleven-spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until a deep golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Eleven-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 Eleven-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 paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Eleven-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 Eleven-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 with Eleven-Spice Rub?

Mediterranean new year 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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