Pan-Seared Chicken with Fourth Dimension Spice Blend

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

Pan-seared to perfection and seasoned with a unique spice blend inspired by the concept of the ‘fourth’, adding depth and warmth to every bite. This chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chicken cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Fourth Dimension Spice Blend.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping once halfway. The chicken should be fragrant with spices and have a crisp, caramelized exterior.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the chicken. Let rest for 3 minutes before garnishing with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Fourth Dimension Spice Blend take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Fourth Dimension Spice Blend?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Fourth Dimension Spice Blend?

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 Fourth Dimension Spice Blend 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 Fourth Dimension Spice Blend?

Chicken 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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