Pan-Seared Chicken with Fourth-Spice Blend and Roasted Garlic

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

Seasoned with a unique fourth-spice blend, pan-seared to perfection with fragrant roasted garlic. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, garlic cloves, paprika 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss 6 garlic cloves with 1 tbsp olive oil and roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the fourth-spice blend.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and rub evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil and the prepared spice blend.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for 5 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Mince the roasted garlic and sprinkle over the chicken along with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Fourth-Spice Blend and Roasted Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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-Spice Blend and Roasted Garlic?

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-Spice Blend and Roasted Garlic?

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-Spice Blend and Roasted Garlic 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-Spice Blend and Roasted Garlic?

Mediterranean 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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