Pan-Seared Chicken with Karambit-Inspired Spiced Rub

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

A bold chicken dish featuring a smoky, sharp spice rub inspired by the deadly karambit blade, delivering deep savory flavors with a hint of heat. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, 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 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the spiced rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) with paper towels and evenly coat each breast with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat for full coverage.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the spiced chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is deeply browned and crisp at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Karambit-Inspired Spiced Rub 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 Karambit-Inspired Spiced 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 with Karambit-Inspired Spiced 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 Karambit-Inspired Spiced 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Karambit-Inspired Spiced Rub gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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