Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Chili and Lime Street-Style Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served with a vibrant smoky chili and lime sauce inspired by bustling street food flavors. This latin american-inspired street food ready in about 25 minutes pairs 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 320 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from pan and keep warm. Lower heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1 tbsp honey; cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pan.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to pan and spoon the sauce over the breasts. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Chili and Lime Street-Style Sauce 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 Smoky Chili and Lime Street-Style Sauce?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Chili and Lime Street-Style Sauce?

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 Smoky Chili and Lime Street-Style Sauce 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 Smoky Chili and Lime Street-Style Sauce?

Latin American street food 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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