Pan-Seared Chicken with Southwest BBQ Spice Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts coated in a smoky Southwest-inspired spice rub, pan-seared to a golden crust and finished with a tangy BBQ glaze. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder 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: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 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 garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and evenly coat both sides with the prepared spice rub.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown and edges start to crisp.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, brush each chicken breast with 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Southwest BBQ Spice 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 Southwest BBQ 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 smoked paprika from drying out.

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

American 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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