Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Cinnamon Monkey Bread

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

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Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served alongside warm, pull-apart monkey bread infused with cinnamon and brown sugar for a comforting meal. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove and rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, toss 24 small biscuit dough pieces with 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the dough pieces with 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the coated dough balls in a greased bundt pan or round baking dish, pressing slightly to compact. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Let the monkey bread cool for 5 minutes before serving alongside the pan-seared chicken for a delightful sweet and savory pairing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Cinnamon Monkey Bread take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Spiced Cinnamon Monkey Bread?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Cinnamon Monkey Bread?

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 Spiced Cinnamon Monkey Bread 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 Spiced Cinnamon Monkey Bread?

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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