Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Surinamese-Style Marinade
Tender chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of warm spices and citrus, pan-seared to a golden finish and served with a refreshing cucumber salad. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends lime juice, ground cumin, ground coriander into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1/4 small red onion
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
- Step 2: Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Step 3: While chicken marinates, prepare the salad by thinly slicing 1 medium cucumber and 1/4 small red onion. Toss them gently with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tsp honey, and 2 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl. Set aside to chill.
- Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is golden brown with a slight crust.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve sliced chicken alongside the cucumber and red onion salad for a bright, balanced meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Surinamese-Style Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Surinamese-Style Marinade?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Surinamese-Style Marinade?
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 Surinamese-Style Marinade 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 Spiced Surinamese-Style Marinade?
Caribbean 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.
