Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Dry Rub and Charred Corn Salsa
Coated in a smoky, spicy dry rub paired with a vibrant charred corn and tomato salsa for a bright contrast. This Mexican-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless 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 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup (from about 1 large ear) fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over both sides of 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each).
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the exterior is well browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: While the chicken cooks, heat a separate dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup fresh corn kernels and char them, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until lightly blackened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Transfer the charred corn to a bowl and mix in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 minced small jalapeño (seeded for less heat). Stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Serve the sliced chicken breasts topped with the charred corn salsa, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Dry Rub and Charred Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spicy Dry Rub and Charred Corn Salsa?
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 Spicy Dry Rub and Charred Corn Salsa?
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 Spicy Dry Rub and Charred Corn Salsa 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.
Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Dry Rub and Charred Corn Salsa 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.
