Pan-Seared Chicken with Turmeric and Rajpura-Inspired Spices
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared with aromatic turmeric and a blend of spices inspired by the vibrant flavors of Rajpura, Punjab. This indian-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 1 lb) boneless chicken breasts, turmeric powder, garam masala 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 1 lb) boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb) and rub evenly with 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/4 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable 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 to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest for 3 minutes. Drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Turmeric and Rajpura-Inspired Spices 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 Turmeric and Rajpura-Inspired Spices?
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 turmeric powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Turmeric and Rajpura-Inspired Spices?
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 Turmeric and Rajpura-Inspired Spices 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 Turmeric and Rajpura-Inspired Spices 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.