Simple Seven-Spice Grilled Chicken
A straightforward grilled chicken recipe inspired by the simplicity of adding two and five to make seven, featuring a balanced seven-spice blend for a perfectly seasoned meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt to create the seven-spice blend.
- Step 2: Rub 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then sprinkle the seven-spice blend over both sides, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and juices run clear, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful chicken.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Seven-Spice Grilled Chicken 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 Simple Seven-Spice Grilled Chicken?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Seven-Spice Grilled Chicken?
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 Simple Seven-Spice Grilled Chicken 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 Simple Seven-Spice Grilled Chicken?
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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