Spice-Rubbed Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts
Tender chicken breasts seasoned with a robust spice blend, then pan-seared to juicy perfection. This American-inspired chicken recipe (high protein), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, paprika, ground cumin 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Know when the chicken is done: thermometers under $100 → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 3/4 tsp salt to create the spice rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and rub the spice mixture all over each piece evenly.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges are crispy.
- Step 5: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.









