Spice-Rubbed Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts seasoned with a robust spice blend, then pan-seared to juicy perfection. This american-inspired chicken (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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and rub the spice mixture all over each piece evenly.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spice-Rubbed Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts 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 Spice-Rubbed Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spice-Rubbed Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts?

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 Spice-Rubbed Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts 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 Spice-Rubbed Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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