Flavor Spiced Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken breasts coated in a warming blend of aromatic spices and fresh citrus.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5.3 oz each)

→ Spice Blend

02 - 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp ground coriander
05 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
06 - ½ tsp ground turmeric
07 - ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
08 - 1 tsp kosher salt
09 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Marinade & Cooking

10 - 3 tbsp olive oil
11 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
12 - Juice of 1 lemon
13 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Optional Garnishes

14 - Lemon wedges
15 - Extra chopped cilantro

# Directions:

01 - Combine cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, chili powder if using, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry using paper towels to ensure better marinade absorption.
03 - Whisk olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, and the prepared spice blend in a large bowl until well combined.
04 - Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
05 - Set oven to 400°F and preheat.
06 - Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear each chicken breast for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
07 - Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve garnished with extra cilantro and lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spices bloom into something warm and complex that makes simple chicken taste like you've been cooking all day.
  • It's flexible enough to throw together on a Tuesday night but fancy enough to serve when people are coming over.
  • Everything happens in one skillet, so cleanup is blessedly minimal.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting step; it's the difference between juicy chicken and dry chicken, and it takes literally five minutes.
  • If your spices smell musty or dull when you open the jars, they're past their prime—fresh spices are what transform this from okay to unforgettable.
  • The lemon juice is not just flavor; it's a tenderizer and a brightener, so don't reduce it thinking you're being clever.
03 -
  • An oven-safe skillet is worth owning for dishes like this—the transition from stovetop to oven creates a sear-and-bake effect that's hard to replicate any other way.
  • Room temperature marinade means faster, more even cooking, so don't stress about chilling if you're short on time.

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