Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than our Cumin Infused Pan Seared Chicken! This mouthwatering recipe combines the warm, earthy notes of cumin with perfectly seared chicken breasts, creating a meal that’s not only satisfying but also impressively quick to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a delicious dinner that will have your family asking for seconds. Get ready to transform your dinner table into a culinary delight!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to ensure proper searing and seasoning adherence.
- In a small bowl, mix ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Generously coat both sides of each chicken breast with the cumin seasoning mixture, pressing the spices gently into the meat to ensure even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper heat circulation and browning.
- Cook the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop without moving the meat.
- Flip the chicken breasts using tongs and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice chicken against the grain and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.
Tips
- Dry the Chicken: Always start by patting the chicken breasts completely dry. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust when searing.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the cumin seasoning! Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken well, pressing the spices into the meat for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Pan: Ensure your skillet or cast-iron pan is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to create a nice sear and prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than searing, which affects the texture and flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender bite.
- Garnish for Flavor: Consider garnishing your dish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra pop of flavor and a touch of brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
