Cumin Chicken

If you are looking for an easy chicken recipe, this Cumin Chicken Breast is for you! It's made with common spices, comes together in just 15 minutes, and can be used for so many different dishes. 

Last week I defrosted some chicken in the fridge and then almost forgot to use it. Opening the fridge right before dinner, I realized I had some chicken breast I needed to use immediately. Without too much time to marinate the chicken or extra ingredients on hand, I pulled open the spice drawer to make a quick spice rub. It was so good, that I knew I needed to share it. 

This cumin spice rub with paprika, garlic, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes reminds me a little bit of Chipotle's grilled chicken. It has that slightly smoky flavor without being overpowering. This chicken is great for so many dishes. Use it for grilled chicken tacos, in burrito bowls, or simply paired with some brown rice and grilled vegetables. 

What You'll Need

• Chicken: This easy spice rub works great with chicken breasts, chicken thighs, and chicken drumsticks. It works with almost any protein. 
• Cumin: Ground cumin is the star of this dish with its smoky, slightly earthy flavor.  Cumin is a warming spice and will bring out the savory flavor in meat and chicken. 
• Paprika: The sweet spice of paprika is the perfect way to balance the smoky flavors in the cumin. Look for sweet paprika. Smoked paprika will add too much smoky flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic powder: Layering flavors is essential in a seasoning mix and garlic powder adds a nice boost of flavor.  Onion powder could be added as well.
• Red pepper flakes: To add some heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition. Chili powder, ancho chili powder, or cayenne pepper could be used as well. Leave it out if you don't want any heat in the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are critical to bringing out the flavor. If your chicken ever tastes bland, it is probably a lack of salt.
• Olive oil: Any neutral oil works in this dish, but olive oil adds a nice subtle flavor to the chicken. 
• Lime juice: Finishing the dish with some fresh lime or lemon juice, makes the flavors pop. 

Side Dish Ideas

This flavorful chicken recipe pairs well with so many different side dishes. It's a versatile recipe. 

• If you are making this on the grill, consider making some grilled sweet potatoes, green cabbage, or grilled avocado.
• For a light and healthy meal, serve this with a salad like Watermelon Feta Salad, Spinach Salad, or Corn Salad.
• The cumin in the recipe can take the chicken in a Southwestern direction, especially if you use lime juice. Consider pairing it with Black Bean Soup or add it to some Black Bean Tacos.

How to cook Cumin Chicken in a skillet?

This recipe works great in a skillet if you want to cook it indoors. Always start by gently pounding the chicken (or slicing it in half horizontally) so the chicken is a uniform thickness. This ensures it will cook evenly. 

Cover the chicken on both sides with the cumin spice rub. Heat about one tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes, tented with foil, before serving. 

Recipe Tips and Ideas

• Add even more flavor by turning this spice rub into a marinade. Double the olive oil, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lime juice, and the spices. Add to a ziploc bag and marinate for 1-2 hours. 
• Add dried herbs to the spice rub for another layer of flavor., Oregano, parsley, basil, or rosemary would all be delicious. 
• Finish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives. 
• Turn this chicken into skewers or kabobs. Add fresh veggies like peppers, onions, or zucchini.