Super Easy Southwest Chicken
Bring bold flavors to your table with this Super Easy Southwest Chicken—a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a smoky, Southwestern spice blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic, then seared for a golden crust and finished to perfection in the oven. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a garnish of vibrant cilantro complete the dish, adding a zesty, herbaceous touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile meal pairs wonderfully with diced tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, fluffy rice, or a crisp Southwest salad. Perfect for those craving a quick and healthy dinner bursting with classic Tex-Mex flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes (optional, for serving)
- 1 avocado Avocado slices (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board or in a shallow dish. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken breasts, then evenly sprinkle the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken. Gently rub the spices and oil into the chicken to coat completely.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step adds flavor and locks in moisture.
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Drizzle the freshly squeezed lime juice over the chicken and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Serve warm with diced tomatoes and avocado slices, or pair with steamed rice, tortillas, or a fresh Southwest salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1749 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.9 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.4 g | 77% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2887 mg | 126% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.3 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 221.1 g | 442% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 154 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2916 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
