🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Easy Southwest Chicken

This juicy chicken is seasoned with bold southwest spices and makes for a quick and flavorful dinner.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 18, 2026
Easy Southwest Chicken
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
20 minutes
Serves
2

This Southwest Chicken is a staple in my house because it uses simple pantry spices to create a lot of flavor. It is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty but do not have hours to spend in the kitchen.

You can easily cook this on the stovetop or throw it on the grill during warmer months. My favorite trick is to let the chicken sit with the rub for a few minutes before cooking to really let those spices soak in.

Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and place them on a cutting board.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. 3

    Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, then coat both sides evenly with the spice mixture.

  4. 4

    Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  5. 5

    Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

  6. 6

    Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

💡 Tips

This chicken tastes great sliced over a fresh salad or tucked into warm flour tortillas for quick tacos. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

#Chicken#Dinner#Quick#Healthy#High Protein

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