Southwest Chicken Breasts

Bring bold, zesty flavors to your dinner table with this Southwest Chicken Breasts recipe! Featuring juicy, boneless chicken breasts seasoned with a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano, this dish is a celebration of smoky Southwest spices. First seared to golden perfection and then oven-baked to lock in moisture, the chicken is finished with a refreshing squeeze of lime and optional fresh cilantro for a pop of brightness. Perfect as a centerpiece for tacos, rice bowls, or served with grilled vegetables, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 35 minutes and offers a healthy, protein-packed meal that the whole family will love. Whether you're meal prepping or preparing a simple dinner, these Southwest Chicken Breasts are bursting with bold flavor and versatility.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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 onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 whole lime
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper.

Step 3

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and generously rub the spice mixture all over each chicken breast, ensuring even coating.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 5

Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown. This step locks in flavor and creates a slight crust.

Step 6

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

Remove the skillet from the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken breasts, and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve alongside your favorite sides like seasoned rice, black beans, or a crisp salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(844.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1472.2

Total Fat 54.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 1758.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 16.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.4g	0%
Total Sugars 1.5g
Protein 218.5g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 160.1mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 2071.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.1%

Protein: 61.3%

Carbs: 4.6%