Elevate that boring, bland chicken breast! Tender, juicy chicken breasts made with a homemade smoky, savory and sweet spice rub. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner recipe!
In case you’re new here, hi, my name is Jamie and I love smoky, salty, sweet stuff. Do you? If yes, you’re in the right place!
I made these deliciously juicy, tender smoky chicken breasts using a thrown together spice rub which was honestly SO GOOD.
If you’ve gotten bored with your meal prep or with chicken in general, this recipe is for you!
Coming from a Cuban household, chicken breast was always a no-go (unless it was fried or pan seared with lots of oil) because it’s so dry and boring.
I, however, was always a fan.
Some people I know would tell me “HOW do you like chicken? It doesn’t taste like anything!” And to that I say – it’s because you don’t know how to season your chicken. Plain and simple.
You need a smoky, savory, sweet spice rub!
Ok, ok, you don’t NEED this spice rub. You can use garlic, lemon, Italian seasoning, etc BUT…I highly recommend you try this spice rub.
This simple-to-make spice rub consists of:
- smoked paprika
- cumin
- sea salt
- brown sugar
- garlic powder
- chili powder
- cocoa powder
I know right!? LIKE WHAAAT. And the flavor? Smoky, savory with a touch of sweet. Add a squeeze of lime of top and hello, it’s the perfect way to elevate a boring, bland chicken breast.
It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner! Pair it with mushrooms, strawberry salad, or even chipotle Mexican street corn.
Can’t wait for you guys to make it!
Tender, juicy chicken breasts made with a homemade smoky, savory and sweet spice rub. It's the ultimate weeknight dinner recipe!
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Lime wedges
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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In a bowl, whisk smoked paprika, cumin, sea salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, and cocoa powder together. Set aside.
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Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and evenly rub them with olive oil and the spice rub.
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Bake chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.* Serve with your favorite side and enjoy!
*Depending on thickness of chicken breasts, it may take longer. You can use a thermometer to read the internal temperature; it has to be at least 165 degrees F.
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The cocoa made me think mole, but then you threw in that sweetness and it got me all excited! The meal-prep-mania is real in our household and chicken is our go-to. So glad you shared this recipe!