Have you ever made blackened chicken? It’s amazing! And so simple to whip up using spices you already have on hand. I love it with some wild rice and baked brussels sprouts. Makes for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
I, like so many others before me, used to be a server in college. When I got my first job serving I remember how I would bring the menu home to study. At the time it was such a daunting task to learn all those main courses and what sides went with it. But in reality, all the studying in the world just is not the same as the real deal. When I was serving real customers someone would ask what kind of oil the fries are fried in or what is the sodium content of your vegetable soup? And with a blank stare on my face, I’m thinking, “how in the world would I know?”
Baked or Blackened Chicken?
Some of our dishes had the option of baked or blackened chicken. Now I knew to ask the customer which they would like and I knew I preferred the blackened. But it never occurred to me to ask what the actual difference between them was. So when I first came across a recipe for blackened chicken it piqued my interest since I knew I liked it and thought why not learn how to do it myself? Turns out it is insanely easy.
To make this blackened chicken, you’ll need these main ingredients:
For the chicken…
Spice mix – paprika, cumin, onion powder, pepper, cayenne pepper and salt. I love this mix of spices! All the flavors are enhanced by the heat and oil.
Chicken – we like to butterfly the chicken for this recipe, so it cooks evenly without any areas drying out.
For the avocado crema…
Avocado – try to use a ripe avocado for more flavor.
Plain Yogurt – this gives the perfect “creamy” flavor in the crema.
Lemon juice – adds a bit of tart flavor and keeps the avocado from turning brown.
The best way to eat this easy weeknight meal
I love this recipe with a side of brown rice and baked brussels sprouts. BUT, this recipe is also amazing chopped up in a taco with a crunchy slaw and plenty of the avocado crema. Mmmmm. I’ve also enjoyed this same recipe with tilapia. Just as delicious!
Love this blackened chicken? Try these other great chicken recipes!
If you decide to give this recipe a try, be sure to snap a photo to share, tagging @theovenlight and #theovenlight on Instagram or Facebook!
Blackened Chicken with Avocado Crema
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 chicken breasts butterfly them so they’re thin
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Avocado Crema
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/8 C water
- 1/4 C plain yogurt
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
For the Blackened Chicken
- Butterfly your chicken
- Mix spices together and pat onto both sides of chicken
- Heat olive oil in skillet (that has a lid) on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until hot.
- Add chicken to skillet and cook on both sides for 3-4 minutes. Be sure to cover with a lid to keep oil from splattering.
- Remove chicken when cooked through to 165 degrees F. Done!
For the Avocado Crema
- Put all ingredients in food processor and mix until smooth. Done!
Notes
This is such a beautiful meal, I will try that recipe before the end of the week. I did not know how to make avocado crema, thanks for sharing the recipe.
Great! The Crema really offsets the spiciness of the chicken perfectly. Enjoy!
I made this for dinner tonight and it was a huge hit! My husband wants to make it for guests this weekend (a true win). I added some chopped cilantro and green onion to the Crema and it was amazing! I did find that the chicken needed to cook a little longer, covering it with a lid is key. I’m looking forward to making it again! Thanks for a new go-to recipe!
So glad you liked it Amber! Cilantro is my favorite herb and would be amazing on this. Good idea!
I’m (not a cliche` I swear) in love with everything avo! It seems to add the perfect amount of creamy and “fat” to pretty much everything. I even use in my egg/tuna salad. Can’t wait to try your dish 🙂
Yes! Avocado is the absolute perfect ingredient for everything. Totally agree.
this looks so good, how long can this chicken last in the fridge?
Once you add the spices, it will be good for about 8 hours before cooking. Enjoy!
I’m going to have to try this! It looks delicious!
Yes! So delicious and easy!
This looks sooo yummy! And healthy too! Definitely trying this.
Super healthy, especially when you pair it with whole grain rice and veggies!