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.
One reason I enjoy blackened chicken so much is because the flavor really packs a punch. And it can turn an otherwise bland dinner into something that everyone looks forward to. This particular recipe has a fair amount of spice to it, so if you’re feeding kids, like I do, try baking instead of frying. This helps cut back on the intensity of the spices.
Love this blackened chicken? Try these other great chicken recipes!
Italian Chicken Cordon Blue – The easiest way to make amazing cordon blue.
Spicy Sesame Chicken and Cool Soba Noodles – Make ahead meal perfect for a weeknight.
Chicken with Olives & Artichokes – Another tasty make ahead chicken dish.
Blackened Chicken with Avocado Crema
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenned 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
Marjie Mare
March 13, 2018 at 12:57 pmThis 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.
Amy
March 13, 2018 at 7:33 pmGreat! The Crema really offsets the spiciness of the chicken perfectly. Enjoy!
Amber Z
March 13, 2018 at 7:50 pmI 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!
Amy
March 14, 2018 at 11:41 amSo glad you liked it Amber! Cilantro is my favorite herb and would be amazing on this. Good idea!
Renee Kemper
March 13, 2018 at 8:12 pmI’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 🙂
Amy
March 14, 2018 at 11:40 amYes! Avocado is the absolute perfect ingredient for everything. Totally agree.
hadassah
March 14, 2018 at 11:11 amthis looks so good, how long can this chicken last in the fridge?
Amy
March 14, 2018 at 11:39 amOnce you add the spices, it will be good for about 8 hours before cooking. Enjoy!
alia
March 14, 2018 at 11:16 amI’m going to have to try this! It looks delicious!
Amy
March 14, 2018 at 11:38 amYes! So delicious and easy!
Alyssa from The Sparkly Life
March 16, 2018 at 8:08 amThis looks sooo yummy! And healthy too! Definitely trying this.
Amy
March 16, 2018 at 9:10 amSuper healthy, especially when you pair it with whole grain rice and veggies!