Background and History:
Blackened chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that’s deeply rooted in the Cajun and Creole cuisines of Louisiana, USA. The technique of blackening involves coating the chicken with a mix of herbs and spices, then searing it in a hot cast-iron skillet to create a flavorful, charred crust. The dish was popularized by chef Paul Prudhomme in the 1970s and has since become a beloved classic.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, white pepper, and ground cumin. Add smoked paprika if desired for a smoky flavor. This mixture is your blackening seasoning.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot.
- Brush each chicken breast with melted butter, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the blackening seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a blackened, crusty exterior.
- Remove the blackened chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.
Nutrition Facts: (Per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Notes:
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the dish’s spiciness according to your taste.
- Serve with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Allergy Warning:
- Check for potential spice allergies among your diners. Adapt the recipe as needed to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Basic Vegetable Stock Recipe - September 1, 2024
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe - September 1, 2024
- Banana Zucchini Bread Recipe - August 31, 2024