Blackened Chicken with Lime Crema (Print)

Seasoned chicken breast over rice with vegetables and zesty lime crema

# Ingredients:

→ Blackened Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice

11 - 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
12 - 3 cups water or chicken broth
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Vegetables

14 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
15 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
16 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced
17 - 1 red onion, sliced
18 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Lime Crema

20 - 1/2 cup sour cream
21 - Zest and juice of 1 lime
22 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
23 - Salt to taste

→ Garnish

24 - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
25 - Lime wedges for serving

# Directions:

01 - In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Pat chicken breasts dry, drizzle with olive oil, and rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
03 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through with internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
04 - In the same pan, add olive oil. Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until just tender and slightly charred. Season with salt and pepper.
05 - In a small bowl, mix sour cream with lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
06 - Divide rice among four bowls. Top with sautéed vegetables and sliced blackened chicken. Drizzle with lime crema, garnish with cilantro leaves, and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in under an hour, but it tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
  • The lime crema cuts through the smoky heat in a way that makes every bite feel balanced and bright.
  • You can prep the spice mix ahead and have dinner on the table faster than takeout.
02 -
  • If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness or they'll cook unevenly and dry out on the edges.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking or all the juices will run out when you slice it, leaving it dry.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when sautéing vegetables, they'll steam instead of char.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat better and gives you the best char on the chicken.
  • Toast your dried spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing them, it deepens the flavor in a way you'll notice.
  • If the crema is too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of water or extra lime juice until it drizzles easily.
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