Blackened Chicken Bowl (Printable)

Spiced chicken over rice with vegetables and lime crema

# What You Need:

→ 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

→ Serving

24 - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
25 - Lime wedges

# 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 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 5-6 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 5-7 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 Advice:

01 -
  • High in lean protein and naturally gluten-free.
  • Quick enough for a weeknight dinner but looks gourmet.
  • The zesty lime crema adds a professional finishing touch.
  • Highly customizable with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
02 -
  • Pat the chicken very dry before oiling to help the spices stick and form a crust.
  • Rest the chicken for a full 5 minutes to prevent juices from running out.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
  • Make the lime crema a few minutes early to let the lime and cilantro flavors meld.
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