Blackened Chicken with Lime Crema

Experience a burst of bold flavors with this Blackened Chicken Bowl. This dish features tender, spice-rubbed chicken breast seared to perfection, served alongside a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables and fluffy rice. A zesty lime crema ties everything together, making it a fresh and satisfying meal that is perfect for any night of the week.

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The secret to this bowl's success is the combination of textures and temperatures. The heat from the blackened spices is beautifully balanced by the cooling, tangy lime crema. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a vibrant family dinner, this recipe delivers on every front.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups water or chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for rice)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for vegetables)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (for vegetables)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt, to taste (for crema)
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Rice

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.

Season the Chicken

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 mix evenly over all sides.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until blackened and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Sauté the Vegetables

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.

Make the Lime Crema

In a small bowl, mix sour cream with lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.

Assemble the Bowls

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.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To get the best char on the chicken, ensure your skillet is preheated and hot before adding the meat. Avoid moving the chicken too much during the first few minutes to allow the spices to form a flavorful crust.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version, replace the sour cream in the lime crema with non-fat Greek yogurt. You can also customize the bowl by adding extra toppings like black beans, grilled corn, or sliced avocado for added creaminess.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these bowls warm, immediately after assembly. Offer extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken and vegetables to enhance the citrus notes and brighten the smoky spices.

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This Blackened Chicken Bowl is more than just a meal; it is a healthy, flavor-packed experience. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company, it is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay juicier during cooking. Adjust cooking time to 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.

→ How spicy is the blackened seasoning?

The seasoning has moderate heat from cayenne pepper. For milder flavor, reduce cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon. For extra kick, increase to 1 teaspoon.

→ Can I make the lime crema ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the crema up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving.

→ What other vegetables work in this bowl?

Broccoli florets, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all pair beautifully. Use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

→ Is this freezer-friendly?

Individual components freeze well for up to 3 months. Store chicken, rice, and vegetables separately, then thaw and reheat. Add fresh crema when serving.

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, though cooking time will increase to about 40-45 minutes. Quinoa or cauliflower rice also make excellent alternatives.