Blackened Chicken

Blackened Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that brings a burst of heat and bold flavors to your table. This recipe, shared by Stephanie Kenney from Falkville, Alabama, features chicken breasts coated with a blend of Cajun spices and grilled to perfection. The chicken is then basted with a peppery white sauce, which not only adds moisture but also enhances the flavors. Plus, there’s extra sauce for dipping, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 4 teaspoons sugar, divided
• 1½ teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1½ to 2 teaspoons pepper, divided
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
• 1⅓ cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, thyme, lemon-pepper seasoning, cayenne pepper, and ½ to 1 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts and set them aside.
2. In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, water, cider vinegar, and the remaining sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside 1 cup of the sauce for serving and refrigerate it. The remaining sauce will be used for basting.
3. Grill the chicken breasts over indirect medium heat, covered, for 4-6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F. Baste the chicken frequently with the reserved sauce while grilling. Serve the grilled chicken with the reserved sauce for dipping.

YIELD: 4 servings

PREP TIME: 25 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• When grilling the chicken, ensure that you have indirect medium heat to prevent burning the spices.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and black pepper according to your preferred level of spiciness.
• For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.

TIPS:

• Make sure to fully coat the chicken breasts with the spice mixture for maximum flavor.
• Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling to ensure that the juices redistribute and the meat remains moist.
• The reserved sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week and used as a dipping sauce for other dishes or as a flavorful spread for sandwiches.

Blackened Chicken is a fiery and delicious dish that brings a taste of the Cajun cuisine to your table. Stephanie Kenney from Falkville, Alabama, shares a recipe that showcases the technique of blackening, where the chicken breasts are coated with a blend of paprika, sugar, salt, garlic powder, thyme, lemon-pepper seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and slightly charred exterior.

What sets this recipe apart is the peppery white sauce that adds another layer of flavor and moisture to the chicken. The combination of mayonnaise, water, cider vinegar, and a blend of spices creates a tangy and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the blackened chicken. Plus, there’s plenty of the sauce reserved for dipping, allowing you to customize the level of spiciness to your preference.

To prepare the dish, generously coat the chicken breasts with the spice mixture, ensuring they are fully covered for maximum flavor. Grill the chicken over indirect medium heat, basting it frequently with the reserved sauce to keep it moist and enhance the flavors. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a bold and spicy kick.

Blackened Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or paired with various sides such as rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad. The remaining sauce can be refrigerated and used for dipping or as a zesty spread for sandwiches. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, and get ready to savor the bold and vibrant flavors of this Southern-inspired dish.

Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or simply enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, Blackened Chicken is sure to impress. With its robust flavors and tantalizing aroma, this dish will become a favorite on your grilling menu, adding a touch of spice and excitement to your dining experience.