Blackened Chicken with Vegetables (Printable)

Spiced chicken over rice with vegetables and lime crema

# What You'll 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

→ Garnish and Serving

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

# How to Make It:

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, or until blackened and cooked through with internal temperature reaching 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 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 cooked 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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • Healthy and Balanced: A gluten-free meal packed with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables.
  • Bold Flavor: The homemade blackening spice blend delivers a smoky, savory kick.
  • Easy Preparation: This restaurant-quality bowl comes together in just 45 minutes using simple techniques.
02 -
  • Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every piece is tender.
  • Rice Flavor: Use chicken broth instead of water when cooking the rice for a deeper, more savory foundation for your bowl.
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