Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa: A Delightful Meal
Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa: A Delightful Meal
Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa: A Flavor-Packed Dish for Busy Weeknights
As a busy home cook and food blogger, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa recipe with you today. This dish is the perfect balance of bold, spicy flavors and cool, refreshing textures – it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
I discovered this recipe a few years ago when I was craving a comforting, flavorful meal but didn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. I had just finished a long day at work and was feeling tired, but I knew I needed to get something healthy and satisfying on the table for my husband and two hungry kids. That’s when I remembered this Blackened Chicken dish that I had bookmarked – it sounded like the perfect solution.
As I started cooking, the aromas of the blackened spices and sizzling chicken filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my mood. The rich, bold flavors of the chicken paired so beautifully with the cool, creamy avocado salsa, and I knew I had a winner on my hands. My family devoured every last bite, and I could see the joy on their faces as they savored each flavorful morsel. Follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest to see more of my favorite family-friendly recipes!
Why This Blackened Chicken Recipe Works (and Why You’ll Love It)
This Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa recipe is a true weeknight hero. The chicken is coated in a blend of warm, earthy spices that create a delightfully crispy, flavorful crust when seared in a hot pan. The cool, creamy avocado salsa provides the perfect counterpoint, with its bright, fresh flavors and velvety texture.
What I love most about this dish is how it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those busy nights when you want something nutritious and delicious on the table fast. The hands-on prep time is minimal, and the end result is a meal that feels like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable – you can adjust the spice level, swap in different proteins, or change up the salsa ingredients to suit your tastes.
Ingredients for Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-1.5 lbs)
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Ripe avocados
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Jalapeño (optional)
Diana’s Tip: Look for chicken breasts that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. You can also use chicken tenders or thighs if you prefer.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
The great thing about this Blackened Chicken recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Switch up the protein: Use shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less chili powder, cayenne, or jalapeño to suit your taste preferences.
- Mix up the salsa: Try swapping in mango, pineapple, or diced tomatoes for the avocado. You can also add black beans, corn, or diced red bell pepper.
- Serve it in tacos or burritos: Shred the blackened chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with the avocado salsa and your favorite toppings.
How to Make Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa
- Start by preparing the avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you want some extra heat, finely chop a jalapeño and stir it in. Set the salsa aside.
- Diana’s Tip: Be careful not to overmix the salsa, as you don’t want to mash the avocado pieces. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spoon.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the exterior is deeply browned and the chicken is cooked through.
- What I Messed Up At First: I used to overcrowd the pan, which caused the chicken to steam instead of getting that nice, crispy crust. Make sure to cook the chicken in a single layer with a little space between each piece.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it.
- Serve the blackened chicken warm, topped with the cool and creamy avocado salsa. Enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this Blackened Chicken recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not seasoning the chicken enough: The blackening spice blend is the star of the show, so make sure to coat the chicken generously on both sides.
- Overcooking the chicken: Keep a close eye on the chicken as it cooks, and don’t be afraid to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Letting the salsa sit too long: The avocado in the salsa can start to brown and oxidize if it sits for too long, so try to assemble it right before serving.
My Tested Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ingredient swaps that I’ve tried and found to work well:
- Protein: Shrimp, salmon, or tofu work great in place of the chicken.
- Spices: You can use a pre-made Cajun or Creole seasoning blend instead of the individual spices.
- Salsa: Mango, pineapple, or diced tomatoes can all be used in place of the avocado.
- Herbs: Parsley or green onions can be substituted for the cilantro.
How to Customize This Blackened Chicken Recipe
As I mentioned, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to your specific dietary needs or preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Low-Carb or Keto: Serve the blackened chicken and avocado salsa over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your spice blends for any hidden gluten.
- Dairy-Free: Simply omit any dairy-based toppings, like sour cream or cheese.
- Meal Prep: Cook the chicken and prepare the salsa in advance, then reheat and assemble right before serving.
Serving Ideas for Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa
I love serving this Blackened Chicken dish for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but it’s also a great option for casual gatherings or meal prepping. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Dinner: Serve the blackened chicken and avocado salsa over a bed of rice or quinoa, with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Lunch: Shred the chicken and stuff it into a whole-wheat wrap or pita with the salsa and some greens.
- Appetizer: Serve the blackened chicken and salsa on top of crispy tortilla chips or crostini for a crowd-pleasing snack.
- Salad: Chop the chicken and toss it into a fresh green salad with the avocado salsa as the dressing.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how I like to store and reheat it:
- The cooked chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- The avocado salsa is best made fresh, but you can prepare the individual components (diced avocado, onion, cilantro, etc.) a day in advance and assemble just before serving.
- To reheat the chicken, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat and warm it through, or pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- The salsa is best served at room temperature, so you can let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa (about 4 oz of chicken and 1/4 cup of salsa) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa recipe a try! It’s a delicious, healthy, and incredibly versatile dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The bold, spicy flavors of the chicken paired with the cool, creamy avocado salsa make for a truly irresistible combination.
Remember, cooking should be a joyful, stress-free experience, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this Blackened Chicken dish is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa: A Delightful Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If using, stir in the finely chopped jalapeño. Set the salsa aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the exterior is deeply browned and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it.
- Serve the blackened chicken warm, topped with the cool and creamy avocado salsa.
