Blackened chicken bowl lime crema

This Blackened Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and balanced meal that brings together bold, smoky spices and refreshing citrus flavors. It's the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner that feels special without the stress, offering a nutritious combination of lean protein and colorful vegetables.

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The beauty of this bowl lies in its layers. The foundation of fluffy rice absorbs the juices from the seasoned chicken and sautéed peppers, while the lime crema adds a cooling, creamy contrast that elevates the entire dish to restaurant quality.

Ingredients

• For the Blackened Chicken: 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.
• For the Rice: 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, 3 cups water or chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• For the Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced), 1 medium zucchini (sliced), 1 red onion (sliced), 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
• For the Lime Crema: 1/2 cup sour cream, zest and juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped), salt to taste.
• For Serving: Fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges.

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 results, ensure your skillet is preheated before adding the chicken to create a flavorful crust. Using a chef's knife to slice the vegetables uniformly will ensure they cook evenly during the sautéing process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the lime crema. You can also add black beans or corn to the bowl for extra texture, or adjust the heat by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish the bowls generously with fresh cilantro and provide extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing. This dish is also excellent for meal prep, as the ingredients store well in the refrigerator for several days.

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With its vibrant colors and bold seasonings, this Blackened Chicken Bowl is certain to become a regular favorite in your kitchen rotation. Enjoy the perfect harmony of smoke, spice, and citrus!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the spice blend less spicy?

Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to lower the heat level while keeping all the other spices for the signature blackened flavor profile.

→ What other proteins work with this bowl?

Blackened shrimp, salmon, or even tofu work beautifully with the same spice blend and lime crema topping.

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, though you'll need to adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and add more liquid according to package directions.

→ How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Add the lime crema just before serving for the best texture.

→ Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

→ What vegetables can I substitute?

Try snap peas, broccoli florets, corn kernels, or shredded cabbage in place of or alongside the bell peppers and zucchini.