Spicy Blackened Chicken Fillets with Cilantro Cream
Discover the bold flavors of the South with this Spicy Blackened Chicken Fillets recipe. Perfectly seasoned with a medley of spices, these boneless skinless chicken breasts are seared to smoky perfection, giving them a beautifully charred crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The accompanying cilantro cream adds a refreshing and tangy complement, making it a fantastic dish for weeknight dinners or a special gathering. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal that's sure to impress.
4
Servings
188
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (None)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (None)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (about 1 1/4 lbs) (Pat dry before seasoning)
Vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (For frying)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (None)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon (Chop finely)
Salt and pepper
To taste (For cilantro cream)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and paprika to create a spice blend.
2
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Dip each chicken breast into the spice mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd.
4
Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on one side until it's well blackened. Flip the breasts and continue cooking for another 2 to 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
5
Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bite.
6
While the chicken rests, prepare the cilantro cream by whisking together the sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a small bowl.
7
To serve, slice the rested chicken breasts into 3/4-inch angled slices and arrange them in a fan shape on plates. Spoon the cilantro cream over the top and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
2g
Carbs
26g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Blackened Chicken Fillets with Cilantro Cream?
It is a Southern-style dish featuring boneless chicken breasts coated in a bold spice blend and seared to create a smoky charred crust, served with a tangy cilantro-infused cream.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary spices used in the blackening blend?
The blend consists of ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and paprika.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 188 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 26 grams of protein.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, weighing about 1 1/4 lbs in total.
Why must the chicken be patted dry before seasoning?
Patting the chicken dry ensures that it sears properly and develops a blackened crust rather than steaming.
How long do you cook the chicken on each side?
Cook the first side for 2 minutes on high heat, then flip and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).
What is the purpose of letting the chicken rest?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, which ensures the meat remains juicy and tender when sliced.
How do you make the cilantro cream?
Whisk together 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
What heat setting is required for searing?
The skillet should be heated over high heat until the oil is shimmering.
How should the chicken be presented for serving?
Slice the chicken into 3/4-inch angled pieces and arrange them in a fan shape on the plate.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 8.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
The recipe is low in carbs, containing only 2g per serving.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is a small amount of fiber, roughly 0.25g per serving.
How much paprika is needed for the spice blend?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of paprika.
Can I use this recipe for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy meal suitable for weeknight dinners.
What kind of oil should be used?
2 teaspoons of vegetable oil are used for frying due to its high smoke point.
What makes the chicken 'blackened'?
The high heat of the skillet reacts with the heavy spice coating to create a dark, flavorful crust.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
The recipe contains a very low amount of sugar, approximately 0.5g per serving.
What type of cilantro should be used?
Freshly chopped cilantro is used to provide a bright, refreshing flavor to the cream.
How much sour cream is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy main dish option.
Can this chicken be grilled?
Yes, grilling is listed as a relevant tag for this style of preparation.
How much garlic powder is included?
The spice blend includes 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe requires 11 different ingredients.
Is this recipe part of a specific cuisine?
It is categorized under Southern cuisine.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include chicken, blackened, spicy, healthy, quick and easy, and Southern cuisine.