Spicy Blackened Chicken with Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa and Creamy Avocado Sauce
Experience a delightful explosion of flavors with this Spicy Blackened Chicken served over a refreshing bed of Cilantro Lime Quinoa. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices that create a beautiful blackened crust, while the quinoa is infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro, providing a vibrant complement to the meal. The dish is finished with a creamy avocado sauce, offering a silky texture that ties everything together. Ideal for a healthy dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (None)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (None)
salt
1/4 teaspoon + dash (None)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon + dash (None)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (None)
cumin
1/4 teaspoon (None)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (None)
low sodium chicken broth
2 cups (None)
quinoa
1 cup (Rinsed)
lime juice and zest
Juice and zest of 1 lime (None)
cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
nonfat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons (None)
avocado
1 (Peeled and cubed)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and cumin. Mix thoroughly to create an even spice blend.
2
Generously season both sides of each boneless, skinless chicken breast with the spice mix, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about one minute. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cover and cook for approximately seven minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth and quinoa. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
5
After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for seven minutes. This will help retain the juices before slicing.
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with lime zest, lime juice, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
7
In a food processor, combine the cubed avocado and Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a pinch of salt as desired.
8
To serve, place a generous portion of the cilantro lime quinoa on each plate. Top with sliced blackened chicken breasts and a dollop of the creamy avocado sauce for a delicious finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Blackened Chicken with Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa?
It is a flavorful dish featuring chicken seasoned with a blackened spice blend, served over quinoa infused with lime and cilantro, and topped with a creamy avocado sauce.
What ingredients are in the blackened spice blend?
The spice blend consists of paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and cumin.
How should I season the chicken breasts?
Generously season both sides of each boneless, skinless chicken breast with the prepared spice mix to ensure an even coating.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses two boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How long should I cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for approximately seven minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How is the quinoa cooked?
The quinoa is cooked in low sodium chicken broth over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
What liquid is used for the quinoa?
The recipe calls for two cups of low sodium chicken broth to cook the quinoa.
How do I prepare the quinoa before cooking?
The quinoa should be rinsed before being combined with the chicken broth.
What ingredients flavor the cooked quinoa?
Once cooked, the quinoa is flavored with lime zest, lime juice, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro.
How do I make the creamy avocado sauce?
In a food processor, blend one cubed avocado with two tablespoons of nonfat Greek yogurt and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Why should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Letting the chicken rest for seven minutes helps retain its juices before slicing.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the use of cayenne pepper and blackened seasoning provides a spicy flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is ideal for healthy meal prep or a nutritious family dinner.
What kind of yogurt is used in the sauce?
The recipe specifies using nonfat Greek yogurt for the avocado sauce.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need two tablespoons of chopped cilantro.
What oil is used for frying the chicken?
One teaspoon of olive oil is used to heat the skillet.
How do I serve this dish?
Place a portion of quinoa on a plate, top with sliced chicken, and add a dollop of avocado sauce.
Can I use a food processor for the sauce?
Yes, a food processor is recommended to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency for the avocado sauce.
How much paprika is in the spice mix?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat.
What is the texture of the quinoa?
The quinoa should be fluffy after the liquid is fully absorbed.
Does this recipe include lime?
Yes, both the juice and the zest of one lime are used to flavor the quinoa.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe serve?
The recipe is based on two boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What makes the chicken 'blackened'?
The combination of spices and high-heat searing in the skillet creates the blackened crust.
Is there salt in the avocado sauce?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the avocado and yogurt mixture as desired.
How long does the total quinoa cooking process take?
It takes 10 to 15 minutes of simmering once the mixture reaches heat.
What is the description of this meal?
It is described as a delightful explosion of flavors with a blackened crust and vibrant, zesty quinoa.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, blackened, quinoa, healthy recipe, avocado, cilantro lime, and spicy.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 14 ingredients in total.