Zesty Blackened Cajun Chicken with Colorful Corn Relish
Indulge in the robust flavors of the South with this Zesty Blackened Cajun Chicken. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned with bold Cajun spices and seared to perfection, giving them a satisfying blackened crust. Paired with a refreshing corn relish that's bursting with the vibrant colors of cherry tomatoes, crunchy jicama, and zesty scallions, this dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. The combination of textures and flavors makes for an unforgettable meal, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Enjoy this healthy, Weight Watchers-friendly recipe that is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (toasted in skillet)
Frozen corn kernels
2 cups (thawed)
Cherry tomatoes
12 (quartered)
Jicama
1/2 cup (shredded and pared)
Scallion
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
16 ounces (seasoned with Cajun seasoning)
Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon (sprinkled on chicken)
Instructions
1
In a small nonstick skillet, toast the ground cumin over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant. Transfer the toasted cumin to a large shallow bowl.
2
In the same bowl, add the thawed corn, quartered cherry tomatoes, shredded jicama, thinly sliced scallions, fresh lime juice, and salt. Toss everything together until well combined. Set the corn relish aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, coating all sides thoroughly.
4
Spray a large cast-iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook, turning once, for about 8 minutes or until they are browned on all sides and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
5
To serve, arrange the cooked chicken breasts on top of the colorful corn relish, ensuring each plate gets a generous portion.
6
Enjoy your dish while still warm, and savor the delightful blend of Cajun flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Blackened Cajun Chicken with Colorful Corn Relish?
It is a robust Southern-style dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices and served with a vibrant relish made of corn, tomatoes, and jicama.
How do you achieve the blackened crust on the chicken?
The blackened crust is created by coating the chicken in Cajun seasoning and searing it in a hot cast-iron skillet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
What ingredients are in the colorful corn relish?
The relish consists of thawed corn kernels, quartered cherry tomatoes, shredded jicama, sliced scallions, lime juice, salt, and toasted ground cumin.
How do I toast the ground cumin?
Toast the cumin in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant.
How much chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
What is the best way to cook the chicken?
Cook the seasoned chicken in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, turning once.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and Weight Watchers-friendly recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is browned on all sides and the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a fork.
What kind of corn should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of frozen corn kernels that have been thawed.
How should the jicama be prepared?
The jicama should be pared and shredded to yield a 1/2 cup portion for the relish.
How many cherry tomatoes are needed?
You will need 12 cherry tomatoes, which should be quartered for the relish.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
How much Cajun seasoning is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to coat the chicken breasts.
How are the scallions prepared?
Use 1/2 cup of scallions that have been thinly sliced.
What is the role of the toasted cumin in the dish?
The toasted cumin is mixed into the corn relish to provide a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
It is best enjoyed while the chicken is still warm, served on top of the fresh relish.
Is any salt added to the relish?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the corn relish, or you can adjust to your preference.
What type of skillet is recommended for the chicken?
A large cast-iron skillet is recommended to achieve the best sear and blackening effect.
How long does it take to toast the cumin?
It takes approximately 2 minutes over medium heat with constant stirring.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as an impressive dish perfect for entertaining or family dinners.
What texture does the jicama provide?
The shredded jicama adds a refreshing crunch to the corn relish.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
The recipe specifically calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even seasoning and quick searing.
What heat setting is used for searing the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked over medium-high heat.
What flavor profile does the corn relish have?
It is a zesty and refreshing relish with sweetness from the corn and tang from the lime juice.
How do I assemble the final plate?
Arrange the cooked chicken breasts on top of a generous portion of the corn relish.
What is the total amount of Cajun seasoning used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning specifically for the chicken.
Is the chicken marinated?
No, the chicken is seasoned dry with Cajun spices just before being seared in the skillet.
How much ground cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Can this be considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
Does the recipe include any oil?
No oil is listed in the ingredients; instead, nonstick cooking spray is used to prepare the skillet.