Blackened Cajun Chicken Recipes

Steps:

• Brine the chicken: Combine 4 cups water, 2/3 cup salt, and the brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and whisk until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Turn off the heat and transfer to a bowl or pot large enough to submerge the chicken. Stir in 6 cups of ice water and let cool completely. Submerge the chicken in the cooled brine, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to overnight.
• Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Remove from the brine and pat dry completely.
• Prepare a grill for medium-high indirect heat: For gas grills (with 3 or more burners), turn all the burners to medium-high heat; after about 15 minutes turn off one of the middle burners. For charcoal grills, bank one chimney starter-full of lit and ashed-over charcoal briquettes to one side of the grill. Set up a drip pan on the other side to avoid flare-ups. (Be sure to consult the grill manufacturer's guide for best results.)
• Whisk together the paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne, garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Brush the chicken all over with the melted butter, and then pat on all of the dry rub mixture.
• Grill the chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up on the indirect side of the grill, with the legs facing the hotter side of the grill. Cover and cook until an instant-read thermometer reads at least 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone), 50 to 60 minutes. The chicken will be quite dark and blackened in spots.
• Remove from the grill and let rest on a cutting board for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over very high heat.
• Dredge the chicken breasts in the Blackening Spice Rub. Place in the cast-iron skillet. Blacken both sides of the chicken, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
• Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and place in the oven until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and slice the chicken into strips on the bias.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and lightly brown it, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the wine. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce is reduced by half. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken slices.
• Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine al dente, according to the package directions. Drain.
• When the cream sauce is at the desired consistency, stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, the sea salt, pepper and pasta.
• To serve, toss the pasta with the cream sauce and serve on large rimmed plates. Garnish with the green onions and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
• Combine the garlic, black pepper, salt cumin, onion, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika and chili powder in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes until it is smoking hot.
• Mix together the paprika, salt, cayenne, cumin, thyme, white pepper, and onion powder. Oil the chicken breasts with cooking spray on both sides, then coat the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture.
• Place the chicken in the hot pan, and cook for 1 minute. Turn, and cook 1 minute on other side. Place the breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 5 minutes.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Dredge the chicken breasts in the blackening spice and place in a cast iron skillet over very high heat. Blacken both sides of the chicken and place in the oven for 10 minutes, or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Slice in strips on the bias and set aside.
• In a saute pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Add garlic and lightly caramelize. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes and the chicken slices. Deglaze the pan with the white wine. Add the heavy cream, increase the heat to a simmer, and reduce the cream sauce by half.
• When the cream sauce is to desired consistency, stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan, salt, pepper, and pasta.
• Nest the pasta on large rimmed plates, pour sauce over pasta, and garnish with scallions and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil.
• For the Creole rice pilaf: Heat the butter and oil in a 2-quart saucepan or large saucepan over medium heat. Add the celery, onions and peppers and cook until the onions are translucent, about 2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, add the rice and stir a few times until the rice is coated. Stir in the garlic, bay leaf, tomato paste, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook for about 15 seconds. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cook until the liquid is reduced and you see little holes on the top, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaf, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in half of the green onions. Cover until ready to serve.
• For the blackened chicken: Heat a 12-inch or large cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the hot paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, white pepper, thyme and oregano in a small bowl and set aside.
• Transfer the melted butter to a large bowl. Dip the chicken in the butter and arrange on one of the prepared baking sheets. Season both sides of the chicken liberally with the blackened seasoning mixture. Working in batches, cook the chicken until the first side is blackened, 3 to 4 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken. Flip and cook for 1 minute more. Transfer to the second prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until the chicken breasts are firm to the touch and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165 degrees F, 5 to 10 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve over the Creole rice pilaf and garnish with the remaining green onions.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200C/400 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, mix together all the blackening spices.
• Toss the chicken in the spices, making sure that each fillet is evenly coated.
• Heat a large heavy based frying pan over high heat until very hot.
• Add the oil and fry chicken fillets on each side.
• You want the chicken to fry quite fast so that you sear and roast the spices very well.
• Don't be tempted to add too many pieces to the pan at once or you will not get the desired effect.
• When the fillet is well seared, place on a roasting tray and bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
• Serve the chicken on a platter garnished with a few salad leaves.