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Flavorful Cast Iron Blackened Chicken Recipe with Easy Corn Avocado Salsa

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A quick and easy blackened chicken recipe cooked in a cast iron skillet, paired with a fresh, bright corn and avocado salsa that balances smoky spice with creamy texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears), thawed if frozen
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over both sides of the chicken breasts. Generously sprinkle the blackening seasoning on all sides, pressing lightly to adhere.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3-5 minutes, until it starts to smoke slightly.
  5. Place chicken breasts in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a dark crust forms. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove chicken from skillet and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. While chicken rests, combine corn kernels, diced avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve the blackened chicken with a generous scoop of corn and avocado salsa on top or on the side.

Notes

If chicken browns too quickly before cooking through, lower heat slightly and cover skillet loosely for a minute or two. Do not skip resting the chicken to keep it juicy. For extra smoky depth, char corn slightly in the skillet before mixing into salsa. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Store salsa separately if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened chicken, cast iron skillet, corn avocado salsa, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken, healthy chicken recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/flavorful-cast-iron-blackened-chicken-recipe-with-easy-corn-avocado-salsa/