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Cajun Blackened Chicken with Dirty Rice

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Chicken Recipes, Dinner
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Blackened Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • For the Dirty Rice:
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ lb ground pork or beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 small bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Blackening Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
  • Step 2: Season the Chicken: 2. Pat chicken breasts dry and generously coat both sides with the blackening seasoning.
  • Step 3: Cook the Chicken: 3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 4. Add chicken breasts and cook 5–7 minutes per side until the exterior is blackened and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside, tented with foil to keep warm.
  • Step 4: Prepare the Dirty Rice: 5. In a medium pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. 6. Add ground pork (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. 7. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes until vegetables are soft. 8. Stir in paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. 9. Add rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  • Step 5: Serve: 10. Fluff rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed. 11. Plate the dirty rice and top with a blackened chicken breast. 12. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley if desired.