Blackened Chicken

By KennySD

Ingredients

• Tomato-Chili Sauce:
• 1/3 cup tomato sauce (puree)
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 tbs plus 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 tbs plus 1 teaspoon chili sauce
• 1/4 tsp tabasco sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp chopped fresh dill
• pepper to taste
• Blackened chicken:
• 6 boneless, skinless, single chicken breasts
• 1 tbs plus 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tsp black pepper
• Approx. 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 8 tbs butter, melted

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

FOR THE TOMATO-CHILI SAUCE: Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl; mix well. Stand for at least 1 hour.

FOR THE BLACKENED CHICKEN: Pound the chicken breasts lightly until thinner and of an even thickness.

Combine the dry ingredients in a screw-top jar, using more cayenne if a hotter mix is required; shake well. Heat barbecue or cast-iron skillet or grill pan for about 10 minutes, until very hot.

Dip the chicken into melted butter and sprinkle the spice mixture on both sides. Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side, until a black crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. (This cooking process will create a lot of smoke and is best done outdoors. Have a strong exhaust fan operating if cooking indoors.)

TO SERVE: Serve the chicken with Tomato-Chili Sauce and some extra melted butter, if desired.

NOTE: The spice mix can be made several weeks ahead. Store in an airtight jar at room temperature. The sauce can be made a day ahead.