JUST FOR YOU: A Culinary Love Affair with Blackened Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet”
In the realm of culinary creations, there’s a dish that stands out as a testament to flavor harmony, simplicity, and a touch of culinary artistry—the Blackened Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet. This one-pan wonder is a celebration of bold, robust flavors perfectly complemented by the crispiness of Brussels sprouts. Today, we invite you on a gastronomic journey to master this delightful dish, crafted “Just For You.”
Ingredients
For the Blackened Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Blackened Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the blackening spice blend.
- Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and blackened. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Brussels Sprouts:
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Brussels sprouts for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp on the edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the blackened chicken and Brussels sprouts to the skillet, tossing them in the lemon garlic butter sauce to coat evenly.
- Allow the dish to simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through and infused with the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish the skillet with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Serve the Blackened Chicken and Brussels Sprouts hot, drizzling with extra lemon garlic butter sauce if desired.
Cook Notes
- Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness. If needed, you can pound them to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Achieve optimal crispiness by ensuring the Brussels sprouts are cut uniformly and not overcrowded in the skillet.
- Lemon Zest Tip: Zest the lemon before juicing to make the process easier. A microplane grater works well for obtaining fine lemon zest.
Variations for Culinary Creativity
- Smoky Maple Glaze:
- Brush the chicken with a mixture of smoked paprika and maple syrup before blackening for a sweet and smoky glaze.
- Balsamic Reduction Elegance:
- Drizzle the finished dish with a balsamic reduction for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
- Mediterranean Twist:
- Add Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese to the skillet for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
- Cajun Influence:
- Infuse a Cajun flair by adding sliced andouille sausage to the skillet along with the chicken and Brussels sprouts.
Keto and Low-Carb Adaptations
Keto Version:
- Replace Sugar with Erythritol: Use erythritol or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener in the spice blend to maintain the sweet and smoky flavors without the carbs.
- Keto-Friendly Veggies: Include low-carb vegetables like asparagus or broccoli in place of Brussels sprouts.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce Onion Powder: Lower the carb content by reducing the amount of onion powder in the spice blend.
- Olive Oil Infusion: Infuse olive oil with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor without added carbs.
As you indulge in the symphony of flavors that is the Blackened Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re savoring a culinary experience crafted just for you. This dish, with its bold spices, crisp Brussels sprouts, and luscious lemon garlic butter sauce, is a celebration of simplicity and sophistication on a single plate. Whether prepared for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, the Blackened Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet promises a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the art of one-pan cooking, and relish the magic that happens when flavors collide. In every bite, taste the love and dedication that make this dish truly exceptional—Just For You.
