Blackened Chicken with Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce

Blackened Chicken with Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce

adapted from Bonappeteach

This quick recipe is a one pan plan.The blackened seasoning is bold, smoky blackened spice blend. If you have a favorite store bought blackening seasoning go ahead and use that. The chicken can be eaten as the main course or put into sandwiches, on top of nachos / salads or in quesadillas.

Makes 2 servings

2 Chicken breasts, boneless, skin-on
1 tbsp Olive Oil

Blackening Seasoning

1 Tbsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Tomato Parmesan Cream Sauce
2 Tbsp. sun-dried tomatoes removed from the oil and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes 
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 cup Homemade chicken stock or canned broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Kosher salt & Freshly ground pepper
Fresh basil garnish (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano salt, black pepper and cayenne to create the blackened seasoning.
3. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel then and set it aside.
4. In a preheated skillet, add oil and let it preheat in the pan (do not let it get too hot so that it starts smoking). 
5. Place each chicken into the skillet skin side down and let it cook for 3 minutes or until it easily lifts from the pan and can be flipped.
6. Once you flip each chicken breast, turn off the stove and carefully transfer the pan into the oven to finish cooking for about 15 minutes or it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.
7. Remove from the oven and remove the transfer the chicken to a plate.
8. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 
9. Place the skillet back onto the heat and leave any drippings and seasoning in the pan.
10. Over medium-low heat, add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; Sauté a few minutes to develop the aromatic flavors in the spices.
11. Add the chicken stock and cream; Continue to whisk over the heat for a few minutes to bring it up to temperature. Do not boil !
12. Reduce the heat to low; Slowly add in the parmesan cheese and whisk well before adding more. 
13. Let the cheese melt and thicken the sauce.
14. Serve over the top of the sliced chicken. 
15. Garnish with basil if desired.

Enjoy!

Blackened Shrimp with Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Andouille Sauce

Blackened Shrimp with Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Andouille Sauce

adapted from  Food Network

You can adjust the heat of this dish by increasing or decreasing the blackening spice.

Makes 3 servings                                                  5 WW blue points / serving

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

3/4 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" cubes

2 Tbsp. Parkay Vegetable Oil Spray

Pinch of cinnamon

Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper

Andouille Sauce

1 1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. minced shallots

2 Tbsp. minced celery

1/4 cup white wine

2 oz. Lidl andouille chicken sausages, chopped

1 fresh thyme sprig

1/2 c. evaporated fat free milk

1 tsp. Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning or your favorite

Cooking spray

Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

24 extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Our Favorite Blackening Seasoning or you preferred

Cooking spray

Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

1. In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the potatoes until for tender. Drain and put through a ricer or mash.
2. Add the oil spray, cinnamon and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Keep warm.
3. Meanwhile make the andouille by cooking the garlic and shallots in a small pan coated in cooking spray.
4. Add the wine, sausage and thyme. Cook for about a minute or until reduced in half.
5. Add the evaporated milk and reduce inn half again then add the Cajun seasoning. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Keep warm and remove the thyme sprig before serving.
7. For the shrimp, dredge the shrimp in the blackening seasoning and cook in a sauté pan coated in cooking spray until cooked through. Be careful not to burn the spice mix or it will be bitter.
8. Serve the shrimp with the potatoes and topped with the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!