Bayou Blackened Chicken
A flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender blackened chicken topped with savory mushrooms and onions, served over seasoned black-eyed peas for a hearty, spicy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 frying chicken, cut up (2 to 4 lb.) ⓘ
- 2 or 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 or 3 Tbsp. butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tomato, coarsely diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced canned tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. mixed herbs
- 4 Tbsp. chopped onions ⓘ
- 4 to 5 cups cooked or canned black-eyed peas, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Dry the chicken pieces and coat them with seasoned flour.
- Heat oil and butter in a large heavy skillet.
- Brown the chicken slowly on both sides. When browned, remove from skillet.
- In a small skillet, add more oil and butter if needed, and cook mushrooms and chopped onions about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs while cooking.
- Add wine or broth and black-eyed peas to the skillet.
- Heat just to boiling. Arrange chicken on top, pushing pieces into beans a bit.
- Add tomatoes and juice (1/4 cup).
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mix of spices and buttermilk for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms can be a suitable substitute; just drain them well. Using chicken broth instead of white wine adds depth to the dish without altering the flavor profile significantly. This recipe also pairs nicely with Mamoose'S Cornbread Dressing for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bayou Blackened Chicken over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish goes well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a comforting twist, pair it with Wanda'S Chicken And Dumplings, creating a hearty dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and peas in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Avoid using the microwave for best results, as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bayou Blackened Chicken contains roughly 544 calories, with 9g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it's fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. It's best to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before starting the recipe.
What can I substitute for black-eyed peas?
If black-eyed peas are unavailable, you can substitute them with canned or cooked navy beans or pinto beans. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed before adding them to the dish to maintain a similar texture and flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, the juices should run clear when pierced, and the meat should be no longer pink. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure doneness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).