Are you craving a delicious and satisfying dinner that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This recipe for Tyson Blackened Chicken Strips offers a flavorful and exciting twist on a classic. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend meal, these crispy, blackened chicken strips are incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest, with a recipe that's both healthy and incredibly tasty. This is one of those quick dinner ideas that's surprisingly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Tyson frozen fully cooked chicken strips (or equivalent)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or your favorite blackened seasoning blend)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, honey mustard, BBQ)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Allow the frozen chicken strips to thaw slightly. This will help them cook evenly. You can speed up the thawing process by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Make sure each strip is well seasoned for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken strips in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and heated through. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken strips from the skillet and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. These blackened chicken strips are equally delicious on their own or as part of a larger meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in steamed, not crispy, chicken.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your liking. Add more or less of any spice to achieve your preferred level of heat and flavor.
- Use high-quality oil: Olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but you can also use other high-heat oils like avocado oil or canola oil.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Blackened Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning blend for an extra kick.
- Lemon Herb Blackened Chicken: Incorporate some dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, along with a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter flavor profile.
- Buffalo Blackened Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken strips in your favorite buffalo wing sauce for a spicy and tangy treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is based on a serving of approximately 3-4 chicken strips and may vary depending on the specific brand of chicken used and the amount of oil added during cooking.
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fat: Around 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: Around 2-3g
These easy recipes are perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious and healthy meal quickly. Enjoy your homemade blackened chicken strips! They’re a fantastic example of how easy it is to create delicious dishes with minimal effort and readily available ingredients. This recipe is a staple in our house, and we think it will quickly become a favorite in yours too. Happy cooking!