Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing Recipe
If you’re searching for a bold, crowd-pleasing main dish that dances with flavor and color, you’re going to fall in love with Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing. This dish features juicy, spice-crusted chicken, draped in a glossy, citrusy caramel vinaigrette that’s just as stunning on the plate as it is on your palate. Each bite is a perfect balance of smoky heat and sweet, tangy brightness, making it a true star for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. Trust me, this is one recipe that’ll have everyone begging for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this recipe earns its place: the spices bring warmth and depth, the chicken serves as the tender, meaty canvas, and the caramel clementine dressing adds a zesty, unexpected twist that elevates the entire dish. These simple yet essential ingredients work together to create unforgettable flavor and vibrant color on your table.
- Chicken Breasts: The heart of the dish—boneless, skinless, and perfect for soaking up all those blackened spices.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor and that beautiful brick-red hue to the crust.
- Garlic Powder: Gives the chicken a savory, aromatic base that’s irresistible.
- Onion Powder: Boosts the umami and rounds out the spice blend.
- Dried Thyme: Lends a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with citrus.
- Cayenne Pepper: Delivers just the right kick of heat—adjust to taste if you like things milder or spicier.
- Ground Black Pepper: Punches up the flavor and complements the smoky notes.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the flavors in both the chicken and the dressing.
- Olive Oil: Helps the spice blend adhere and gives a gorgeous sear when cooking.
- Granulated Sugar: Transforms into a caramel base for the dressing, adding depth and sweetness.
- Fresh Clementine Juice: Bright and tangy, this juice is the secret to the dressing’s sunny flavor.
- White Wine Vinegar: Provides a gentle acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of sharpness that balances the caramel and citrus.
- Clementine Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and gives the dressing extra zing.
- Optional Garnishes (fresh herbs, clementine segments): Sprinkle on color, freshness, and even more flavor right before serving.
How to Make Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing
Step 1: Mix the Spice Blend
Start by combining the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. This blend is what makes the chicken “blackened”—it forms a gorgeous, flavor-packed crust once seared. Give it a quick stir with a fork or whisk to ensure everything’s evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Rub each breast all over with olive oil—this helps the spice mixture stick and creates a luscious crust. Next, coat both sides generously with the spice blend, pressing it in so every bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it’s almost smoking. Lay the chicken breasts in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want a deep, dark crust (not burnt!) and an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Clementine Dressing
While the chicken rests, turn your attention to the dressing. In a small saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a golden amber caramel. Carefully whisk in the clementine juice—it’ll bubble up, so go slow! Add the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and the clementine zest, then slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and glossy. Let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Slice, Drizzle, and Serve
Slice the blackened chicken breasts and arrange them on your serving platter or plates. Generously drizzle over the caramel clementine dressing, letting it pool and glisten. Finish with fresh herbs and clementine segments for a burst of color and freshness. There you have it—Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing in all its glory!
How to Serve Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme bring a pop of green that makes the dish look as vibrant as it tastes, while a few extra clementine segments not only add a sweet juiciness but also a gorgeous visual contrast. Sprinkle these on just before serving for that extra flair.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing pairs beautifully with simple sides like mixed greens, fluffy rice, or roasted sweet potatoes. These mellow accompaniments soak up the bold flavors and help round out the meal without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Try fanning out the sliced chicken on a platter over a bed of arugula, or serve it atop a grain bowl with quinoa and roasted veggies. The bright caramel clementine dressing doubles as a salad vinaigrette, so don’t be shy about drizzling it all around for a gourmet look and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the sliced chicken and any extra caramel clementine dressing in separate airtight containers. The chicken will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the dressing stays fresh for up to 5 days—perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, un-sliced blackened chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. The caramel clementine dressing, however, is best made fresh or kept in the fridge rather than frozen, as freezing can change its texture.
Reheating
To reheat blackened chicken, place it in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Warm it until just heated through, then drizzle on the dressing after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here; just adjust the cooking time as they may take a minute or two longer to reach a safe internal temperature. The result will be even juicier, slightly richer Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing.
Is there a substitute for clementines in the dressing?
If you can’t find clementines, swap in tangerines or even sweet oranges. The key is using a citrus that’s bright and juicy to keep the dressing vibrant and balanced.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika will do in a pinch, though you’ll miss that smoky essence. For a similar effect, try adding a tiny pinch of chipotle powder or a dash of liquid smoke to the spice mix.
Can I grill the chicken outdoors instead of on a skillet?
Definitely! Outdoor grilling gives Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing a fantastic charred flavor. Just oil the grates well and keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the spice crust.
How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
To amp up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the spice blend. For a milder version, simply reduce the cayenne or leave it out altogether—the other spices will still shine!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about serving up Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing—the way the spicy, smoky crust meets that bright, luscious citrus caramel is pure magic. I hope you’ll make this dish your own and share it with friends and family. Give it a try and let its bold flavors win a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
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Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing recipe offers a delightful fusion of smoky, spicy, and sweet citrus flavors. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a bold blend of spices, seared to perfection, and topped with a unique caramelized clementine vinaigrette that balances heat with bright, tangy notes. Perfect for a flavorful, gluten-free main course that impresses with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh clementine juice (from 2–3 clementines)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon finely grated clementine zest
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme)
- Extra clementine segments
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the blackening seasoning.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each breast evenly with olive oil, then coat both sides thoroughly with the prepared spice mixture to ensure deep flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the chicken breasts on the pan and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the exterior is blackened and the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Make the Caramel and Clementine Dressing: In a small saucepan, heat granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns an amber caramel color. Carefully whisk in the fresh clementine juice (note: it will bubble vigorously). Add white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and finely grated clementine zest. Slowly whisk in olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Slice the rested blackened chicken breasts. Drizzle generously with the caramel clementine dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and additional clementine segments for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Serve this dish alongside mixed greens, steamed rice, or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete and balanced meal.
- The caramel clementine dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safety and juiciness.
- For less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the spice rub.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with dressing
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
