Blackened Seasoning - and Blackened Chicken

Craving fajitas, but don`t have a lot of time to make a marinade, or do you just want them now? Are you craving something with a Mexican flavor, but don`t want to go all out? This seasoning is very simple to make, and you most likely have all the ingredients already. I used it last night, ran out, and realized I hadn`t posted it yet, so just made a double batch. It will last just as Long as your other spices if you put it in a spice jar, but I`ve used it so many times the past month or so, that I wanted to make sure I wouldn`t run out any time soon :)

There are a few variations out there, but this is what I used

What you need for the seasoning: 

2 large Tbls Paprika
3 1/2 t salt
2 large tsp garlic powder
2 large tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp Cayenne, (+/- depending on your like of spicy things)
4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp Oregano

Mix together well and then store in a sealed bag or jar.

To make the chicken, you will need: 

1 chicken breast for each person

1/2 tsp of seasoning per chicken piece

a handful of cilantro (koriander), roughly chopped

1 lime

olive oil

1 avocado, diced

Put about 1 Tbls of olive oil in a pan and heat up. Sprinkle the seasoning on one side of the chicken pieces, flip over and do the other half. 

When the oil begins to smoke, lay the chicken down and sear it for about 2 minutes. Turn it over and sear the other side. 

Cover, and turn down the heat to medium. Depending on the size of your chicken, cook anywhere from 5-10 minutes per side - flipping once half way through).  

While the chicken is cooking, dice your avocado and add 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, more if you wish. Squeeze half a lime in as well and mix gently. 

When the chicken is cooked, squeeze the rest of the lime over chicken and then add a scoop of the avocado mixture.