Decadent Cocoa-Blackened Chicken with Stone Fruit Salsa

Decadent Cocoa-Blackened Chicken with Stone Fruit Salsa

40 mins
medium
4 servings

A flavorful and quick weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs blackened with cocoa and a vibrant stone fruit salsa. Perfect for a satisfying and impressive meal.

ChickenDinnerSummer

Equipment Needed

  • Cutting board
  • Instant-read Thermometer
  • Knife
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  • 2.00 lbsSkinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs(Pat dry for better browning.)
  • 2.00 TbspUnsweetened Cocoa Powder(For a rich, chocolatey flavor.)
  • 2.00 TbspOld Bay Seasoning(Adjust to taste.)
  • 6.00 TbspExtra Virgin Olive Oil(Divided for cooking and dressing.)
  • 3.00 mediumLimes(Freshly squeezed juice.)
  • 3.00 mediumGarlic Cloves(Finely grated for maximum flavor.)
  • 1.00 TbspHoney(Adds sweetness and balances the spice.)
  • 0.50 tspSalt(Diamond Crystal or Kosher.)
  • 0.50 tspPepper(Freshly ground for best flavor.)
  • 2.00 mediumShallots(Thinly sliced for even cooking.)
  • 1.50 lbsMixed Stone Fruit(Peaches, nectarines, plums work well.)
  • 0.50 cupFresh Mint Leaves(Lightly packed.)

Instructions

1

Combine cocoa powder and Old Bay seasoning in a small bowl.

Estimated time: 2 minutes

2

Season chicken thighs with the spice mixture.

Estimated time: 3 minutes

3

Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Estimated time: 2 minutes

4

Sear chicken thighs until blackened and cooked through (165°F).

Estimated time: 10 minutes

5

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Estimated time: 1 minutes

6

Whisk together lime juice, garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and remaining 3 Tbsp olive oil in a large bowl.

Estimated time: 3 minutes

7

Add sliced shallots, stone fruit, and mint to the dressing.

Estimated time: 2 minutes

8

Toss fruit mixture gently to coat.

Estimated time: 2 minutes

9

Season fruit salad with more salt and pepper if needed.

Estimated time: 1 minutes

10

Arrange fruit salad on a platter and top with sliced chicken.

Estimated time: 2 minutes

11

Drizzle any remaining dressing over the chicken and fruit.

Estimated time: 1 minutes