Sr-71 Blackbird Recipe
Fly high in the stratosphere of flavor! Blackened chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo, and dill pickles on a potato bun.
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Ingredients
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Sandwich Components
Blackening Spice & Seasoning
Chipotle Mayo
Cooking & Finishing
Method
Prepare Ingredients
Pound and dry chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If breasts are uneven thickness, place in a resealable bag and gently pound to an even 3/4–1 inch thickness for even cooking (about 1/2-inch for thinner sandwiches).
Slice vegetables
Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Set aside the dill pickle slices.
Split the potato buns and set them ready for toasting. Have the chipotle mayo ingredients measured and ready.
Make Blackening Spice
In a small bowl, combine paprika, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly so the blend is uniform.
Season and Sear Chicken
Brush both sides of the chicken breasts lightly with 1 tablespoon of oil. Liberally coat both sides with the blackening spice blend, pressing the rub into the meat so it adheres.
Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3–4 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat the pan.
Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan and sear without moving for 3–4 minutes, until a dark crust forms. Flip and reduce heat to medium. Cook the second side for 3–6 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Total cook time will depend on thickness. If the exterior is browning too quickly before the interior is cooked, reduce heat to medium-low and cover loosely for 1–2 minutes, then check temperature.
Remove chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Resting locks in juices and finishes carryover cooking.
Make Chipotle Mayo
While the chicken rests, combine mayonnaise, minced chipotle in adobo (start with 1 tsp and add more to taste if you want more heat), lime juice, honey, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/8 tsp salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust heat, acidity, or salt as needed.
Toast Buns & Assemble
Spread a generous tablespoon (or to taste) of chipotle mayo on both the top and bottom bun. Layer bottom bun with lettuce leaf, two tomato slices, three dill pickle slices, then place the sliced blackened chicken breast on top (slice chicken into 1/4-inch thick slices against the grain).
Finish with the top bun and press gently. Serve immediately while warm.