Spicy Cocoa Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with Spicy Cocoa Chicken, a bold and flavorful dish that combines the richness of unsweetened cocoa powder with a tantalizing medley of spices like smoky paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin. Perfectly seared boneless chicken thighs develop a deliciously dark crust, while a drizzle of sweet and tangy honey-lime glaze balances the heat for a mouthwatering finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this unique recipe pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, making it an easy yet impressive weeknight or dinner party option. Don’t forget the fresh cilantro garnish for a vibrant final touch!
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each piece.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a dark crust forms.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the honey and lime juice in a small bowl.
Step 6
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and drizzle the honey-lime mixture over the chicken while it’s still hot.
Step 7
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 8
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (516.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1244.0 |
| Total Fat 75.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 17.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 500mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2771.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 37.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 19.0g | |
| Protein 108.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 28IU | 0% |
| Calcium 122.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1455.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories