While a lot of guys don’t consider the kitchen their primary domain, even the most macho among us occasionally need to step up and switch on a burner or two. Having some bros over before the game, or need a go-to dish for a first date in? Nothing says “Hey Girl” like a flavorful meal that appeals to a hearty palate but doesn’t look like it came out of the Easy Mac aisle (no hate, Kraft).

Enter our Manly Marmalade Chicken, a sweet and spicy dinner that’s easy to keep on the lighter side. The marmalade topping takes the edge off the blackened, Cajun-style chicken, and it’s easy to pull everything together by serving over a bed of yellow (or brown) rice and vegetables. The best part? At just 5 ingredients and with well under 20 minutes of active prep time, you’ll have time to shower and set your fantasy football lineup before that soon-to-be-special someone arrives.

Manly Marmalade Chicken

Photo by Jordan Shakeshaft

Serves 4 What You’ll Need:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
A few tablespoons of blackening seasoning (see below for recipe!)
4 tablespoons orange marmalade (or to taste)
2 ½ cups yellow or brown rice
1 16 ounce package frozen mixed vegetables

What to Do:

1. Cook the rice according to the directions on the package.
2. While the rice is cooking, coat the chicken in a liberal dose of blackening seasoning. (Pro Tip: Store bought varieties of the seasoning work just fine, but for the more adventurous, make some at home by combining 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, ½ teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.)
3. Sear the chicken for 1 minute on each side until it has is nicely blackened and crisp. Transfer the chicken to a non-stick baking dish (or oven-safe pan) and bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes (depending on the thickness of the meat), or until the juices run clear.
4. Heat the frozen vegetables in the oven or microwave. Mixed with the cooked rice and split up the mixture between 4 plates.
5. Plate one chicken breast over the rice mixture on each plate, and a dollop of marmalade on top of each piece of chicken. Enjoy!