This blackened chicken breast is perfectly seasoned with a mix of spices, then pan-seared to lock in the juices. Serve with your favorite sides to add a burst of flavor to any busy weeknight dinner.
Just think about a juicy and tender chicken breast made with a blend of Cajun seasoning that’s perfectly spicy and crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside.
- What Is Blackened Chicken?
- Why Are You Going To Love This Recipe For Blackened Chicken
- Ingredients For This Blackened Chicken
- How To Make Blackened Chicken?
- Tips For Making Blackened Chicken
- Storing Ideas
- How To Serve?
- What’s the Best Temperature to Bake Chicken Breast?
- What Does Blackened Chicken Taste Like?
- Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
- More Chicken Recipes
- Blackened Chicken
This blackened chicken recipe is easy enough yet sure to impress everyone.
Ready in under 30 minutes, this spicy blackened chicken it’s the perfect choice for when you are looking for a chicken dinner recipe that is easy to make and can be used as a main dish or added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.
Just think about a juicy chicken breast covered in a delicious mix of spices that, once cooked, creates a golden brown crust that gives the chicken smoky, delicious flavors.
Watch this quick step-by-step tutorial on how to cook blackened chicken perfectly.
What Is Blackened Chicken?
Originated in the southern United States, blackened Chicken is a popular Cajun dish consisting of chicken breast or thighs coated in a mixture of dried herbs and spices.
The chicken is usually cooked at high heat in a cast iron skillet, which helps to create a signature blackened appearance and smoky flavor.
The homemade blackening spice mix typically includes ingredients such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme, which create a flavorful and spicy crust on the chicken as it cooks.
It’s often served with a side of rice, salads, and roasted vegetables but can be incorporated into many other recipes, such as wraps or sandwiches.
Why Are You Going To Love This Recipe For Blackened Chicken
- Super easy to make with just 5 minutes of prep.
- A healthy and delicious way to cook flavorful chicken breast.
- It’s a versatile recipe. You can serve it for dinner or lunch.
- It can be paired with many delicious side dishes.
Ingredients For This Blackened Chicken
This recipe for Blackened Chicken requires only a few easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here is a list of everything you will need:
- Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Alternatively, you can opt for chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Paprika: Opt for smoked paprika to infuse the dish with a more intense and smoky flavor profile. The paprika adds depth to the spice blend.
- Thyme: Incorporate dried thyme to contribute a fragrant and earthy note to the seasoning. Feel free to use your preferred variety of dried thyme.
- Onion and Garlic Powder: Enhance the flavor complexity of the chicken breast by adding onion and garlic powder to the spice mixture. These powders bring a savory and aromatic essence.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the chicken to taste with salt and pepper. These basic seasonings provide a foundation for the overall flavor profile.
- Oil: Use oil to coat the chicken and facilitate the searing process. While the recipe suggests using oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, you can choose any suitable high-temperature cooking oil.
How To Make Blackened Chicken?
Once you see how easy it’s to prepare this delicious blackened chicken, you will want to make it over and over again whenever you want a quick and delicious dinner.
The instructions are quick and easy. Blackening is a cooking technique that creates a flavorful and spicy crust on meat, poultry, or fish.
Simply make a blend of seasoning, then brush the chicken breasts with oil and coat well with the spice blend.
You’ll need a cast iron skillet placed on medium-high heat.
Preheat The Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial temperature is essential for achieving a balanced and controlled cooking process.
Prepare The Blackened Seasoning Mixture
In a bowl, combine paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Thoroughly mix these aromatic spices to create a flavorful seasoning blend that will infuse the chicken with a harmonious blend of flavors.
Coat the Chicken
Carefully pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. This step is crucial to remove excess moisture, which can hinder proper searing.
Once dry, brush the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, such as olive oil. This coating will not only enhance the flavor but also aid in the adherence of the seasoning mixture.
Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. To ensure a thorough coating, gently press the spice mixture onto the surface of the chicken using your fingers. This step is where the magic begins, infusing the meat with layers of bold flavors.
Brown The Chicken Breast
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. The skillet needs to be smoking hot before proceeding.
Once adequately heated, add a small amount of vegetable oil to the skillet. This will help prevent sticking and contribute to the development of a beautiful crust.
Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Allow them to cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until a rich blackened crust forms.
Take care not to overcrowd the pan, as this may inhibit proper browning. The searing process imparts a deep, smoky flavor while creating a visually appealing exterior.
Cooking The Chicken Breast
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and cook the chicken breast for 10-12 minutes or until its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Depending on the size of your chicken breast, it may need to cook more or less.
Remove the chicken breast from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy.
Tips For Making Blackened Chicken
- Room Temperature: Take the chicken breast out of the fridge 30 minutes prior to cooking for even cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Prevent dry meat by avoiding overcooking the chicken breast.
- Use a Thermometer: Utilize an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. The chicken is safe to eat when the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Uniform Size: Opt for chicken breasts of similar size for consistent cooking results. If any are thicker, consider slicing them in half to ensure even cooking.
- Hot Pan: Preheat the skillet or cast-iron pan for a good crust.
- Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken dry to achieve a proper sear.
- Even Coating: Coat chicken generously with spices, pressing them onto the meat.
- Sear Both Sides: Sear chicken on both sides until a dark crust forms.
- Oven Finish: Transfer the pan to the oven to cook completely.
- Custom Spice Levels: Customize spice mix to your preferred heat level.
- Pair with Sides: Serve the blackened chicken with sides that complement its flavors.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge – You can refrigerate chicken leftovers for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer – You can also freeze the leftovers for 3–4 months if properly packed. I like to freeze them in separate smaller bags for simple leftover servings.
Reheating – If you want to reheat it, I recommend doing it in an air fryer or microwave until heated through, for about 5 minutes.
How To Serve?
One of the best things about this blackened chicken breast is that it can be served with many side dishes to create a well-balanced meal. It goes well with just about everything.
Here are some interesting ideas that will taste wonderfully with this blackened chicken recipe:
- Cauliflower Rice
- Turnip Au Gratin
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Pico de Gallo
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Easy Roasted Asparagus
What’s the Best Temperature to Bake Chicken Breast?
To achieve even, tender, and juicy boneless chicken breasts, it’s recommended to bake them at a temperature of 350°F (175°C). The duration of baking will vary according to the size and thickness of the chicken pieces you’re working with.
What Does Blackened Chicken Taste Like?
Blackened chicken features a bold and spicy flavor profile, deriving from its unique blend of aromatic spices.
The seasoning mixture infuses the chicken with a harmonious balance of heat and depth, creating an enticing experience for your taste buds. As the chicken cooks, the spices form a crispy and aromatic crust, enhancing the overall texture and aroma of the dish.
The complex layers of flavor, including elements like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and more, combine to deliver a savory umami undertone that complements the natural richness of the chicken.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides, blackened chicken offers a memorable and exciting culinary adventure.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Certainly, while the optimal way to enjoy the blackened chicken is right after cooking for its best texture and flavor, you can prepare ahead by prepping the seasoning mix, marinating the chicken, or partially cooking it before refrigerating.
If you need the chicken for dishes involving slicing or shredding, you can cook it beforehand and store it in the fridge to be reheated gently.
More Chicken Recipes
- Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Easy Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Easy Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Blackened Chicken
Description
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the seasoning mixture.
- Brush each chicken breast with cooking oil on both sides.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Press the mixture onto the chicken to ensure a thorough coating.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Cook until a deep crust forms, but take care not to burn the spices.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and continue cooking the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, and using oven mitts, as the handle will be hot. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve your delicious blackened chicken alongside your favorite sides and enjoy!
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
