Blackened Chicken – A Bold and Flavorful Dish

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Description:
Blackened Chicken is a popular Cajun-inspired dish that features chicken breasts coated in a robust blend of spices and seared in a hot skillet. The high heat creates a deliciously charred, smoky crust while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful inside. This dish is perfect for a quick, bold-flavored meal and pairs well with a variety of sides, like rice, vegetables, or salad.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for coating the chicken)
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Coat each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter to help the seasoning adhere.
2. Mix the Spices:In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
3. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until very hot.
Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken develops a dark, charred crust and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrus finish.

Recipe Video

Notes

Advice:
For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether if you prefer less heat.
Serve blackened chicken with Cajun sides like dirty rice, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
You can also use this recipe with fish or shrimp for a seafood version of blackened dishes.