Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Blackened chicken is a fantastic dish that combines bold spices with a perfectly crisped exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This dish is ideal for those who love a punch of flavor in every bite. The combination of smoky, slightly spicy seasonings and a beautifully seared crust makes this chicken a standout meal. Whether you’re serving it on its own, pairing it with a salad, or using it for sandwiches, blackened chicken is incredibly versatile and easy to make. Plus, it’s a great high-protein option that fits into various dietary lifestyles, including keto and low-carb.
Ingredients
chicken breasts or thighs
paprika
smoked paprika
black pepper
cayenne pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
thyme
oregano
salt
butter
olive oil
lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
- Make the Blackening Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and salt.
- Coat the Chicken: Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add butter to the skillet and place the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side until a dark crust forms, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy with lemon wedges for added brightness and freshness.
Variations
- Milder Version: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a less spicy experience.
- Different Protein: Use the same seasoning mix on shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Grilled Blackened Chicken: Instead of pan-searing, cook the seasoned chicken on a preheated grill for a smoky flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2-4 servings
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover blackened chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out.
FAQs
What is blackened chicken?
Blackened chicken is chicken coated in a bold spice mix and seared in a hot pan to create a flavorful, crispy crust.
How spicy is blackened chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper used.
Can I make blackened chicken in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best type of pan to use?
A cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving the best crust and even heat distribution.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs tend to be juicier and work well with this cooking method.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Can I use store-bought blackening seasoning?
Yes, but homemade seasoning allows you to control the flavors and spice level.
What should I serve with blackened chicken?
It pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
Is blackened chicken the same as grilled chicken?
No, blackened chicken is seared in a pan to create a spicy crust, while grilled chicken is cooked over an open flame.
Conclusion
Blackened chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that delivers bold spices and a crispy texture in every bite. Whether you enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or atop a salad, this recipe is a great way to add excitement to your meals. Try it today and savor the smoky, spicy goodness!
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Blackened Chicken – Crispy, Juicy, and Full of Bold Flavor!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Description
Blackened chicken is a bold and flavorful dish with a perfectly crisped exterior and juicy, tender inside. Seasoned with a smoky and slightly spicy blend, this high-protein meal is easy to prepare and pairs well with salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls. Ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
Ingredients
- 2–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere.
- Make the Blackening Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine paprika, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and salt.
- Coat the Chicken: Generously rub the spice blend onto the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add butter to the skillet, then place the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until a dark crust forms, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy with fresh lemon wedges for added brightness.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for variations.
- For a smoky grilled version, cook on a preheated grill instead of pan-searing.
- Use extra olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: pan-seared
- Cuisine: Cajun, american
Keywords: blackened chicken, spicy chicken, keto chicken, Cajun chicken, easy chicken recipe
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