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
Scale
- 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