Cooking is an art, and those with passion can create some of the most exquisite dishes. If you’re reading this article, it means that you’re one of those home chefs who loves experimenting with different flavors and making hearty meals that leave your guests asking for more. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my go-to recipe for blackened chicken.

This dish has quickly become a family favorite at parties and weekend gatherings. It’s simple to make, yet packs a flavor punch that will take your taste buds on a wild ride. The combination of oregano, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder creates an explosive flavor that is sure to impress even the toughest food critics.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it with rice, red beans or even bourbon if you want to spice things up. Grilled or pan-fried, blackened chicken is the heartiest protein-rich dish that you could add to your recipe collection.

So without further ado, let’s get right into how to make the best blackened chicken recipe effortlessly.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a hearty protein-rich dish that is quick, easy, and downright delicious? Look no further than this blackened chicken recipe!

There are a few reasons why you are going to love this recipe. First, the spice rub is made with a combination of flavorful herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and more. This mixture gives each bite of chicken a bold and savory flavor that you won’t be able to get enough of.

Second, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. All you have to do is mix the spices together, rub it onto your chicken breasts, and saute in a hot pan or skillet until cooked through. In just 20 minutes or less, you will have a hot and satisfying meal ready to go.

Thirdly, this dish is versatile and customizable. If you prefer less spice heat or want to try something new altogether, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can experiment with.

Lastly, this recipe pairs well with a variety of sides such as rice, red beans and corn salad or bourbon glazed carrots. You can also use the leftover chicken as an ingredient in salads or sandwiches for your lunch the next day.

In summary, the ingredients used in this dish create a unique flavor profile for the average chicken breast while the simplicity of preparation leaves you with less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. So why not give it a try?

Ingredient List

Juicy blackened chicken served on a bed of fluffy rice

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this easy blackened chicken recipe:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of salt
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

The ingredients above create the perfect spice rub for your chicken. For best results in intensifying the flavors, use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.

The Recipe How-To

Spicy and delicious chicken with a crispy crust

To prepare the Blackened Chicken, first mix the seasoning blend. Combine 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 3/4 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (depending on how spicy you like it) in a small bowl or container.

Next, preheat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat until it’s very hot. Open windows and turn on the fan. And do wear an oven mitts or use tongs to hold the chicken pieces while blackening them.

Rub 2 teaspoons of the spice blend all over 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts that has been patted dry with paper towels. You can remove the tenderloin if there is any or keep them for another recipe. Repeat with the remaining spice blend and the chicken breasts.

Add 4 tablespoons (or more if necessary) salted butter to the skillet and swirl until it melts and bubbles but does not burn – be very careful here as melted butter can splatter when it meets the hot pan. Sear the chicken breasts in the butter for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they get a crusty surface that’s blackened but not burnt.

If you have thicker or bigger pieces, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) to finish cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Or if you have thinner/skinnier pieces then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for another minute or two until full cooked through.

Take out from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving hot.

Note: Blackened chicken recipe is best served right after it is cooked so that crispiness stays although it can be stored up to three days in an air-tight container in the fridge. Simply reheat on a pan or microwave until warmed through if necessary.

Substitutions and Variations

One bite of this blackened chicken will leave you wanting more!

Are you ready to spice things up and make this blackened chicken recipe truly your own? There are plenty of substitutions and variations available so you can make this recipe fit your taste buds perfectly.

First, let’s talk about the seasonings. While this recipe calls for a blend of oregano, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and smoked paprika, feel free to get creative with your spice rub. You can even try using a pre-made cajun or creole spice mix if you want to save time.

If you’re looking for a healthier version of this hearty protein-rich dish, try using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The dark meat will give the dish a richer flavor and texture while remaining just as easy to make.

For those who love grilled chicken, simply skip the skillet and cook the chicken on an outdoor grill. You’ll be rewarded with a lovely charred flavor that enhances the spiciness of the seasoning blend.

To serve this dish in a different way, add it to a bowl of rice or top it with an alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. If you’re feeling bold, try adding a splash of bourbon to the skillet when cooking for an extra kick.

Whatever substitutions and variations you choose to make, this blackened chicken recipe will be sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Serving and Pairing

The perfect party dish that's easy to make and sure to impress — The perfect party dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress

When it comes to serving and pairing, this blackened chicken dish is incredibly versatile. You can pair it with a wide range of sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad. I particularly enjoy serving this dish with some red rice, as it complements the smoky and spicy flavors of the chicken perfectly.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try pairing the blackened chicken with some grilled seasonal veggies. The combination of hearty protein-rich chicken and fresh and colorful vegetables makes this meal an absolute winner.

In terms of drinks, you can’t go wrong with a glass of bourbon or whiskey. The deep smoky flavors of the liquor complement the spices in the blackened chicken beautifully, making it a match made in heaven.

If you’re hosting a party, consider preparing a batch of this delicious dish beforehand and setting up a DIY taco or wrap station. Your guests can use tortillas, lettuce wraps or pita bread to make their own variation of tacos or wraps with an array of toppings like cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or other condiments to create custom-made treats.

Overall this recipe is a stunning example of taking an old-school traditional Cajun favorite and making it truly personalized and customizable, making it perfect for informal get-togethers and dinner parties alike!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Bold flavors that will have your taste buds dancing

The great thing about this blackened chicken recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for another meal. If you’re hosting a party, you can make this dish a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat it. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights as well because you can make a large batch of it and have leftovers for lunches or dinners.

To store this dish in the refrigerator, wait until the chicken has cooled down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. The chicken will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you’re planning on reheating the chicken, there are a few different ways to do it. The easiest way is to simply microwave it on high for about 1-2 minutes until hot. You can also reheat the chicken in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes or until hot throughout.

Another great option is to reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until heated through. This will give the chicken a nice crispy texture that’s perfect for sandwiches or salads.

Overall, this blackened chicken recipe is easy to make ahead of time and stores well in the refrigerator. The leftovers also reheat well, making this dish a great meal prep option for busy weeknights or lunches on-the-go.

Tips for Perfect Results

A dish that will satisfy both meat lovers and spice enthusiasts

Blackened chicken is a dish served hot, on high heat, and packed with protein-rich flavor. Here are my top tips to ensure you get the best results with this hearty and filling meal.

1. Use a cast iron skillet

A cast iron skillet is best for blackening your chicken as it can withstand high heat, which is critical for this recipe.

2. Pat the chicken dry

Make sure to pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step helps to remove any moisture from the surface of the meat, allowing for better contact with the spice rub.

3. Be generous with spices

The spice rub is what gives blackened chicken its distinct flavors; therefore, do not be stingy when adding them to your dish.

4. Heat up oil until it’s smoking

Heat oil in your skillet until it is smoking before adding the chicken. This technique helps to create that signature crust and flavor that makes blackened chicken so unique.

5. Don’t overcrowd the pan

Cook your chicken in batches if necessary, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the temperature of the pan to drop and will prevent the crust from forming.

6. Cook on high heat

Cook your blackened chicken over high heat for three to four minutes per side until it is fully cooked through but still moist inside.

7. Let it rest before serving

Allow your chicken breast to rest after cooking – covering it loosely with foil or a lid – for a few minutes, letting all the juices settle and prevent them from escaping when you slice them.

8. Customize your seasoning blend

Finally, if you’ve tried the recipe a few times and want to experiment or try something new, feel free to customize your spice blend mix by adding more or less of some ingredients or swapping in other spices like smoked cumin, mustard seeds, or even cinnamon.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make perfectly spiced and seasoned blackened chicken every time – hot off the pan and ready to delight all your senses and satisfy any taste buds!

FAQ

As we near the end of this Blackened Chicken Recipe article, I can already picture myself indulging in this hearty protein-rich dish. But before we go on to prepare this delicious meal, let’s have a look at some frequently asked questions regarding making blackened chicken.

What is blackened chicken made of?

Looking for a quick, easy and flavorful dish to serve at your next gathering? You should definitely try making Blackened Chicken! This protein-packed meal is prepared using skinless chicken breasts, dried herbs, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper, and can be whipped up in just 20 minutes. So, whether you are entertaining guests or want to rustle up a delicious dinner in no time at all, Blackened Chicken has got you covered.

What does it mean to blacken chicken?

When we talk about blackened food, we refer to dishes that have been rubbed with a unique blend of spices that transforms them into a deep brown or black color when cooked. Contrary to common belief, blackened food is not charred or burnt but rather has a deliciously smoky and spicy taste. Blackening is most commonly associated with seafood, including shrimp and various types of fish, as well as chicken and meat.

Does blackened chicken taste burnt?

Blackened chicken is a dish that involves cooking chicken at high temperatures with a blend of intensely flavorful spices. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it is not actually burnt but rather has a bold, smoky flavor that is highly sought after by food enthusiasts. This cooking process creates a crispy coating on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside.

Bottom Line

all yourself a king of flavor with this blackened chicken recipe! Not only is it a quick and easy recipe that can be done in just 20 minutes, but it’s also a protein-rich dish that will please even the most discerning guests. With the perfect blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme, this dish packs a spicy punch that will tantalize your taste buds.

And don’t let the name “blackened” scare you – this recipe is not too fiery to handle. The spices are well balanced and complement the hearty chicken perfectly. Plus, you can always adjust the amount of cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder taste.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive main course for your next gathering, this blackened chicken will do the trick. Serve it up with some red rice or alongside some delicious homemade alfredo or bourbon sauce for added pizzazz.

So whether you’re in the mood for something spicy and flavorful or looking to impress your guests with a healthy and delicious main course, this recipe should definitely be on your radar. So go ahead and embrace the heat!

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Anna

Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!

Smoky and Spicy Blackened Chicken Recipe