Fiery Blackened Chicken Recipe: Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight!

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors that pack a serious punch, and this blackened chicken recipe delivers intense spice and incredible taste.

Perfectly seasoned blackened chicken brings restaurant-quality excellence right to your kitchen table.

The signature blend of robust spices creates a mouthwatering crust that seals in tender, juicy meat.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of smoky, peppery goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Restaurant chefs would be impressed by how easily you can replicate this professional-level dish at home.

Prepare to elevate your cooking game with this seriously delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 287 kcal

Servings: 3

Spice It Up: What You Need For Blackened Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty foundation; opt for fresh, uniform-sized cuts for consistent cooking; choose organic or free-range for superior flavor and texture.

• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Vibrant spice mixture that creates a bold, zesty crust; select fresh, high-quality spices for maximum punch; mix thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.

• Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere to chicken and prevents sticking; select extra virgin for richer taste; ensures beautiful, crispy exterior during high-heat cooking.

Must-Have Tools For Blackened Chicken

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Essential for achieving that perfect blackened crust and even heat distribution.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for drying chicken to ensure seasoning sticks and promotes crispy exterior.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing and blending your spice blend.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken safely without piercing the meat.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F/74C.
• Knife: Useful for slicing chicken breasts horizontally if they're thick.

How To Sear Perfect Blackened Chicken

• Dry and Slice Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a good pat down with paper towels. If they look chunky, slice them horizontally to ensure even, speedy cooking.

• Create Spice Magic

Blend your favorite spices into a flavor-packed mix. Massage the chicken with a touch of olive oil, then generously coat each piece with the zesty seasoning blend.

• Sizzle to Perfection

Fire up a heavy cast iron skillet or robust pan over medium-high heat. Add a quick spray or light oil to prevent sticking. Cook each chicken side for about 4-5 minutes until it develops a gorgeous dark crust and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. The goal is a crispy exterior with a juicy, tender inside that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Chef-Approved Tips For Blackened Chicken

• Perfectly Crisp Chicken Technique: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum spice adherence and achieve that gorgeous dark, crispy exterior without burning.
• Healthy Protein Swap: Replace chicken breasts with turkey breast or lean pork tenderloin for an equally delicious alternative that maintains similar cooking methods and spice profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare seasoning mix in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, allowing quick weeknight meal preparation with minimal effort.
• Dietary Friendly Modifications: For gluten-free diets, double-check spice blend ingredients to ensure no hidden wheat-based additives. Keto followers can enjoy this recipe as-is, since it's naturally low-carb and high-protein.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Create a similar blackened seasoning effect for plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or thick portobello mushroom steaks by following identical seasoning and cooking techniques.

Presentation Tips For Blackened Chicken

• Zesty Salad Companion: Pair the blackened chicken with a crisp mixed green salad drizzled with a tangy citrus vinaigrette to balance the spicy, bold flavors of the meat.
• Protein-Packed Plate: Serve alongside quinoa or brown rice to create a nutritious, well-rounded meal that captures the chicken's robust seasoning and provides complete protein.
• Flavor Explosion Bowl: Build a vibrant bowl with the blackened chicken sliced over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini for a colorful and satisfying dinner option.
• Cool Contrast Topping: Top the chicken with a refreshing dollop of Greek yogurt or a light cucumber-dill sauce to provide a cooling counterpoint to the spicy, charred exterior.

Store And Plan Ahead For Blackened Chicken Meals

• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare multiple chicken breasts at once and store in airtight containers for easy weekday lunches and dinners. Portion and label each container with date and seasoning for grab-and-go convenience.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store cooked blackened chicken in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Keep chicken flat to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup. Chill within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety.
• Freezing Tactics: Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen blackened chicken stays delicious for 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain original flavor and moisture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave for 60-90 seconds, covering with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.

Sizzling Blackened Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Sizzling blackened chicken recipe brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to dinner tables nationwide. Perfectly seasoned and charred, this spicy dish delivers mouthwatering satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless or 4 thin-cut)
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) dried thyme
• 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously clean chicken breasts and eliminate excess moisture using paper towels, then horizontally slice if necessary to ensure uniform thickness.
2. Seasoning Blend: Whisk dry spices together in a compact bowl, creating an intense flavor profile.
3. Coating Process: Massage olive oil across chicken surfaces, then generously press seasoning mixture onto both sides, ensuring complete spice adherence.
4. Pan Preheating: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high temperature, lightly coating with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Searing Technique: Strategically place seasoned chicken into scorching pan, allowing each side to develop a caramelized, blackened crust for 4-5 minutes.
6. Temperature Verification: Utilize meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches precisely 165°F/74°C, guaranteeing safe and optimal doneness.
7. Resting Stage: Transfer chicken from heat and let rest momentarily, enabling natural juice redistribution for maximum tenderness and flavor preservation.

Notes

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Moisture prevents proper blackening, so use fresh paper towels to absorb all surface wetness completely.
• Slice for Even Cooking: Cut thick chicken breasts horizontally to ensure uniform thickness and faster, more consistent heat penetration.
• Achieve High Heat: Use cast iron skillet and heat to medium-high, allowing surface to become extremely hot for authentic blackened exterior.
• Temperature Check: Always use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F/74°C for safe, perfectly cooked chicken.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 287
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg