Blackened Chicken Recipe

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5 from 27 votes
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This blackened chicken recipe is a deliciously flavorful way to prepare chicken breasts that takes less than 20 minutes to make! The chicken turns out juicy and moist every time.

blackened chicken.

As a family, we enjoy chicken at least three times a week. 

Family favorites include peanut butter chicken or crispy baked chicken wings. Sometimes I whip out the air fryer to cook some drumsticks or chicken thighs. However, one of my go-to ways to enjoy it is blackened chicken. 

Table of Contents
  1. What is blackened chicken? 
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make blackened chicken 
  4. Tips to make the best blackened chicken recipe
  5. What to serve with this dish
  6. Storage instructions
  7. Recommended tools to make this recipe
  8. More easy chicken breast recipes to try
  9. Frequently asked questions
  10. Blackened Chicken Recipe (Recipe Card)

What is blackened chicken? 

Blackened chicken is a Cajun dish made by coating the chicken with a mix of spices and searing it until the spices char and blacken on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender. Like tilapia, salmon, and shrimp, the spice mixture gives the chicken its characteristic look and flavor. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

Blackened chicken is one of our favorite healthy chicken breast recipes. While we love air fried or baked chicken breast, the blackening seasoning takes it to another level!

  • It needs five ingredients. The chicken, some oil, and the seasonings! 
  • It’s ready in less than 20 minutes. No marinating time is required, so it’s a quick and easy dinner idea (along with sheet pan chicken!).
  • The chicken is juicy and tender. The spice mix acts like a ‘breading’, keeping the chicken inside extra juicy and tender.
  • It’s healthy and low in carbs. Like chicken cutlets, it’s packed with protein, no carbs, and very little fat; it’s a healthy dinner option. 

Ingredients needed

Although this dish may look incredibly fancy, you need very few ingredients to make it. Most of them can easily be found in your pantry. Here is what you’ll need:

For blackened seasoning

  • Smoked paprika– For the smoky flavor.
  • Cumin– Adds a lovely umami flavor.
  • Salt and pepper– To taste.
  • Dried thyme– Improves the texture of blackened chicken.
  • Cayenne pepper- The ultimate spicy hit. 

For the chicken

  • Chicken breasts– Boneless skinless chicken breasts. 
  • Olive oil– To season the chicken and also to cook it. Any high smoke point oil works, like avocado oil or peanut oil.

How to make blackened chicken 

Calling this recipe simple is being quite generous. The oven takes care of all the hard work, so there isn’t much to do besides seasoning the chicken.

Step 1- Prepare the seasoning

Whisk together the blackening seasoning mix together.

blackened chicken seasoning.

Step 2- season the chicken

Add the blackened seasoning mixture and chicken breasts into a bowl. Add the oil then rub the chicken with seasoning to coat them well.

chicken breasts coated in blackened seasoning.

Step 3- Broil the chicken

Now, put the seasoned chicken in the greased skillet.

Broil for 17 to 19 minutes or until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165F.

blackened chicken breast in cast iron skillet.

Step 4- Rest and serve

Finally, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before slicing up and serving. 

blackened chicken breast recipes.

Put the seasoned chicken in the greased skillet.

Broil for 17 to 19 minutes or until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165F.

Tips to make the best blackened chicken recipe

  • Season the chicken generously: Blackened chicken gets its distinct flavor from a combination of spices. Coat the chicken liberally with the spice mixture, pressing it into the meat to ensure even distribution.
  • Preheat your skillet: Allowing enough time for the skillet to heat up will result in perfectly cooked chicken…and fast! 
  • Cook at high heat: Blackened chicken should be cooked at a high heat to achieve that blackened crust. This is why we use the broil setting. 
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet. To ensure even cooking and a nice crust, avoid overcrowding the grill and consider cooking the chicken in batches if needed. 
  • Let it rest: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.
  • Cook on a grill. We prefer to broil the chicken as it is very much hands off, but grilling it also works. 

What to serve with this dish

Any side dish works well, and here are some fun ideas: 

Storage instructions

  • To Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days. 
  • To Freeze: Put the leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
  • Reheating: Either microwave the chicken for 30-40 seconds or reheat in the oven until warm. 

Leftover ideas

Leftover blackened chicken can be used in anything that calls for cooked chicken breasts, including quesadillas, chicken salad, or even over a pizza.

sliced blackened chicken.

More easy chicken breast recipes to try

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to know if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I bake blackened chicken in the oven?

Yes, you can make blackened chicken in the oven by using a baking sheet or a cast-iron skillet and baking it at 180C/350F for 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.

Is blackened food burnt? 

Blackened chicken isn’t burnt (although it looks like it!). The burnt flavor and texture come when the spices sear while cooking blackened chicken. 

blackened chicken recipe.

Blackened Chicken Recipe

5 from 27 votes
This blackened chicken recipe is a deliciously flavorful way to prepare chicken breasts that takes less than 20 minutes to make! It's made with just five ingredients and is perfectly juicy every single time. 
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 16 minutes
Total: 17 minutes

Ingredients  

For the blackened seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the chicken

  • 4 small chicken breasts 4-6 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions 

  • Set the oven to a broil setting and grease a skillet.  
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the blackened seasoning mixture. 
  • Add the chicken breasts to a bowl and cover in the oil. Rub the seasoning over each filet until generously coated. 
  • Place them in the greased skillet and broil for 17-19 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
  • Remove from the oven and let sit for five minutes, before slicing up.

Notes

TO STORE: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days.
TO FREEZE: Put the leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
TO REHEAT: Either microwave the chicken for 30-40 seconds or reheat in the oven until warm. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken breastCalories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 24gFat: 3gSodium: 714mgPotassium: 459mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 545IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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  1. 5 stars
    My new favorite way to prepare chicken! I love how this blackened chicken is great on it’s own or added into salads or other dishes. Such great seasoning too!