Blackened Chicken

Name: Blackened Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: October 12, 2025

by william castellanos

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Blackened Chicken:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Blackening Seasoning: A mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and other spices creates that signature blackened crust.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor when searing.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds zestiness that balances the rich flavors beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delicious flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Blackened Chicken:

Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet

Start by preheating a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s screaming hot—like your favorite rock concert before the band comes on stage.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken

While your skillet heats up, pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels (nobody likes soggy chicken). Rub them generously with olive oil and season both sides with blackening seasoning.

Step 3: Sear Away

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. You should hear a glorious sizzle! Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until they develop that beautiful blackened crust.

Step 4: Add Some Zing

Once both sides are nicely charred (don’t be shy!), squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken to add brightness to each bite.

Step 5: Let Them Rest

Remove from heat and let your Blackened Chicken rest for about five minutes. This allows all those juices to redistribute—nobody wants dry chicken!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice up your perfectly cooked chicken and serve it on a platter. Whether you pair it with a fresh salad or fluffy rice is entirely up to you; just remember to show off that gorgeous crust!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

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Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the chicken generously with blackening spices, then sear it in a hot cast iron skillet. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your sides or sauces for a seamless dinner experience.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Blackened Chicken by swapping out spices or adding ingredients like lime juice or honey for a sweet twist. You can even try it with different proteins like shrimp or tofu.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Blackened Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve its juiciness without drying it out.

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Cooking this dish reminds me of the first time I made it for friends—everyone was convinced I had culinary training, when really I just followed my heart (and some Google searches)!

FAQs

What is Blackened Chicken?

Blackened chicken is a flavorful dish made by seasoning chicken with a blend of spices and cooking it at high heat, typically in a cast-iron skillet. The process creates a dark, charred crust that seals in the juices, making the chicken moist and tender. The spices often include paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, which infuse the meat with rich flavor. This cooking technique originated from Cajun cuisine and has become popular for its robust taste and appealing presentation.

How do you make Blackened Chicken?

To make blackened chicken, start by marinating your chicken breasts in olive oil and your choice of spices. Common spices for blackening include paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s scorching hot. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until a dark crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method gives you that signature blackened look while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

What are some side dishes to serve with Blackened Chicken?

Blackened chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Consider serving it with creamy coleslaw for crunch or garlic mashed potatoes for comfort. Grilled vegetables or a fresh salad can also provide a light contrast to the richness of the chicken. For a more robust meal, try pairing it with rice or quinoa seasoned with herbs to enhance the overall experience.

Can I use other proteins for Blackening?

Yes, you can use other proteins aside from chicken for blackening! Fish like salmon or tilapia works exceptionally well with this technique due to their delicate texture. Shrimp is another excellent option that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Even vegetables can be blackened to create a smoky flavor profile, making this method versatile enough for various dietary preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, blackened chicken is an exciting dish full of bold flavors and textures. The process of seasoning and high-heat cooking results in deliciously charred chicken that’s both juicy and tender. You can experiment with different sides to create a complete meal suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a family dinner, blackened chicken is sure to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy this delightful recipe today!