Blackened Chicken Recipe

Blackened Chicken is a high protein, low carb dish that tastes delicious, seasoned to perfection, and cooked until charred on the outside and juicy inside. Seasoned with paprika, cayenne, onion and garlic powders, and Italian seasoning, you can make this New Orleans-style dish in less than 30 minutes. 

If you want to try other Cajun recipes, our Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe with heavy cream and parmesan cheese alfredo sauce. For more easy recipes, try our Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta with bow-tie noodles, ranch seasoning, and breasts. 

This is one of my favorite ways to make chicken. It has such a flavorful crust and juicy chicken; this Cajun cuisine may also be your family’s favorite. You can serve it in many different ways to make it your own.

With one serving, you can get more than half of your daily value of protein. If you enjoyed this recipe, try some of our other healthy recipes all made in 30 minutes or less. 

Or try this savory Air Fryer Salmon made with smoked paprika, garlic, and olive oil. Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check these delicious chicken recipes.

Ingredients needed:

These are the main ingredients for this easy chicken recipe. Scroll down to our recipe card for precise measurements and detailed instructions. 

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts 
• Italian seasoning herbs
• Spices: Paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. 
• Canola oil 

How to make blackened chicken from scratch?

1. Whisk: First, whisk the seasonings together in a shallow dish or small bowl. 
2. Season: Next, pat dry with a paper towel before coating with oil and tossing it in the seasoning. Press the blackening spice so it sticks to the side of the chicken. 
3. Sear: Then, on a hot skillet over high heat, cook on each side for about 30 seconds to sear it. 
4. Bake: Last, transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 12 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees F. 
5. Serve: Finally, place chicken on a platter and cover with foil. Let it rest for five minutes before serving. 

Recipe variations:

• Frying: You can also cook this over medium-high heat in your skillet instead of in the oven. Just make sure the internal temperature is 160 degrees F before removing from the heat.
• Instant pot: Another one of the great ways to make this dish is in your instant pot. Just cook on high pressure for 10 minutes before doing a quick release. 
• Cajun: Feel free to add whichever other Cajun spices you and your family like.
• Cheesy: Make it cheesy with a handful of mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top.

How to serve:

Serve this simple meal with your favorite fresh vegetables or try one of these serving suggestions:

• Make a blackened chicken sandwich with a brioche bun or some other type of bread.
• Serve with your favorite side dishes like our creamy macaroni salad or air fryer bacon-wrapped green beans.
• This would also be great as a blackened chicken salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a mayo dressing. 
• Top with teriyaki sauce for a different and tangy flavor. 
• Serve with a lime wedge so guests can drizzle lime juice on their meat if they want to. 

Frequently asked questions

Why do they call it blackened chicken?

Although some people think this dish is from overcooking your meat, it is actually just a dry rub that you use on your meat to give it more flavor.

The dark crust color comes from the spices and from cooking it at very high temperatures. 

What is in the blackened seasoning mix?

Most of the dry rubs used for this blackening technique include cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, salt, chili powder, and other dried herbs.

The meat is often coated in olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil first. Some recipes also call for broth, parmesan cheese, or creole seasoning. 

What is the best cut to use for blackened chicken?

The most popular way to make this easy blackened chicken is with skinless breasts or chicken tenders.

However, you can also use chicken thighs, legs, or wings. Anything you can rub blackening seasoning on will work just fine. 

How to store leftovers:

• Store: These will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for two or three days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze leftovers for up to 90 days.
• Defrost: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.  

Recipe tips:

• Make sure the internal temperature of the meat reads 160 degrees F with a meat thermometer before serving. 
• The cook time may be different depending on how thick your meat is. We used ½-pound chicken breasts for this recipe. 
• It is best to use a cast-iron skillet or a hot pan that you can use in the oven for this recipe. 
• Cooking at higher temperatures locks in the flavors for a crispy outer crust and juicy meat. 

5 from 5 votes

Print

Blackened Chicken

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Blackened Chicken is a high protein, low carb dish that tastes delicious, seasoned to perfection, and cooked until charred on the outside and juicy inside. 

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Blackened Chicken

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons canola oil divided

Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning herbs
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

2. In a large shallow dish, whisk together all the seasoning ingredients.

3. Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels and use two tablespoons of oil to coat the meat.

4. Toss well in the seasoning mixture, until well covered.

5. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot, for about 4-5 minutes.

6. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and brush it very well all over the skillet.

7. Add the chicken breasts and cook on each side to blacken, for about 30 seconds.

8. After that, transfer the pan to the oven, and cook for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160 degrees F.

9. Remove the chicken from the oven and cover with foil. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.