Blackened Chicken

This blackened chicken recipe is a versatile cajun-spiced dish that will grab you by the hook after the first bite. It brings the heat and the flavor to the table with simple ingredients that create one mouth-watering way to cook up a chicken breast.

Why this recipe works

Elevate your chicken game with a perfectly spiced blend of blackened seasoning. Blackened chicken is a solid dish to make when you’re looking for bold, delicious flavor. Cajun and cayenne pepper pack a bit of heat while onion powder, paprika, garlic salt, and black pepper add extra flavor.

What is a blackened chicken? It’s a simple dish really, with a powerhouse of flavorful spices. When a recipe is called “blackened” it doesn’t mean that the finished dish is always black or very dark. This refers to the seasonings that take on a darker color after cooking, not because it’s burnt. Check out our blackened salmon and blackened shrimp recipes for examples of some darker-colored blackened foods.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

SEASONING – Our version of blackening seasoning uses Cajun seasoning, onion powder, paprika, garlic salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper and cajun seasoning are what bring the heat to this spice blend. Omit cajun seasoning it or reduce the amount you use if you aren’t a fan of spicy foods, though we’ve found that this recipe isn’t overly spicy as-is. You can also find pre-packaged blackened seasoning at the store.

How to Make Blackened Chicken

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Place chicken breast on cutting board. Trim any fat and cut breasts to an even thickness.
3. Combine all blackened seasonings in a bowl and whisk together.
4. Season breasts on both sides.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering.
6. Place seasoned breasts into hot oil and sear on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
7. Place skillet in preheated oven and bake for 6-10 minutes. The internal temperature should be 165F.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Absolutely. Feel free to use the spice blend on top of thighs or even wings. You’ll likely need to adjust the cook time when substituting different cuts of chicken. Cook to an internal temperature of 165F on an instant read thermometer.

Store leftover blackened chicken in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve blackened chicken with a side of roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli, roasted carrots, or a dinner salad to name a few. This dish truly is versatile and can pair with so many different things. You can also serve it up over a bed of white rice, chop it into pieces and toss it into a salad, or make fajitas or tacos with it. Enjoy!

More Chicken Recipes

• Chili Lime Chicken
• Oven Fried Chicken
• Cajun Chicken Salad
• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

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