Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Blackened Chicken recipe delivers bold, smoky flavors with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, it’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 lb. each)
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning herbs
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons canola oil (divided)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and coat both sides with 2 tablespoons of canola oil.
- Step 4: Toss the chicken on both sides in the seasoning mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Step 5: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot and smoking, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and brush it across the skillet surface.
- Step 6: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, allowing the seasoning to blacken.
- Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Step 8: Remove the chicken from the oven, transfer to a platter, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and ensure your skillet is very hot before searing.
- Swap canola oil for avocado oil for a higher smoke point and mild flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
- Try serving over rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover blackened chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out. This chicken can also be sliced and added cold to salads or sandwiches.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken breasts can be used, but they will require a longer cooking time and may need to be cooked covered to ensure they cook through without burning the seasoning.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to make the seasoning milder while still keeping great flavor from the other spices.
PrintEasy Blackened Chicken Recipe
Easy Blackened Chicken is a flavorful and quick recipe featuring boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a smoky and spicy seasoning blend. The chicken is seared in a hot cast-iron skillet to achieve a characteristic blackened crust, then finished in the oven for tender, juicy results. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple pantry spices with a straightforward cooking method to deliver maximum flavor in minimal time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 lb. each)
Seasoning Mix
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning herbs
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Oil
- 3 tablespoons canola oil (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot and ready to finish cooking the chicken after searing.
- Mix seasonings: In a shallow dish, whisk together all the seasonings—smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper—until well combined to create a bold, flavorful rub.
- Season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Coat them evenly on both sides with two tablespoons of canola oil. Then, toss each piece in the seasoning mixture, pressing gently with your fingers so the spices adhere completely for an even blackened crust.
- Heat a skillet: Place a large cast-iron skillet over high heat and let it get smoking hot, about 5 minutes. Add one tablespoon of canola oil and use a brush or spatula to evenly coat the skillet surface to prevent sticking and help develop the blackened sear.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side to achieve the signature blackened crust. Immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven to finish cooking the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the meat is no longer pink inside.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken breasts to a platter. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm for a deliciously smoky, tender meal.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best results to achieve a perfect blackened crust.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for less heat.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures juicier meat.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Keywords: Blackened chicken, spicy chicken breast, cast iron skillet chicken, easy dinner, smoky chicken recipe
