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Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot and ready to finish cooking the chicken after searing.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/easy-blackened-chicken-recipe/