Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Easy Blackened Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines smoky spices with a perfectly cooked juicy chicken breast. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple way to add zest to your weeknight dinners.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Coat both sides with 2 tablespoons of canola oil, then press the seasoning mixture onto both sides to adhere well.
4. Step 4: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and brush it evenly over the skillet surface.
5. Step 5: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds per side to blacken the seasoning.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a platter. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a side of creamy ranch dressing to balance the spices.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, adjusting the oven time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover blackened chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other oils instead of canola oil?

Yes, oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil work well for blackening the chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F. The chicken should also be firm and no longer pink in the center.

Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Blackened Chicken recipe features juicy, flavorful boneless chicken breasts coated with a bold blend of smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, and herbs. Pan-seared in a hot cast-iron skillet to achieve a delicious blackened crust and finished in the oven, this dish is perfect for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 lb. each)

Seasoning Mix:

• 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

Oil:

• 3 tablespoons canola oil (divided)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for finishing the chicken after searing.
2. Mix seasonings: In a shallow dish, whisk together smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to create the blackening spice mix.
3. Season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides evenly with 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Then coat both sides generously with the seasoning mixture, pressing lightly with your fingers to help it adhere.
4. Heat skillet: Place a large cast-iron skillet on high heat and allow it to get smoking hot, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil and spread it over the skillet surface.
5. Sear chicken: Carefully add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook each side for about 30 seconds to develop the blackened crust.
6. Finish in oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, no longer pink inside, and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
7. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a platter, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to retain juiciness.

Notes

• Using a cast-iron skillet is essential for achieving the authentic blackened crust due to its ability to retain high heat.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the recipe’s spiciness to your preference.
• Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps lock in the juices for tender slices.
• Ensure chicken reaches 160°F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
• You can serve this chicken with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or over rice for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: blackened chicken, easy chicken recipe, smoked paprika chicken, oven-finished chicken, cast iron skillet chicken, spicy chicken breast