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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for finishing the chicken after searing.
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.
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.
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.
Sear chicken: Carefully add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook each side for about 30 seconds to develop the blackened crust.
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.
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