Description
Sizzling blackened chicken brings bold Cajun spices right to your dinner table with maximum flavor and minimal effort. Peppered with a zesty blend of herbs and seasonings, this quick protein packs serious punch for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cooking Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a small mixing bowl.
- Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels to ensure seasoning sticks perfectly.
- Brush each chicken cutlet with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ensuring complete surface coverage.
- Generously sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over both sides of each chicken cutlet, pressing gently to help seasoning adhere.
- Warm a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until surface is extremely hot.
- Drizzle an additional teaspoon of olive oil into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a dark, crispy crust.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, creating a robust charred exterior.
- Flip chicken and cook an additional 4-5 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a clean plate for 4-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
- Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite accompaniments like rice, salad, or wrapped in warm tortillas.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best crust and even heat distribution when blackening chicken.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spice level, making the recipe mild or extra hot.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the spice blend stick and create a perfect dark crust.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and allow internal temperature to stabilize.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Pan-Seared
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 213 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 581 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg