Description
Whipping up easy Blackened Chicken takes just half an hour and delivers serious flavor to your dinner table. Grab some spices, sear that chicken in a hot skillet, and watch your weeknight meal go from boring to bold in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
Spice Blend:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fat:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet to 400°F over medium-high flame for optimal blackening.
- Combine 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Pat your 4 chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure spices stick perfectly.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken breast with the prepared spice blend, pressing seasoning firmly onto both sides.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil into the hot skillet, creating an even layer across the surface.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Cook chicken for exactly 7-8 minutes on the first side until a deep brown crust forms.
- Flip chicken and continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer chicken to a clean cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Slice chicken against the grain and serve immediately while still hot and juicy.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve that perfect crispy, blackened exterior without burning the spices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spice level, making the dish milder or more intense based on your heat preference.
- For a low-carb or keto version, this recipe naturally fits those dietary requirements without any modifications needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Pan-Seared
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg