Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Smoky Blackened Chicken Recipe

Smoky Blackened Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Blackened Chicken delivers a spicy punch that’ll have your taste buds dancing with Southern-style flavor. Packed with bold Cajun spices and perfectly charred edges, this dish brings serious heat to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cooking Fat:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Gather a sturdy skillet or grill pan and assemble your spice blend using 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Take 4 chicken breasts and thoroughly blot them dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear.
  3. Drizzle 3 tbsp olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts, coating each side completely.
  4. Generously massage the spice mixture into both sides of the chicken, pressing the seasonings firmly to create an even, robust coating.
  5. Position your skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to warm for exactly 5 minutes, creating an intensely hot cooking surface.
  6. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on the first side until a deep, dark crust forms.
  7. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 6-7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.
  8. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
  9. Slice the chicken against the grain and serve immediately while the blackened exterior remains crisp and flavorful.

Notes

  • Check chicken thickness before cooking to ensure even blackening and prevent dry edges.
  • Allow spices to sit on chicken for 10-15 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the most authentic blackened exterior and deep flavor development.
  • Choose mild cayenne if heat sensitivity is a concern, adjusting spice blend to personal preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Pan-Seared
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 315 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg