Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Easy Blackened Chicken is a flavorful and quick dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With a bold seasoning blend and a quick sear, this chicken is cooked to juicy perfection in under 30 minutes.

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 smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, dried 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 both sides into the seasoning mixture until well coated.
4. Step 4: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and brush it evenly over the skillet.
5. Step 5: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 30 seconds on each side to blacken the surface.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven, transfer to a platter, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika as specified, or substitute with regular paprika if needed.
• If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a heavy oven-safe pan will work in a pinch.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder dish.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftover blackened chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but cooking times will be longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety, and you might want to sear a bit longer before baking.

How can I tell when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

Cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear and the meat should be no longer pink inside. However, using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method.

Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

This Easy Blackened Chicken recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, smoky chicken breasts with a spicy crust and juicy interior, achieved through a quick sear on the stovetop followed by oven roasting. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop and Oven Roasting
• Cuisine: American

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)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for finishing the chicken after searing.
2. Mix Seasonings: In a shallow dish, thoroughly 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 blend.
3. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Coat both sides of each chicken breast with two tablespoons of canola oil, then dredge the chicken in the seasoning mixture, pressing firmly so the spices adhere evenly.
4. Heat Skillet: Place a large cast-iron skillet over high heat and let it become smoking hot, about 5 minutes. Add one tablespoon of canola oil to the skillet and brush it around to coat the surface evenly.
5. Sear Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 30 seconds on each side until blackened and crusty.
6. Roast in Oven: Transfer the skillet with chicken breasts into the preheated oven. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 160°F and no pink remaining in the center.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the chicken breasts to a platter, cover loosely with foil, and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Using a cast-iron skillet is recommended for best heat retention and achieving the characteristic blackened crust.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to your preferred spice level if you desire less heat.
• Make sure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
• Resting the chicken after cooking is essential to keep it tender and flavorful.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: blackened chicken, spicy chicken breasts, stovetop chicken, oven roasted chicken, smoked paprika chicken, easy chicken dinner