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Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe

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.

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

  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