This blackened chicken is a deliciously flavorful way to prepare chicken that takes less than 20 minutes to make! Made with just 5 ingredients and is perfectly juicy every single time.
As a family, we enjoy chicken at least three times a week.
Family favorites include peanut butter chicken or crispy baked chicken wings. Sometimes I whip out the air fryer to cook some drumsticks or chicken thighs. However, one of my go-to ways to enjoy it is blackened chicken.
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What is blackened chicken?
This recipe involves chicken breast or thighs coated with a spice mix and then seared over high heat. Just like salmon and shrimp, the spice mixture gives the chicken its characteristic look and flavor.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation and honestly, I reckon it will be part of yours too, because:
- It needs 5 ingredients. The chicken, some oil, and the seasonings!
- Ready in less than 20 minutes. No marinating time is required, so it’s a quick and easy dinner idea.
- Juicy and tender. The spice mix acts like a ‘breading’, keeping the chicken inside extra juicy and tender.
- It’s healthy and low in carbs. Packed with protein, no carbs, and very little fat, it’s a healthy dinner option.
What I love about this chicken is just versatile it is! I love using the leftovers in a tortilla, in a sandwich, or shredded and added to a buffalo dip!
Although this dish may look incredibly fancy, you actually need very few ingredients to make it. In fact, most of them can easily be found in your pantry. Here is what you’ll need:
For blackened seasoning
- Smoked paprika– For the smoky flavor.
- Cumin– Adds a lovely umami flavor.
- Salt and pepper– To taste.
- Dried thyme– Improves the texture of blackened chicken.
For the chicken
- Chicken breasts– Skinless and boneless breast fillets.
- Olive oil– Just a touch to hold all the juices inside.
How to make blackened chicken
Calling this recipe simple is being quite generous. The oven takes care of all the hard work so besides seasoning the chicken, there isn’t much to do.
Step 1- Prepare the seasoning
Start by greasing a skillet and preheat the oven. This will reduce the cooking time and make sure the oven is hot enough to cook the chicken quickly. Next, prepare the blackened chicken seasoning mix.
Step 2- season the chicken
Next, add the blackened seasoning mixture and chicken breasts into a bowl. Add the oil then rub the chicken with seasoning to coat them well.
Step 3- Broil the chicken
Now, put the seasoned chicken in the greased skillet.
Broil for 17 to 19 minutes or until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165F.
Step 4- Rest and serve
Finally, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before slicing up and serving.
- Use organic chicken breast fillets, as they are free of additives, nitrates, and preservatives.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This guarantees the chicken in being super juicy.
- Adjust the cooking time as per the thickness of the chicken breasts. If they are thinner, you’ll need less time to cook and if they are thicker, keep them for more time in the oven to cook properly.
What to serve with this dish?
We like to enjoy this chicken as the star protein source and add sides around it. Simple vegetables always work, like brussels sprouts, asparagus, and carrots.
You can also serve it with some heartier sides, like a baked potato, baked sweet potato, or even mac and cheese.
We tend to stick to salads but not the boring kind- those filled with hearty carbs and all the good ingredients.
- To Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days.
- To Freeze: Put the leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Reheating: Either microwave the chicken for 30-40 seconds or reheat in the oven until warm.
Leftover ideas
Leftover blackened chicken can be used in anything that calls for cooked chicken breasts, including quesadillas, chicken salad, or even over a pizza.
More chicken recipes to try
Blackened chicken looks burnt, because of its spice mixture, while grilled chicken has a golden, outer surface. The former also has a distinct spicy and smoky flavor. Grilled chicken, however, can be flavored in a plethora of ways.
Blackened seasoning differs from Cajun seasoning. The former is spicier and has a smoky flavor.
No, blackened chicken isn’t actually burnt (although it looks like it!). The burnt flavor and texture come when the spices sear while cooking blackened chicken.
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For the blackened seasoning
For the chicken
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Set the oven to a broil setting and grease a skillet.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the blackened seasoning mixture.
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Add the chicken breasts to a bowl and cover in the oil. Rub the seasoning over each filet until generously coated.
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Place them in the greased skillet and broil for 17-19 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
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Remove from the oven and let sit for five minutes, before slicing up.
TO FREEZE: Put the leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
TO REHEAT: Either microwave the chicken for 30-40 seconds or reheat in the oven until warm.
Serving: 1chicken breastCalories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 24gFat: 3gSodium: 714mgPotassium: 459mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 545IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
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Published at Sun, 05 Feb 2023 06:57:12 +0000
Chicken Recipes
