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Boldly seasoned and quickly pan-seared, this flavorful Blackened Chicken recipe results in juicy, tender chicken ready in less than 15 minutes.
Looking for more flavorful 15-minute dinner recipes? Don't miss my recipes for Shrimp Stir Fry, Buffalo Chicken Tacos, and Chicken Bites.
Kristen's Keys for Blackened Chicken (Start Here)
Before grabbing your skillet, pay attention to these tips for even cooking and flavorful chicken.
- Slice and pound the chicken into even cutlets. Even thickness means even, quick cooking and prevents the blackened seasoning from burning before the chicken is cooked through.
- Use both butter and oil in the skillet. Butter brings flavor, oil raises the smoke point, which prevents the butter from burning and turning bitter.
- A heavy-duty stainless steel or cast iron skillet is best. Either can withstand the high heat needed to blacken the chicken.
- Don't let the color scare you. That deep, dark brown crust comes from a generous coating of Cajun seasoning hitting a hot skillet. The spices toast and form a flavorful crust that adds texture and seals in moisture. It's bold and intentional, not burnt.
How to Make Blackened Chicken
If this process feels familiar, that is because it is! I took inspiration from one of my family's favorite recipes for Blackened Mahi Mahi and swapped out the fish for chicken and the results are spectacular (and just as easy).
Step One: Prepare Chicken
Start with chicken cutlets or prepare them yourselves by slicing a chicken breast horizontally into two even pieces. Place the slices between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound gently to ensure each cutlet is even in size.
Once the cutlets are an even thickness, generously season them with the Cajun spice blend and use your hands to press it into the chicken so it sticks and coats every bite.
Step Two: Blacken Chicken
Heat the oil and butter in a large cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add in the seasoned chicken and cook undistributed for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, flip and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is 165℉ (74℃).
Serving Suggestions
Blackened Chicken is an entree that pairs beautifully with a side of creamy grits, parsnip puree, parsley potatoes or roasted fingerling potatoes. However, blackened chicken is good for more than just a standalone entree.
- Add to Pasta: After blackening the chicken, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to any creamy pasta, like Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo or Light Fettuccine Noodles right before serving.
- Add to a Salad: After cooking the blackened chicken, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to your favorite salad. I love serving over a Caesar salad or tossed Greek salad.
- Make a Cajun Chicken Sandwich: Serve the blackened chicken on a bun or homemade biscuit topped with coleslaw and bang bang sauce for a delicious chicken sandwich.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Looking for more quick-cooking chicken recipes perfect for wholesome family weeknight dinners? Browse following recipes:
Blackened Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, or canola oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Set aside to season chicken.
- If you're not using pre-cut cutlets, slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Working one piece at a time, place the chicken between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or heavy skillet until it's about ¼-inch thick.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, then use your hands ro rub the seasoning mixture into the chicken.
- Heat large cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Once heated, add in the olive oil and let heat for 1 minute. Add the butter to the heated oil and let let melt.
- Once melted. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook, undisturbed, for 3 minutes, or until deep, golden brown. Gently flip the chicken over and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Continue to cook, undisturbed for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thanks for the great, simple recipe! It was delicious.
I am thrilled to hear you enjoyed, Andrea! Thanks for sharing.