Blackened Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Servings
2
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Calories
511 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Blackened Chicken Recipe
Description
The Blackened Chicken recipe prepares a seasoning blend combining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion and garlic powders, black pepper, sea salt, and dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. The chicken is brushed liberally with melted butter to help the seasoning adhere and to promote blackening during cooking.
Cooking the chicken in a very hot cast iron skillet allows the spices and butter to char slightly, creating the characteristic blackened crust while keeping the meat moist inside. After searing one side for 3 to 5 minutes, the chicken is flipped, seasoned again, and cooked until fully done at 165°F internal temperature. Optionally, slices of jalapeño or serrano peppers can be added during cooking to impart additional heat and garnish.
This blackened chicken can be served with fresh lemon juice and garnished with herbs and chili flakes to enhance its smoky-spicy profile. It is suitable for main courses accompanied by vegetables, rice, or salad.
Any extra blackening seasoning can be stored airtight for future use. The technique works well with skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on preference. Monitoring internal temperature ensures optimal doneness without drying.
Ingredients
FOR THE BLACKENING SEASONING
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or use regular paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper powder use more for a spicier blend
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 teaspoon salt sea salt
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
FOR THE CHICKEN
- 2 chicken breast 6 ounces each, skinless (or use chicken thighs
- ¼ cup butter melted
- lemon juice from ½
FOR GARNISH: Sliced jalapenos or serrano peppers, fresh chopped parsley, spicy chili flakes
Instructions
- Mix all of the blackening spices together in a small bowl. Make sure it is blended evenly.
- Brush one side of each chicken breast (or thigh) generously with melted butter.
- Generously spoon on the blackening seasoning.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet to high heat and add the chicken, buttery-seasoned side down.
- Cook 3-5 minutes to blacken.
- Brush or drizzle on the remaining butter, then generously add more seasoning.
- Flip the chicken and cook another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. It should measure 165 degrees F. internally when measured with a meat thermometer.
- IF DESIRED: Just after you flip the chicken, add some sliced jalapeno peppers or serrano peppers to the pan for extra heat and for serving with the chicken.
- Squeeze on lemon juice. Garnish with sliced peppers, fresh chopped parsley, spicy chili flakes and serve!
Notes
- Store leftover blackening seasoning in airtight containers for repeated future use.
- Use a well-heated cast iron skillet to achieve a proper blackened crust without overcooking.
- Measure chicken internal temperature to 165°F for safe and juicy results.
- Adding fresh sliced jalapenos during cooking adds extra heat and flavor if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 511 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 511kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 50g | 100% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 206mg | 69% |
| Sodium | 1637mg | 68% |
| Potassium | 1099mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 5265IU | 105% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 61mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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