Cajun Blackened Chicken
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
164 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Cajun
Cajun Blackened Chicken
Description
Cajun Blackened Chicken is prepared by seasoning chicken breasts liberally with a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, dried herbs, and spices. The blackening seasoning mixture creates a well-rounded spicy and herbal crust when cooked. Cooking the chicken in a hot skillet over medium heat with olive oil allows the seasoning to form a flavorful blackened layer while cooking the chicken breasts through.
The recipe advises cooking the chicken breasts covered for about seven to eight minutes per side until done, then resting them to preserve juiciness. The dish pairs well with various sides and can be adjusted for spice by modifying the cayenne pepper amount in the seasoning.
The notes emphasize that cast iron skillets work best for blackening due to even heat distribution. Different cooking fats like butter or avocado oil can be substituted depending on preference. Making the seasoning from scratch allows control over salt and spice levels, but store-bought Cajun seasoning can be used with caution regarding added salt. For thick chicken breasts, slicing horizontally into thinner pieces ensures even cooking.
Ingredients
Blackened Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/4 teaspoon basil dried
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Chicken
- 4 chicken breast boneless, skinless, halves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the first 9 ingredients.
- Spray both sides of the chicken breasts with cooking spray.
- Then sprinkle the seasoning over both sides of each chicken breast.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.
- Cover and cook the chicken breasts for approximately seven to eight minutes on each side.
- After the chicken has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Notes
- For best results, cook the chicken in a cast iron skillet to evenly blacken and sear the seasoning.
- You may substitute olive oil with butter or high-heat oils like avocado oil according to preference.
- Making your own Cajun seasoning offers better control over salt and heat than pre-made blends.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount in the seasoning to make the chicken more or less spicy to your liking.
- Slice thick chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces that cook more evenly and quickly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 164 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 164kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 277mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 429mg | 9% |
| Vitamin A | 330IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1.3mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 10mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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