Irresistible Blackened Chicken – Quick & Flavorful Recipe

The aroma of spices fills the air, and as you take a bite of the blackened chicken, your taste buds dance with delight. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that ignites your senses and brings joy to any meal. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

Picture this: a busy weeknight where you’re trying to impress friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen. Blackened chicken saves the day with its bold flavors and quick preparation, making it the perfect hero for any occasion.

I still remember the first time I made blackened chicken for my friends. Their faces lit up with surprise and delight as they savored each bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well, but adjust based on how many you’re feeding.

• Smoked Paprika: This spice adds that distinct smoky flavor; don’t skip it!

• Garlic Powder: Essential for depth; use fresh garlic if you prefer.

• Cayenne Pepper: For those who love a kick; adjust to taste if you’re feeling mild.

• Onion Powder: Adds sweetness and rounds out the spice blend perfectly.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential for enhancing all flavors in the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps achieve that coveted crispy crust while cooking.

For the Sauce:

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens the flavors of the chicken beautifully.

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top provides freshness and color contrast.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Blackened Chicken

Prepare Your Spice Blend: In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended; this aromatic mix will elevate your chicken.

Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them evenly to about ½ inch thickness for even cooking and tenderness.

Coat with Olive Oil: Rub olive oil over each piece of chicken generously. This helps the spices adhere better while ensuring a deliciously crispy exterior when cooked.

Season Generously: Sprinkle your spice blend liberally over both sides of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy—this is where all that flavor magic happens!

Sear in a Hot Pan: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until beautifully charred and cooked through.

Add Finishing Touches: Once cooked, remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice for brightness. Garnish with chopped parsley for that restaurant-worthy finish.

With each bite of your blackened chicken masterpiece, you’ll taste the love and attention poured into this vibrant dish. Whether served atop rice or nestled in a taco shell, it’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken in a hot skillet to achieve that perfect blackened crust, then reduce heat to cook it through without burning.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spices based on your preference. Add some cayenne for extra heat or honey for sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover blackened chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.

Cooking blackened chicken always reminds me of my infamous dinner party where I accidentally used twice the amount of cayenne pepper. Everyone was sweating but loving it! Laughter filled the air as we all reached for water. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

FAQ

What is blackened chicken?

Blackened chicken is seasoned chicken cooked until charred on the outside, juicy inside.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw it completely before seasoning and cooking for best results.

What sides pair well with blackened chicken?

Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Blackened Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the bold flavors and smoky aroma of blackened chicken, a dish that transforms any meal into a culinary adventure. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a vibrant spice blend for an easy yet impressive dinner option. Whether served in tacos, alongside fresh salads, or over rice, blackened chicken is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
3. Coat the chicken with olive oil to help the spices stick and achieve a crispy crust.
4. Generously season both sides of each breast with the spice blend.
5. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice; garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 43g
• Cholesterol: 115mg