The blackening seasoning does add a bit of a kick, but it’s not too spicy. If you’re a fan of bold Southern dishes like this one, you may also like Cajun grilled cod, Cajun shrimp caesar salad, or low carb jambalaya.
What Is Blackened Chicken?
Blackened chicken is a popular Cajun and Creole dish. The chicken is typically coated in a spice mixture and then pan-fried or grilled. The result is juicy, spicy, and flavorful, with a slightly charred exterior or blackened crust.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this cajun chicken recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Blackened Chicken Seasoning:
This dish uses my easy blackened seasoning recipe, which includes the following ingredients, but you can use store-bought as well. (If it’s unsalted, add 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of chicken.)
Sea Salt – Using salt seasons the meat, makes it more tender, and helps it stay juicy. Paprika – You will need both sweet paprika and smoked paprika. The sweet variety tones down the heat, while the smoked one adds a subtle smokiness to the chicken. However, you could use just one or the other if you only have one of them. Dried Herbs – Dried thyme and dried oregano intensify the other flavors in this blackened chicken seasoning. Aromatics – Including onion powder and garlic powder. Hot Peppers – Both crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper add a spicy kick and flavor.
Chicken:
Chicken – Get similar sized chicken breasts so that they cook evenly. You could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as well, but cook time may vary slightly. Olive Oil – Used for sauteing. Other types of oil, such as avocado oil, will work as well, just make sure to use a heat-safe oil.
How To Make Blackened Chicken
This section shows how to cook blackened chicken, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Cool the chicken completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Meal prep: Cajun blackened chicken is great for prepping for lunches or putting in salads. Simply store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to eat it. Reheat: Warm up in the oven at 350 degrees F. The microwave also works, but can be more dry. Freeze: Wrap the chicken tightly and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What To Serve With Blackened Chicken
This meal works with so many of your favorite side dishes. Here are a few ideas: Pound chicken before seasoning with a meat mallet until it reaches an even thickness. Doing so can also lower the cook time. Never made this dish before? Not to worry — follow these tips to make the best blackened chicken ever!
Heat the oil. The olive oil should be shimmering before adding the chicken, to keep it from sticking to the skillet. Use cast iron. You can also use an oven-safe stainless steel skillet or a regular skillet, but cast iron works best because it heats up so well and evenly. Cook time in the oven might take a little longer if not using cast iron. Only flip once. For the best sear, don’t move the chicken around after placing in the pan — move only once to flip. Brine if you like. You can brine the chicken first if you want it extra juicy (see my baked chicken breast recipe for how to do it). Rinse well before drying and seasoning.
Roasted Vegetables – Roasted garlic green beans, oven roasted zucchini, herby roasted whole cauliflower, or crispy roasted brussels sprouts make delicious, healthy sides to chicken with blackened seasoning. Southern Sides – For a full southern-inspired meal, pair this chicken with fried cabbage with bacon or just simple sauteed cabbage. Potatoes – Plate this entree with traditional mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower), golden roasted potatoes, tender Instant pot baked potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes. For a lighter side that mimics potatoes, try roasted rutabaga. Noodles – Serve it over your favorite pasta, or for lighter options, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Side Salads – A grated carrot salad, fruity spring mix salad, or tangy roasted vegetable salad would pair nicely with this dish. Main Salads – Use it as a salad topping to make blackened chicken salad. This amount of chicken yields 3-4 servings of salad. Try it in chicken Caprese salad, creamy Caesar salad, or crisp green goddess salad.
More Spicy Chicken Breast Recipes
For big flavor, add some spice! Try more of these fiery chicken recipes to shake up your dinnertime routine. Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
