If you love bold, flavorful dishes that come together quickly, this Simple Blackened Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight hero. The magic lies in a perfect blend of spices that create a deeply smoky, slightly spicy crust on tender chicken breasts, all cooked in just 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re aiming for a quick dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe hits the spot every time with its irresistible aroma and satisfyingly crispy edge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role—from the smoky paprika base in the seasoning to the richness of the butter and olive oil that help form that gorgeous blackened crust.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using chicken breasts cut into thinner pieces ensures quick, even cooking and a juicy interior.
- Blackened seasoning: This spice blend brings that authentic smoky, spicy kick—choose a high-quality store-bought mix or make your own for more control over flavor intensity.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the spices develop that irresistible char in the pan.
- Olive oil: Boosts the smoking point for cooking and contributes a subtle fruitiness to balance the spices.
How to Make Simple Blackened Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Cutlets
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner, more manageable cutlets. This step makes sure each piece cooks quickly and evenly. Pat each cutlet dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better and promotes that perfect sear.
Step 2: Coat Generously with Blackened Seasoning
Next, rub the blackened seasoning all over each chicken cutlet. Don’t be shy here; a thorough coating ensures every bite has that intense flavor burst you’re craving. The combination of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other spices will start to awaken your senses.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. When the pan is hot, place the chicken cutlets in the pan without crowding them. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until a deep, dark crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. That crust locks in juices and delivers a crispy, smoky finish you’ll adore.
Step 4: Let the Chicken Rest
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for 4 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial—it lets the juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist and tender rather than dry and tough.
How to Serve Simple Blackened Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lime wedges on the side can add a beautiful pop of color and a fresh contrast to the smoky, spicy flavors of the blackened chicken. A dollop of creamy ranch or a drizzle of tangy yogurt sauce also complements it perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple slaw to balance the bold seasoning with some refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, slice the blackened chicken and layer it over a bed of mixed greens or into a tortilla for a spicy wrap. Fancy it up by serving alongside a vibrant corn salsa or stuffing it into pita pockets with cool cucumber and tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover blackened chicken holds up remarkably well in the fridge—just transfer it to an airtight container and it will stay flavorful for up to 3 days. The blackened crust may soften a bit but will still taste delicious when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the fully cooked cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep that signature crust, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a small knob of butter if needed. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery and dull the spice crust.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving since they stay juicy and tender. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the right temperature.
Do I need to make my own blackened seasoning?
You can use a store-bought blend for convenience, but making your own allows you to customize spice levels and flavors. A mix of paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper is a great start.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on your seasoning choice. Traditional blackened seasoning has a moderate kick, but you can reduce cayenne pepper or increase it to suit your tolerance.
What if I don’t have a skillet suitable for high heat?
If you don’t have a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, use the heaviest pan available. The key is getting the pan hot enough to form that blackened crust without steaming the chicken.
Can I cook this on a grill?
Yes, grilling adds wonderful smoky flavor. Just be mindful that blackened seasoning can burn quickly on direct flame, so using medium heat or indirect grilling is best.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about mastering a Simple Blackened Chicken Recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe brings together the perfect blend of spices and cooking technique to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your newest go-to dinner!
Print
Simple Blackened Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Blackened Chicken recipe delivers a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner option featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a spicy blackened seasoning and seared to perfection in a skillet. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that packs a punch of bold flavor with a crispy crust.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning and Cooking Fats
- 3–4 tablespoons blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner cutlets. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season the chicken: Generously coat each piece of chicken with the blackened seasoning, ensuring all sides are covered for maximum flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter along with the olive oil. Once the pan is hot and the fats are melted, place the chicken cutlets in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and a dark, crispy crust forms.
- Rest before serving: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for 4-5 minutes. This helps retain juices and enhances tenderness before slicing or serving.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry ensures the seasoning sticks better and promotes a crispier crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach 165°F internally.
- If you don’t have blackened seasoning, a mix of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper works well.
- Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial to keep it juicy.
- This dish pairs well with salads, rice, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
