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Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe

4.4 from 52 reviews

This Easy Blackened Chicken recipe features succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated with a flavorful blend of smoky paprika, cumin, cayenne, and herbs, quickly seared in a hot cast-iron skillet and finished in the oven for a perfectly cooked, juicy meal in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 lb. each)

Seasoning Mix

  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning herbs
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Oil

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for finishing the chicken after searing.
  2. Mix Seasonings: In a shallow dish, whisk together smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
  3. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Coat both sides evenly with two tablespoons of canola oil, then toss them in the seasoning mixture, pressing gently with your fingers to ensure the spices adhere well to the chicken.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Place a large cast-iron skillet over high heat and let it get smoking hot, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining one tablespoon of canola oil and brush it evenly over the skillet’s surface.
  5. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook each side for approximately 30 seconds, until they develop a dark, blackened crust.
  6. Finish in the Oven: Transfer the skillet with seared chicken directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Verify the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, transfer the chicken breasts to a platter, and cover loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes to retain juices before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Using a cast-iron skillet is essential for a good sear and to achieve the classic blackened crust.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
  • Serve with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: blackened chicken, spicy chicken, skillet chicken, quick chicken recipe, paprika chicken, easy dinner