Cajun Blackened Chicken – Spicy, Smoky Crust with a Juicy Inside

Cajun Blackened Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that packs a punch with its spicy, smoky crust and juicy interior. Hailing from Louisiana’s rich culinary tradition, this dish is all about the perfect balance of heat and seasoning. Cooked in a searing hot pan, the blackened spice blend creates a tantalizing crust that locks in all the juices. Serve it with rice, on a salad, or in a sandwich, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Number of Servings: 4
• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 20g
• Dietary Preferences: Gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly

Ingredients List

For the Blackened Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for coating the chicken)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)

Optional for Serving:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Mixed green salad
• Lemon wedges

Detailed Method of Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Blackened Seasoning

1. In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a crispy crust.
2. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
3. Generously coat the chicken with the blackened seasoning, pressing it into the surface to create an even layer of spices.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is smoking hot. (A cast-iron skillet is ideal for creating the signature blackened crust.)
2. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt. Carefully lay the chicken pieces into the hot pan.
3. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving it. This allows the spices to sear and form a flavorful crust.
4. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for perfectly cooked chicken.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Heat is key: The skillet needs to be very hot before adding the chicken to achieve the classic blackened crust.
• Spice level adjustment: If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or omit it entirely. For extra spice, increase the cayenne or add chili flakes.
• Butter vs. oil: Butter adds richness to the flavor, but olive oil works well for a lighter option or to prevent smoking in a very hot pan.
• Resting the chicken: Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain the juices.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Rice and Veggies: Serve the Cajun Blackened Chicken over fluffy white or brown rice, accompanied by roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
2. In a Salad: Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette or ranch dressing.
3. In a Wrap or Sandwich: Use the blackened chicken as the star protein in a sandwich or wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and a smear of spicy mayo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes chicken “blackened”?
Blackening is a cooking technique that involves coating the protein in a spice blend and searing it in a hot pan. The spices caramelize and create a dark, flavorful crust while locking in the juiciness of the meat.

2. Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). However, you won’t get the signature blackened crust without the high heat of a skillet.

3. Is this dish very spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the amount of cayenne pepper used. You can adjust it to suit your heat tolerance.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well with this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

5. What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
You can use a stainless steel skillet instead, but avoid nonstick pans as they don’t handle high heat well and may prevent proper searing.

Cajun Blackened Chicken is a quick and easy way to bring bold, smoky, and spicy flavors to your dinner table. Its crispy crust and juicy interior make it versatile enough for any meal—whether you’re serving it with rice, tossing it in a salad, or building a sandwich. With this recipe, you’ll turn your kitchen into a Louisiana-inspired bistro in no time. Try it tonight and savor every spicy bite!