Blackened Cajun Spice Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken with a dark, spicy crust from smoky paprika and Cajun seasonings seared in a hot skillet.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Spice Blend
02 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
08 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ For Cooking
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence.
02 - In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
03 - Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter on both sides, then rub the spice mixture generously over each piece, pressing firmly to adhere.
04 - Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, approximately 3 minutes.
05 - Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until a dark, charred crust forms on the bottom.
06 - Flip the chicken and cook another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
07 - Remove from the skillet and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing. Serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spice blend creates a restaurant quality crust that tastes like you spent all day on it
- Its incredibly forgiving and comes out perfectly juicy every single time
02 -
- A properly hot pan is non negotiable for that signature blackened crust
- Dont be alarmed by the dark spots, that is where all the flavor lives
03 -
- Pound the chicken to even thickness before seasoning for guaranteed juicy results
- Let the chicken come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking