Description
Spicy blackened chicken dances with bold Cajun flavors, promising a culinary adventure that ignites taste buds. Louisiana-style seasonings create a fiery crust, delivering intense satisfaction for bold palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thin-cut breasts)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
Cooking Ingredient:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean and pat chicken breasts completely dry using fresh paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
- If chicken breasts appear thick, carefully slice them horizontally to create thinner, more uniform pieces that will cook evenly and quickly.
- Combine all dry spices in a small mixing bowl, creating a robust and aromatic seasoning blend.
- Gently massage olive oil across entire surface of chicken breasts, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Generously sprinkle and press seasoning mixture onto both sides of oiled chicken, coating thoroughly and allowing spices to adhere completely.
- Place cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, allowing surface to become extremely hot before cooking.
- Lightly coat pan with cooking spray or minimal oil to prevent potential sticking and promote smooth cooking process.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a deep, rich blackened exterior.
- Cook chicken approximately 4-5 minutes per side, monitoring color and ensuring consistent heat distribution.
- Verify chicken’s doneness by checking internal temperature reaches precisely 165°F/74°C using a reliable meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from heat and allow to rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute throughout meat before serving.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to ensure uniform thickness, promoting even cooking and preventing dry edges.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a crispy, flavorful exterior.
- Choose a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for optimal heat distribution and developing that signature dark, crusty blackened coating.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness, using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 110mg