Here’s an easy recipe for the most delicious, flavorful, and versatile Blackened Chicken! Made with a blend of simple pantry seasonings, this chicken is effortlessly tasty and can be enjoyed with sides, in tacos, on salads, and more!.
Blackened chicken is a popular Cajun-inspired dish that is known for its crispy, spice-crusted exterior and juicy, flavorful meat With its striking black color and robust seasoning, it packs a flavor punch unlike any other chicken dish But what exactly is blackened chicken and how did it become such a beloved culinary creation?
A Brief History of Blackened Chicken
While the origins of blackened chicken are somewhat disputed, it gained widespread popularity in the 1980s thanks to Chef Paul Prudhomme of K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen in New Orleans. His blackened redfish put the cooking technique on the map, eventually leading home cooks to experiment with blackening chicken and other meats.
The blackening technique itself has roots in Cajun and Creole cooking, which aim to infuse proteins with intense, complex flavors using spices like cayenne, paprika, garlic, and thyme. The high heat and butter basting create a flavorful crust on the exterior while keeping the interior moist and juicy. This cooking method accentuates the natural flavors of the chicken.
How Blackening Works
So what makes blackened chicken “blackened” in the first place? The key is in the spice blend and searing process.
A typical blackening spice mix contains paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Some versions may also incorporate spices like cumin or chili powder. This spice blend packs some heat while also imparting earthy, aromatic flavors.
The chicken is first coated liberally in melted butter and then dredged in the spice mixture. It is then seared in a scorching hot cast iron skillet. The spices toast and blacken in the high heat forming a flavorful charred crust on the exterior of the chicken.
Continuously basting the chicken with butter as it cooks prevents it from drying out. The end result is chicken with a slightly blackened, crispy coating encasing juicy and tender meat beneath.
Key Steps for Making Blackened Chicken
Here is a simple overview of the key steps involved in making classic blackened chicken:
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To make the spice mix, mix together salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
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Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry and lightly pound to evenly thickness.
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Melt the butter: Melt butter over low heat. Clarified butter works best.
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Coat the chicken: Dip chicken in melted butter, then dredge in spice mixture, pressing to adhere.
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Sear the chicken: Heat cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add chicken and cook 3-6 minutes per side, basting with butter.
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Check doneness: Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165F.
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Let rest and serve: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfectly Blackened Chicken
Here are some handy tips for getting picture-perfect blackened chicken every time:
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Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness for quick, even cooking.
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Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking for better searing.
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Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet and get it ripping hot before adding chicken.
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Keep the burner on high the entire time to maintain heat.
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Use tongs to flip chicken rather than a fork to prevent puncturing and drying out.
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Baste continuously with butter while chicken cooks.
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Allow chicken to rest before slicing for juicier meat.
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Mix up your own Cajun seasoning for tailored spice level and flavors.
Playing with the Possibilities
There are a lot of different ways to make blackened chicken your own once you can do the basics:
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Use boneless thighs, legs, or wings for more tender, flavorful dark meat.
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Try blackened chicken tacos, sandwiches, pasta, or salad for fun entrée ideas.
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Mix in extra spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, or chipotle.
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Top with salsa, guacamole, or créme fraîche to balance the heat.
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Make sheet pan or grilled versions for easy summer dinners.
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Pair with classic Southern sides like collard greens, beans and rice, or cornbread.
So go beyond the usual poultry prep and give blackened chicken a try tonight! The crispy, spice-crusted exterior and moist, succulent meat will have your taste buds doing a happy dance in no time.
What is Blackened Seasoning?
Blackened seasoning is a flavorful spice blend with a kick! It creates a charred, “blackened” crust on meats, seafood, and vegetables when cooked in a skillet. The usual spices that go into this seasoning are paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. But for this recipe, I’m only using dried oregano and thyme. This blend of spices gives an amazing balance of heat, smokiness, and aromatic flavors.
The meat or veggies are generously coated with the seasoning blend before being seared in a hot skillet, resulting in a dark, crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. Blackened seasoning is popular in Cajun cuisine, and is known for its bold and spicy profile!.
Serving & Storage Tips
You can serve this blackened chicken with roasted vegetables, regular potatoes, or sweet potatoes, or you can use it in salads, chicken tacos, burrito bowls, and more! This is a great recipe for meal prep because the chicken can be used for so many different meals and there are so many ways to serve it.
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or stovetop and serve atop a salad or alongside your favorite side dishes.
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Blackened Chicken!
FAQ
What does it mean when chicken is blackened?
When chicken is “blackened,” it refers to a cooking technique where the chicken is coated in a blend of spices and then cooked at a high temperature, resulting in a dark, flavorful crust that resembles a black or deep brown color. It’s not the same as burning; the dark color comes from the spices charring, not from the meat itself being burnt.
What is the difference between grilled chicken and blackened chicken?
Grilled chicken is made by cooking chicken on a grill or grill pan, no matter the seasonings. Blackened chicken refers to chicken that has a spice mixture applied on the outside, which gives it a dark look. It is often grilled, but can be cooked by other methods. It’s a popular method in Cajun and Creole cooking.
What is blackened seasoning made of?
Blackened seasoning is a mix of spices that are often used in the “blackening” method of cooking. It has savory, spicy, and smoky flavors. Common ingredients include paprika (often smoked), garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
Is blackened chicken healthy?
Blackened chicken, when prepared healthily, can be a nutritious and delicious option. It’s a good source of lean protein and may not have many bad fats if you grill it instead of frying it.