Blackened Cajun Spiced Chicken (Printable)

Juicy chicken breasts coated in smoky Cajun spices, seared hot for a dark crispy crust. Bold flavors ready in 25 minutes.

# 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
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 completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adhesion and crust formation.
02 - Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
03 - Brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil or melted butter, then generously rub the spice mixture over the surface, pressing firmly to ensure the seasoning adheres properly.
04 - Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to become very hot, approximately 3 minutes. The pan must be properly preheated to achieve the characteristic blackened crust.
05 - Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a dark, charred crust forms on the first side.
06 - Flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.
07 - Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get that impressive restaurant style blackened crust without any fancy techniques or hard to find ingredients
  • The spice blend keeps in your pantry making this an emergency dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it
  • Its naturally gluten free and low carb but nobody will ever guess theyre eating something healthy
02 -
  • Getting your pan properly hot is non negotiable because that intense heat is what creates the signature crust
  • Do not overcrowd the pan or move the chicken around while it sears or you will end up with gray spotty chicken instead
  • The spices will look very dark almost burned but that gorgeous dark crust is exactly what you want
03 -
  • Mix a double or triple batch of the spice blend and store it in an airtight container for future recipes
  • Use butter instead of oil for the last 30 seconds of cooking and baste the chicken for extra richness and flavor

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