Blackened Chicken Recipe (2024)

Real Good Blackened Chicken Recipe - Delicious juicy pieces of chicken seared hot in a skillet with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, salt and cayenne pepper.

Blackened chicken is a super easy and tasty dinner or lunch recipe and makes great leftovers. The best part about this recipe? It cooks up in under 20 minutes!

After having a blackened chicken burrito at our local Mexican restaurant, I knew I had to add this recipe to my blog. It is so good and versatile! You can serve blackened chicken so many different ways.

My favorite way to serve this chicken is chopped up and rolled into a burrito with black beans, rice, sour cream and guacamole! You can also serve blackened chicken over alfredo pasta, a salad, on tacos or on its own with your favorite side dishes.

This recipe will serve about 4 people. If you are cooking for a larger crowd, simply double the recipe. This recipe is great when serving a crowd because it is so easy to make!

What is blackened chicken made of?

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work great in this recipe.

Blackened Seasonings: Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper.

Oil: You can use avocado, olive, canola or vegetable oil. You will use the oil to sear the chicken and to prevent the chicken from sticking to your skillet.

How to make Blackened Seasoning:

Blackened seasoning has a slightly smokey and spicy flavor that is absolutely delicious! To make the seasoning combine paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, cumin and cayenne pepper. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken until fully coated. Then, it's ready to cook!

Does blackened chicken taste burnt?

Blackened chicken does not mean burnt chicken nor does it taste burnt. Actually, it's extremely delicious!! Cooking the chicken over high heat with lots of seasonings gives the chicken a really nice dark crust. That crust gives the chicken tons of flavor and is melt in your mouth delicious.

How to make Blackened Chicken:

In a small bowl, combine blackened seasoning. Rub seasoning all over the chicken generously.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is nice and hot, carefully add chicken.

Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is blackened(not burnt, see photo). Flip chicken over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until blackened. The chicken should be cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.

When done, remove chicken from skillet. Serve blackened chicken with your favorite side dishes or chop up and serve in a burrito or tacos!

Recipe notes:

*Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

*You can also use a cast iron skillet.

Tools to have on hand for this recipe:

• Nonstick Skillet–To cook the chicken in. You can also use a cast iron skillet or cook on your grill.
• Mixing Bowl–For mixing the blackened chicken seasoning.
• Spatula–To flip chicken over while cooking. You can also use tongs if thats easier for you.
• Measuring Cups + Spoons –To properly measure all of your ingredients.

More Chicken Breasts / Chicken Thighs recipes:

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers - The most delicious marinated teriyaki chicken grilled to perfection and finished with a delicious teriyaki sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions over steamed rice.

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs - Seasoned chicken thighs wrapped in thick cut bacon, basted in a sweet sauce and then grilled to crisp perfection.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken - Super tender and juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked low and slow in a delicious balsamic sauce.

Pesto Chicken Parmesan - Delicious crispy parmesan chicken with pesto sauce, melty mozzarella cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. This easy pesto chicken dinner recipe is cooked on the stovetop and is done in under 30 minutes!

Side dishes to serve with chicken:

Broccoli Orzo - Easy orzo recipe tossed with broccoli, sauteed onions, garlic and parmesan cheese. Broccoli orzo has become one of my favorite easy dinner side dish recipes.

Roasted Rosemary Garlic Potatoes - Fresh rosemary and garlic baked red potatoes with a light golden crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

Simple Mac and Cheese - Super easy and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe. Making a delicious mac and cheese at home from scratch has never been easier! This is the perfect side dish recipe and also a fun kid friendly meal!

Baked Potato Wedges - Seasoned potato wedges baked to golden perfection are the perfect appetizer or side dish. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!

Balsamic Glazed Baked Asparagus - Delicious and easy oven baked asparagus finished with a mouthwatering balsamic glaze.