Ultimate Cajun Blackened Chicken Recipe

Cajun Blackened Chicken is the perfect blend of bold spices and smoky flavors, making it an irresistible dish that’s both juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Inspired by the flavors of Louisiana, this dish is quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or just looking for a spicy and satisfying dinner, this recipe is a must-try! The best part? You can whip it up in less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The homemade Cajun spice blend brings bold and zesty flavors that are sure to excite your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• Healthy: Low in carbs, high in protein—this dish is perfect for meal prep or a high-protein dinner.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat level by tweaking the amount of cayenne pepper or adding your favorite ingredients.
• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with salads, rice, vegetables, or even pasta.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cajun Spice Blend

The secret to Cajun Blackened Chicken lies in the seasoning. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Give it a good mix so the spices are evenly distributed. This spice blend is what brings the dish its signature bold and smoky flavor.

2. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Brush both sides with olive oil or melted butter—this helps the spices stick and adds to the overall richness. Generously coat each piece of chicken with the Cajun spice blend, pressing the seasoning into the meat to ensure it’s fully covered.

3. Preheat the Cast-Iron Skillet

Next, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Let it get nice and hot—about 5 minutes. Cast-iron is perfect for this recipe because it holds heat evenly and helps create that signature blackened crust. If you don’t have cast-iron, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work, but cast-iron really gives that crispy, blackened edge.

4. Cook the Chicken

Once the skillet is heated, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan. Let them cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are blackened on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You want to get a nice char without burning the spices. If you’re worried about burning, lower the heat slightly, but the key is to let the skillet do its job. The chicken should be juicy and tender on the inside with a crispy, flavorful crust on the outside.

5. Rest and Slice

Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result. After resting, slice the chicken against the grain to keep it nice and tender.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Cajun Blackened Chicken with a wedge of lemon on the side for a fresh burst of flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or even in a wrap or sandwich. The possibilities are endless, and the flavors are guaranteed to impress.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many great ways to enjoy Cajun Blackened Chicken. Here are a few ideas:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
• With Vegetables: Roasted veggies, like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, complement the smoky flavors perfectly.
• In a Salad: Slice the chicken and add it to a salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing.
• With Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier meal, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable.

Tips and Tricks

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For more heat, feel free to add extra or include a pinch of chili powder.
• Marinate the Chicken: For even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This step isn’t necessary, but it’ll enhance the flavor even further.
• Grilling Option: If you’re in the mood for some smoky grilled flavor, throw the seasoned chicken on the grill instead of pan-searing. Just make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side.
• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme and oregano work great, using fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more. Feel free to experiment with fresh thyme or oregano if you have it on hand.

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Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat your Cajun Blackened Chicken:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
• Freezing: If you want to keep it for longer, freeze the cooked chicken breasts. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up in a skillet.
• Meal Prep: Cajun Blackened Chicken is perfect for meal prep! Slice it up and store it in containers with your favorite sides for a quick and easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.

FAQs

• What’s the best way to get a good sear?
  The key to a perfect sear is to ensure the pan is hot enough. A cast-iron skillet works best, but if you don’t have one, any heavy pan will work. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and give the chicken space to cook evenly.
• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are fantastic in this recipe. They stay juicy and tender, and they take on the blackened seasoning beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the thighs.
• Can I bake the chicken instead?
  Absolutely! You can bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While the oven method won’t give you the same blackened crust, it’s a great alternative if you prefer not to pan-sear.
• How can I make this dish spicier?
  If you love heat, try adding extra cayenne pepper to the spice mix. You can also drizzle the chicken with hot sauce before serving for an extra kick!

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 280 per serving (1 chicken breast)
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Conclusion

Cajun Blackened Chicken is one of those recipes that delivers on every front: it’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, this dish is versatile enough to pair with any side, and it packs enough bold flavors to stand on its own. You’ll love how the combination of spices creates a deliciously crispy crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside. This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!