This one-skillet Easy Blackened Chicken is just the ticket for those who like their chicken flavorful yet tender and juicy. This Cajun recipe is simple enough for the novice chef and is ready in about 20 minutes. I love to serve it with Bacon Asparagus Cajun Pasta and Cauliflower Au Gratin.
I have always believed that I can never have too many good chicken recipes. Chicken is easy on the budget, cooks up fast, and is so versatile. This dish takes less than 20 minutes and it gives you delectable juicy flavorful chicken breasts. Because of its ease and short cooking time, this is the perfect chicken recipe for busy families. Make it a super quick and simple meal and serve it with buttered angel hair pasta and a garden salad.
How do you make Blackened Chicken?
First, mix all your blackening spices together in a bowl or shake them up in a sandwich bag. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Then brush your chicken with a little vegetable oil or canola oil. Alternatively, you can spray it with cooking spray. Now sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with the spices. Use your hands to evenly spread the seasonings over the chicken.
Now heat a little bit of canola oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat until it is smoking. Cook until the chicken is golden brown (almost black) on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and cover with a loose aluminum foil tent and let rest for 10 minutes.
How do you make Blackened Seasoning?
It really is amazingly simple and odds are pretty good that you already have these spices in your pantry. Simply grab a small bowl or better yet a sealable sandwich bag and mix the spices together. These quantities are enough for this recipe but feel free to double, triple or quadruple this recipe for future use. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (this is the hot one so you can tame it back if need be)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Recipe notes and helpful tips for blackened chicken
- Use a Ziploc sandwich bag to mix your spices. You can shake it to combine the spices and throw away the bag when you are done. Happiness equals no extra bowl and spoon to wash.
- These days chicken breasts are just huge so slice them in half lengthwise. They will still be a healthy portion and they cook more evenly.
- Let the chicken breasts come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the pan just until the oil begins to smoke. Add the chicken and sear in those juices and spices. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and browned.
- After cooking cover the chicken loosely with an aluminum foil tent and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
Other chicken recipes to try!
PrintEasy Blackened Chicken Recipe
This Cajun style blackened chicken recipe brings juicy flavorful tender chicken breasts to your table in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: main meal chicken
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (this is the hot one, so you can tame it back if need be)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
Instructions
- Combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, and salt in a Ziploc bag. Shake to combine.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush chicken breasts lightly on both sides with oil or spray with baking spray. Use your hands to spread the seasonings evenly over the chicken.
- Heat one tablespoon of canola oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it is smoking. Cook chicken until it is golden brown (almost black) on both sides and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet. Cover with a loose aluminum foil tent; let rest for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Use a Ziploc sandwich bag to mix your spices. You can shake it to combine the spices and throw away the bag when you are done. Happiness equals no extra bowl and spoon to wash.
- These days chicken breasts are just huge so slice them in half lengthwise. They will still be a healthy portion and they cook more evenly.
- Let the chicken breasts come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the pan just until the oil begins to smoke. Add the chicken and sear in those juices and spices. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and browned.
- After cooking cover the chicken loosely with an aluminum foil tent and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
Keywords: one skillet blackened chicken, chicken breast recipes, how to make blackened chicken, chicken recipes, blackened chicken, what is blackened chicken, blackened chicken breast, one skillet chicken recipes
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subha
this recipe is so good but is there an oven bake option with this recipe? If so, what oven setting is best?
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Dana
I’ve used this Cajun spice recipe on salmon, shrimp, and chicken. It’s a favorite that I’ve shared over and over. I make a triple batch so I always have it on hand!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
That is awesome! We love it too!
Staci
The only negative i can say is that i had to scroll wayyyyy down to find where i could comment!😂 this is BY FAR THE BEST chicken for a variety of dishes! I made it first for salad and then it was so good we made it as a topper to some spinach Alfredo for my vegitarian kid and it was super amazing for that too! My go to recipe for some good chicken!!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Staci! So glad that you liked the chicken! I love it too!
Tony
Tried this tonight and it was great! I usually fry chicken, so this recipe will be a go-to for an attempted healthier lifestyle. Paired perfectly with the baked sweet potatoes and asparagus I made. Next time I’ll make extra for salads!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tony! So glad that you like the chicken! That sounds like a delicious meal!
Emily
This is my go-to recipe for blackened chicken. I have made it several times and it’s soooooo good. I do double the rub ingredients though as I’m always heavy on the seasonings. My favorite way to use this recipe is this chicken on a salad with lightly charred corn, diced bell pepper, red onion, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese. So good!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Oh my, Emily! Now you are making me hungry!
Natasha
This is the kind of chicken recipe I think my husband would really enjoy
Beth Pierce
I sure hope so!
Jupiter
This blackened chicken was really flavorful, we really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Jennifer Prince
I love anything blackened and this was amazing! What a great, quick dinner recipe that is perfect with a little rice and steamed vegetables.
Stephanie
I’ve always loved bold flavors, so anything blackened works for me! I love how quickly this comes together with all that flavor.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you like the recipe, Stephanie!
Mel
Sounds like a delicious and easy recipe! I need to try it out.
Dorry
wow this looks yummy. I never tried cooking this.. thanks for sharing the recipe I booked mark it for future reference
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Dorry! Enjoy!
Neely
This is a really tasty chicken recipe. I could eat this every night!
Brianne
This is my favorite blackened chicken recipe with the just right amount of heat. Reminds of some good food from down south!
★★★★★
Turtles Mosaic Artwork
This looks so so good!!! I can’t wait to make your recipe, I can’t wait!!! This is super good…The chicken looks crispy…yum….
Rosey
I have never tried to make blackened chicken at home. It’s worth a go though. I bet the fam would enjoy it.
Melanie E
I’ve never tried blacked chicken before. That does sound like a lovely recipe. The spices and herbs you used add so much great flavour. This would be perfect with salad.
★★★★★
Jack
This looks so yummy and I like to try new recipes. Cooking things differently. I will leave this one to try it. Thank you for sharing!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure! Enjoy!
Bryan
Spices certainly make all the difference with cooking meats. I like the assorted spices and the easy method of adding them to a small plastic bag and then shaking away. Reminds me of the old shake and bake product, but obviously much better!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Bryan! So glad that it worked out for you!
Sonia
This recipe sounds fantastic. I’ll try it out for dinner on Sunday.
Beth L
A healthy dinner in 20 minutes… sounds like a winner to me! Can’t wait to try this over a salad.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Sounds delicious! Enjoy!!
Leanne
This was so delicious! I love the blackened exterior and the spicy flavors. I had this on a bed of rice and I loved it!
★★★★★
Ben
Aww yeah. That chicken looks amazing. i love spicy food, and my favorite recipes usually involve the food being blackened. I can’t wait to try this one.
★★★★★
Kristen
Very simple & very good! I made it for blackened chicken Alfredo & it was amazing! Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Kristen! So glad that you liked it!
Russ
Made this to top a Caesar salad. I used olive oil to cook instead of canola. The whole family enjoyed it. Looking forward to making some fettuccini alfredo with this on top.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Russ! So glad that you and your family enjoyed it. Great tips with the salad and fettucine.
Kelly
I used chicken tenders and served over mixed greens. I also shook the chicken in the bag with the seasonings. Worked great!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kelly! Great idea with the bag and quick clean up.
Beverley Tucker
Can you grill it instead of on the stove?
Beth Pierce
Yes. You sure can.
Katie
Would you recommend or say that pounding the chicken for a more even cook, would also be a good idea?
Thanks!
Beth Pierce
Yes you could if the chicken breasts are thick.
Drew
Why not just use a bowl for the spices? No need to throw away a perfectly good ziplock to avoid rinsing a bowl out afterwards. Otherwise, looking forward to making this, thank you.
Kay
I agree about using a bowl instead of a ziplock. I always use bowls when possible.
Gina
This is my favorite at restaurants on top of salads- love that I can make this at home now!
★★★★★
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love how easy this recipe is. It’s perfect for our family!
★★★★★
Jenn
I love this recipe! The spice blend is amazing – not too spicy – and pairs so well with the chicken! Turns out moist and delish every time!
★★★★★
Kathie Kelly
Delicious!! Served over Arugula salad with dried cherries walnuts and diced mozzarella. With a balsamic honey vinaigrette.
Beth Pierce
Thank you! That sounds absolutely delicious!
Michelle
Love that the blackened seasoning is homemade. This is so simple and the whole family loves it!
★★★★★
Kim
Such a delicious and easy recipe! I sliced it an served it over salad greens. Everyone loved it.
★★★★★
Jenn
There’s some serious flavor in this dish! It worked out perfectly and everything was so well balanced!
★★★★★
Biana
The spice mix for this chicken sounds amazing! Will be making it for dinner soon.
★★★★★
Michelle
I don’t know why I never think to make blackened chicken — this looks incredibly delicious! Can’t wait to make it soon!
★★★★★
Chichi
Love blackened chicken. These look perfect on a bed of salad! Yum!
★★★★★
Tina
Such an amazing color on this chicken with all those spices! Definitely quite versatile and I love how easily it comes together.
★★★★★
Emily Liao
This blackened chicken was on point! Perfectly charred and seasoned.
★★★★★
Denay
My daughter made this blackened chicken for us last night. It was juicy, flavorful and so delicious. I look forward to enjoying this meal again.
★★★★★
Jacqueline
I agree with you that you can’t have too many chicken recipes! This one is definitely going to be added to our meal rotation. It’s easy to make and so flavourful! So happy I discovered it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jacqueline! So glad that you liked it!
Beth
Such a well seasoned dish and perfect with pasta or rice. Great recipe!
★★★★★
Emily Flint
This was so good, my family loved it!
★★★★★
Claudia
This is so perfect for us here in Florida we grill all year round and love cajun foods I am going to make this one Saturday, it looks so juicy !
★★★★★
Erika
I’m loving all these seasonings. I can’t wait to try this chicken!
★★★★★
Sandhya
A delicious recipe with so many wonderful spices. Love the fact, it is so simple too!
★★★★★
Natasha
It was a great chicken recipe! It only took me less than 30 minutes to cook this and it came out so juicy and tasty. I highly recommend that you try this too.
★★★★★
Trang
Totally agree with you on how you can never have too many chicken recipes (especially this one)! This is our family go-to,
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! So glad that you like it!
Eden
This turned out SO good! We all loved it and can’t wait to make it again!
Paula
This sounds like the perfect weeknight meal! Love how delicious this looks
★★★★★
cyndy
This was so easy and delicious! I made another batch of the spice mix but tripled everything so I could have it on hand for a super quick dinner next time. Hurray for spicy chicken – would be amazing in a salad or wrap.
★★★★★
Jamie
The combination of spices give this chicken so much flavor! Definitely a favorite for dinner in our house!
★★★★★
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain
The spice blend sounds absolutely fab! Thanks so much for sharing
★★★★★
Sam
Thank you for the recipe, it was absolutely delicious and we all loved it!
Diane
This was so easy and delicious! I used a small bowl to mix the spices. I think next time I might double the spices because for me there was barely enough to cover 1 1/2 pieces of chicken breast. Served with rice and veggie the first night, and used the leftovers for enchiladas. This will definitely be on my go-to list!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it! It is a quick, easy and tasty meal.
Valerie
The outside of this chicken looks perfect, and the recipe is nice and easy. Semi related, the first time I heard the term blackened chicken I thought it was another way of saying burnt LOL.
★★★★★
Irina
I was intrigued and skeptical when I read that the recipe could be made within 20 minutes. I made it: the hands-on time is quick, the taste is exceptional!
★★★★★
Andrea Metlika
What a fantastic chicken dish. Love the seasonings on this and can’t wait to taste it!
★★★★★
Kechi
I love how simple and flavorful this chicken recipe sounds and looks! Next on my list of things to make!
★★★★★
soniya
Yum! This blackened chicken looks and sounds super delicious 😋 can’t wait to try it
Angela
Delicious blend of spices!!
★★★★★
Jacque
I have added this to my menu for next week. I can’t wait to give it a try as I love all chicken dishes and this one sounds amazing!
★★★★★
Tina
My whole family loved it! Quickly became a favorite at my house!
★★★★★
Dannii
This looks delicious! It would be great in tacos with loads of avocado.
★★★★★
Cindy
It’s so delicious, everyone loved it! Will make it again soon!
★★★★★
wilhelmina
Yum! I am loving this chicken! It was great for dinner and I am enjoying the leftovers for lunch!
★★★★★
Toni
So amazing! It’s really quick and easy to make! My family loved it!
★★★★★
Krystle
I’m always looking for new ways to mix up chicken. This one is so full of flavor. It has become a staple in our dinner rotation!
★★★★★
Laura
This is such a delicious and easy recipe!! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Lauren k
We all loved this so much. I’m making it again this weekend!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
I made this an added it to a southwestern salad! It was the perfect low carb dinner
★★★★★
Sue
Definitely adding this to my dinner line up for the week; looks too good to pass up!
★★★★★
Tiffany
I would love to make this recipe! Blackened chicken goes well with so many dishes.
★★★★★
Katerina
mmm…my kind of chicken! Looks SO delicious!
★★★★★
Vikki
Love this! So easy and tasty!
★★★★★
Timothy
Turned out amazing, We like it spicy, so next time I’ll use a pinch more of cayenne pepper, we also used chicken breast strips and put them over salad.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
How delicious! So glad that you liked it!!
Janette
I can’t wait to make this soon! I love the flavor that comes from this chicken and how easy it is to make.
★★★★★