Savor the taste of spicy Blackened Chicken Breasts served with a cool, fresh Black Bean Salad. It's a quick, healthy, and tasty meal that is easy to make and perfect for busy days.
Perfectly cooked in a cast-iron skillet, this easy blackened chicken recipe has a big flavor the family will enjoy.
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Cajun Crispy Fried Onions are a tasty side dish to serve with this blackened chicken.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: Each bite has the bold taste of Cajun seasoning and smoky flavor.
- Juicy: Searing each side of the chicken locks in the juicy tender texture.
- Easy Recipe: It's easy to combine the blackened seasoning and cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet.
Ingredients in Blacked Chicken
- chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- chili powder
- salt
- black pepper
- sweet paprika
- cayenne pepper
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- avocado oil
- butter
Ingredients in Black Bean Salad
- Roma tomatoes, diced
- supersweet corn
- red onion, diced
- lime juice
- red wine vinegar
- black beans
See the recipe card for the full ingredient list and directions.
How to Make Blackened Chicken
- Combine the chili powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- Trim fat off the chicken breasts and beat using a meat mallet to make them all an even thickness. Aim for around ½" thickness.
- Melt the butter and coat the chicken breasts with the butter and then rub the spices on the chicken.
- Add the avocado oil (or vegetable oil) to a cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-heat heat.
- Once the skillet starts to smoke, lay the chicken breasts in the pan.
- Cook on one side for about 5 minutes.
- Flip and cook on the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and reduce the heat. (Check for the temperature of 165°F)
- Add the rinsed and drained black beans, the diced Roma tomatoes and onions, supersweet corn, lime juice, and the red wine vinegar to the skillet.
- Stir to combine.
- Place the chicken on top of the bean salsa and serve.
Substitutions and Variations
Spice Adjustments
- The blackening seasoning for this recipe can be adjusted based on the heat level desired. The amount of cayenne pepper can be reduced to decrease the heat of the dish.
- The spice mixture can be changed by using a different blend of spices and adding onion powder and garlic powder.
Protein Variations
You can opt for using different chicken pieces such as chicken tenders, chicken cutlets, and boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Blackened fish, tilapia, catfish, and salmon are all good choices for creating a delicious blackened crust. Shrimp is also a great alternative for using blackened spices.
When cooking different proteins, make sure to adjust the cooking time.
Quick Tips
Cast Iron Pan - Make sure to use a hot cast iron skillet with a heavy bottom to help sear the blackening spices into the chicken and to create a deep smoky flavor.
Use the right oil - Both avocado oil and vegetable oil have a high smoke point that will allow the seasoning to sear into the chicken without burning the chicken.
Use a meat mallet - A meat mallet is the perfect way to thin out thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
What to Serve with Blackened Chicken
This easy chicken recipe with cajun seasoning is served with black bean salad but there are other ways to serve it.
Other ways to serve this chicken is on a bed of creamy pasta, a bed of salad, or chopped in and served on Blackened Chicken Tacos.
How to Store Chicken Breasts
Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap tightly in a labeled and dated freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are typically included in a blackened chicken seasoning?
How can I make blackened chicken in an air fryer?
More Chicken Recipes You May Love
📖 Recipe
Blackened Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Blackened Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted and melted
Black Bean Salad
- 3 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1 cup supersweet corn
- 1 red onion diced
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 15 oz black beans drained & rinsed
Instructions
- Combine the chili powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- Trim fat off the chicken breasts and beat using a meat mallet to make them all an even thickness. Aim for around ½".
- Melt the butter and coat the chicken breasts and then rub the spices on the chicken.
- Add the olive oil to a cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-heat heat.
- Once the skillet starts to smoke, lay the chicken breasts in the pan.
- Cook on one side for about 5 minutes.
- Flip and cook on the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and reduce the heat. (Check for the temperature of 165°F)
- Add the rinsed and drained black beans, the diced Roma tomatoes and onions,
- supersweet corn, lime juice, and the red wine vinegar to the skillet.
- Stir to combine.
- Place the chicken on top of the bean salsa and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
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