Experience a burst of flavors with this blackened chicken recipe. The perfect blend of spices creates a deliciously charred crust on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Some of the spices in this recipe, such as cayenne pepper and dried thyme, might not be staples in every kitchen. When heading to the supermarket, make sure to check the spice aisle for these ingredients. They are essential for achieving the distinctive flavor and heat that makes blackened chicken so special.
Ingredients for Blackened Chicken Recipe
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein for the dish.
Olive oil: Used to help the spices adhere to the chicken and to add a bit of richness.
Paprika: Adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the spice mix.
Garlic powder: Provides a robust garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to the spice blend.
Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly minty flavor to the mix.
Dried oregano: Adds a peppery and slightly bitter taste, balancing the other spices.
Cayenne pepper: Gives the dish its signature heat and spiciness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken and spices.
Black pepper: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the spice mix.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing blackened chicken, ensure your skillet is properly preheated to achieve the perfect sear. A hot skillet helps to create a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it retains heat well and distributes it evenly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and can be seasoned the same way, providing a comparable taste and protein content.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for cooking at high temperatures.
Paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that complements the blackening spices well.
Garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: Granulated garlic provides a similar flavor and texture, making it an easy swap.
Onion powder - Substitute with granulated onion: Granulated onion offers a similar taste and consistency, ensuring the seasoning blend remains balanced.
Dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary has a robust, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other spices in the recipe.
Dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil has a slightly sweet and peppery flavor that can complement the other herbs in the seasoning mix.
Cayenne pepper - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a milder heat and a complex flavor profile, making it a good alternative for those who prefer less spiciness.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar flavor and can be used in the same quantity, providing the necessary seasoning.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can still provide the necessary heat and depth to the seasoning mix.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
- Place the cooled blackened chicken in an airtight container. If you have multiple pieces, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and flavorful.
- For longer storage, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Freeze the blackened chicken for up to 3 months. This method preserves the taste and texture.
- To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
- For added moisture, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil while reheating. This helps maintain the juiciness of the chicken.
- Serve the reheated blackened chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the blackened chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the chicken with another piece of foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps retain the juiciness and flavor of the chicken.
Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the blackened chicken in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method is quick and helps maintain the crust on the chicken.
Microwave Method: Place the blackened chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is warmed through. This method is the fastest but may slightly alter the texture.
Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 140°F (60°C). Place the blackened chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag and submerge it in the water bath. Heat for about 45 minutes. This method ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy without overcooking.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the blackened chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps to re-crisp the spice crust while keeping the inside moist.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine all the spices together evenly.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out each spice to ensure the right balance of flavors.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken breasts in the skillet without piercing the meat.
Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for achieving that perfect blackened crust on the chicken.
Spatula: Useful for turning the chicken breasts and ensuring they cook evenly.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for prepping the chicken breasts.
Knife: Necessary for trimming any excess fat or uneven parts from the chicken breasts.
Plate: Use this to let the chicken rest after cooking, allowing the juices to redistribute.
Paper towels: Helpful for patting the chicken dry before applying the olive oil and spice rub.
Oven mitts: Important for handling the hot skillet safely.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare the spice mix in advance: Mix all the spices ahead of time and store in an airtight container.
Use a meat mallet: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.
Preheat the skillet: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to reduce cooking time.
Batch cook: Cook multiple chicken breasts at once and store leftovers for future meals.
Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest while you prepare side dishes to save time.
Blackened Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all the spices together in a bowl.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice mixture.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until blackened and cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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