Name: Flavor Packed Blackened Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 5 tablespoon olive oil; 3 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoon salt; Juice of 1 lime; 1-2 tablespoon vegetable oil for coating pan

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If you've ever had blackened chicken breast, then you know it is a unique and flavorful way to make ordinary chicken amazing. It is something that not everyone enjoys, but those that do are diehard fans of this chicken breasts recipe. A simple blend of spices and a unique cooking method turn that basic chicken breast into a succulent flavorful main for any meal. Serve this up to rave reviews at your dinner table!

Blackened Chicken Breast

My first experience with blackened chicken was actually from Popeye's chicken. Despite this being a simple fast food restaurant, their blackened chicken is delicious and raved over by many. After that experience, I found this type of cooking method and spice blend more commonplace on menus. While not every version is the same, they all have a general commonality. A sweet heat and charred exterior that is not burnt but flavorful.

If you want something more subtle for your chicken breast, then you might prefer this garlic and herb baked chicken breast or the crispy garlic herb chicken instead. Both create a tender succulent chicken with a rich flavor that has no heat so easier to serve to the whole family or picky eaters.

Is Blackened Chicken Spicy?

Since the spice blend does include a bit of chili powder, you can imagine that it has some heat. However, in general, it is more of a deep flavor than spicy. If you are sensitive to pepper or heat, you may not care for the flavor, but it is not overly spice nor something you should feel the need to avoid. The addition of other herbs and sweet paprika in the spice blend helps to make this a more mild flavor than spicy.

If you need a recipe that isn't so spicy that is kid-friendly, you can't go wrong with this pickling brine chicken breast recipe. It's a great alternative that is super easy to make and can be served to those who don't like the heat of this recipe.

Does The Chicken Taste Burnt?

When properly cooked, it does not taste like burned food but has a richer flavor than just plain spices. The combination of the oils and spices come together to make a rich flavor that when slowly cooked over low heat colors but does not burn. If cooked on too high heat, it can truly burn and smoke creating an unsavory flavor. This is why following the directions for slow and low is very important.

What's the Difference between Sweet and Smoked Paprika?

Sweet paprika is as it is labeled, a sweeter seasoning. Made from sweet peppers, it brings flavor without bringing the heat. In this recipe, it suits the combination better as a way to calm the heat brought from the chili powder. This is the paprika that you most often find in the spice section at your local grocery store.

Smoked paprika is made from smoked peppers and has a distinct smoky flavor that is subtle but delicious in many dishes. It is preferred by many but may not be as good in this recipe as the sweeter version. Look specifically for the spice labeled smoked for this version.

How Do I Know Chicken Breast is Done Cooking?

Chicken breast should reach 165°F internal temperature to be considered safe to consume. If not using a meat thermometer to check as you cook, there are other common methods for checking the doneness of your chicken. As it is one dish that can get dry super fast, it is important to watch closely.

When you cut into the chicken and the juices run clear, with no pink, this is the easiest indication that it is done cooking and safe to consume. Another option is to check by feel. There are many methods of doing this, but usually involves a comparison between how the skin between your thumb and forefinger feel when moved in certain ways. This finger test for meat doneness tutorial is the best explanation I have found.

What Should I Serve With Blackened Chicken?

Since it has a very powerful flavor profile on its own, you may be wondering what you should serve with this dish. While I am one who likes to add it to a bed of salad greens with a creamy dressing, that may not be what others enjoy. Below are a few ideas for serving that can make this a great addition to any meal plan.

Sliced in a tortilla or flatbread with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy dressing as a wrap.
Served on a toasted brioche bun with mayonnaise, pickles, lettuce as a sandwich.
Alongside homestyle cheesy scalloped potatoes or southern style baked macaroni and cheese.
With mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or cottage fries on the side.
Over rice or noodles with steamed vegetables.

Can I Make This With Chicken Thighs Instead?

If you prefer cooking with chicken thighs, you can definitely substitute those in place of the chicken breasts. When doing so, make sure to compare sizes and cook at a lower time if needed. Again, using a meat thermometer is best for determining the doneness of the chicken before serving.

Ingredients

Chicken breast
Olive oil
Sweet paprika
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Garlic powder
Salt
Lime juice
Vegetable oil

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make Blackened Chicken Breast

In a small bowl or shallow dish, whisk together olive oil and lime juice with the paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt.

Coat all sides of the chicken breasts with the spice and oil mixture then cover and set aside for 30-minutes.

Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-low heat and brush the inside with vegetable oil just enough to coat the surface.

Place the chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 10-11 minutes per side without touching before flipping.

Turn and continue cooking.

When the chicken has been cooked and nicely charred on both sides, remove from the pan and place on a plate then cover with foil for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

Chicken is a staple in most homes. Boring menus should not be a staple, so adding fun new ways to cook chicken is a must. We love mixing things up and creating new flavor profiles, and below are just a few of our favorites.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 2