An Easy Blackened Chicken Recipe
What Is Blackened Chicken?
Before we share our blackened chicken recipe, we wanted to give a little history of this dish. Blackened chicken is a popular dish that combines the flavors of Cajun spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme with butter. The chicken is then cooked in a hot skillet so that it develops a dark or black crust. It can be served as an entrée or used to make sandwiches and wraps. So we wanted to show we can use chicken other than just in curries.
Blackened chicken is typically paired with sides like potatoes, rice or vegetables. It’s also great topped with sauces like hollandaise or remoulade for added flavor. This recipe makes enough for four servings but can easily be doubled if needed. Enjoy!
For those who love spicy food, blackened chicken is a delicious way to get your fix! It is also a great way to get your protein and healthy fats in. The Cajun spices used to make the rub are full of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Plus, you can use butter or oil to create the blackened crust so it’s an easy dish to customize for vegan diets. So why not spice up your dinner routine with this simple yet delicious dish? Give it a try tonight!
blackened chicken recipe
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter or oil for cooking (butter is best for a richer flavor)
Instructions:
- Combine all spices in a bowl and mix until combined. Rub both sides of chicken with spice mixture and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil to pan.
- Add chicken breasts to skillet and cook for 6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and serve with your favorite sides or sauces. Enjoy!
This blackened chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite! The flavors of the Cajun spices combined with butter or oil creates a delicious flavor that will make everyone come back for seconds.
It’s also an easy dish to customize so feel free to add or subtract any seasoning you prefer. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat! There is also the option of pre made cajun spices available to buy. Happy cooking!
Best sides to have with blackened chicken
Blackened chicken tastes great with a variety of side dishes. Here are some classic sides that pair nicely with it:
• Rice – White or brown rice provide a nice starch complement to the spicy flavors of blackened chicken.
• Potatoes – Roasted, mashed or baked potatoes bring an earthy flavor and added texture to your plate.
• Vegetables – A medley of roasted vegetables adds color, nutrients and crunch to this dish.
• Salad – A light salad is a great way to cool down after eating spicy food. Try adding some greens, tomatoes and cucumbers for extra nutrition.
• Cornbread – This Southern staple is the perfect addition to any Cajun meal!
No matter what side dish you choose, blackened chicken is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy!
Vegetarian alternatives to blackened chicken?
For those looking for a vegetarian alternative to blackened chicken, there are several great options. Here are some of the best:
• Chickpeas – Chickpeas can be seasoned and cooked in the same way as blackened chicken and make a delicious protein-packed dish.
• Tofu–Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein that can easily be marinated and prepared just like the traditional version.
• Portobello Mushrooms – These large mushrooms have a meaty texture when cooked that makes them perfect for vegan dishes like this one.
• Tempeh–Tempeh is another great soy product that can take on bold flavors and has lots of fiber and healthy fats.
• Eggplant–Eggplant is a fantastic meat substitute that can be cooked in the same way as blackened chicken.
Whether you’re vegetarian or just trying something new, these alternatives are sure to satisfy your cravings for spicy Cajun flavors! Give them a try tonight and let us know what you think. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts.
We love ribs, we love steaks, we love burgers, and yes we also love chicken. With this recipe let’s go wild. Hot, very hot, or crazy hot, you can mix the spices you put into this dish. We like to use Blackened Seasoning by Scholars & Scoundrels Bar & Grill, but we also like to make up our own rub and marinade. Experiment, taste and enjoy!