How to Make Perfectly Blackened Chicken at Home

Blackened chicken is a delicious dish that originates from New Orleans, Louisiana. This dish is known for its bold, spicy flavor and crispy texture. If you love food with a little bit of a kick, then blackened chicken is perfect for you. But don’t worry, it’s not as difficult to make as you might think! In this article, we’ll break down the steps on how to make blackened chicken right in your own kitchen.

First things first, let’s talk about what makes blackened chicken blackened. Traditional blackened chicken is dipped in melted butter and then coated in a mixture of spices, including paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. The chicken is then seared at high heat, resulting in a crispy outer layer that is blackened from the spices. The seasoning mixture can be adjusted to your liking, so you can make it as spicy or as mild as you prefer. So, let’s get started on making some delicious blackened chicken!

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Ingredients

When it comes to making blackened chicken, the ingredients you use will make all the difference in whether your dish turns out a success or not. Here are the essential items that you’ll need to gather before you start cooking:

1. Chicken breasts or thighs: You can either use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to make blackened chicken. Be sure to thaw them out before you begin cooking, and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Cajun seasoning: This seasoning blend is what gives blackened chicken its distinct flavor. You can buy pre-made cajun seasoning at the grocery store, or make your own by mixing together paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices.
3. Butter: You’ll need a generous amount of butter to help the cajun seasoning stick to the chicken, and to give it a rich, buttery flavor.
4. Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, to sear the chicken in a hot pan.
5. Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is the perfect finishing touch to brighten up the flavor of the dish.
6. Salt and black pepper: Don’t forget to season your chicken with a little bit of salt and pepper!

Preparation

With everything you need at the ready, let’s start cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Season the chicken generously with cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the oil to the pan and let it heat up until it starts to shimmer.
4. Add the chicken to the skillet, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it is golden brown and crispy.
5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and place it in the preheated oven to finish cooking. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it is foamy and browned.
7. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and add it back to the skillet with the browned butter.
8. Toss the chicken in the butter until it is fully coated and blackened.
9. Serve the chicken with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Tips and Tricks

1. Use a cast iron skillet for the best results. Cast iron conducts heat evenly and gives the chicken a nice, crispy crust.
2. For even cooking, try to use chicken that is about the same size and thickness.
3. If your chicken is sticking to the pan, don’t force it. Let it cook for another minute or two until it releases on its own.
4. Don’t be afraid to adjust the level of cajun seasoning to your liking. If you like things spicy, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less.
5. Keep an eye on the chicken in the oven to make sure it doesn’t overcook and dry out.
6. If you want to make this dish even healthier, you can use skinless chicken breasts or use half the amount of butter.
7. Experiment with different types of seasoning blends to give your blackened chicken a unique flavor twist.
8. Serve the chicken with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to complete the meal.

The Ingredients You Need

When making blackened chicken, it is important that you have the right ingredients to achieve the authentic flavor that you are looking for. Here are the things that you will need to make your very own blackened chicken:

1. Chicken breasts – ideally, they should be boneless and skinless. Thigh meat may also be used but it may need more cooking time.

2. Cajun seasoning – this is the key ingredient that gives blackened chicken its unique combination of flavor. You can either buy pre-made seasoning at the store or make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper.

3. Butter – this is used to cook the chicken and add richness and flavor.

4. Oil – use a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil to prevent burning.

5. Lemon wedges – squeeze them over the chicken to add some acidity and brightness.

6. Iron skillet – this is the best pan to use for blackened chicken as it retains heat and will sear the chicken perfectly.

7. Tongs – use them to turn the chicken over while cooking.

8. Oven – preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to finish cooking the chicken after searing.

9. Baking sheet – use this to transfer the chicken from the pan to the oven.

10. Fresh herbs – garnish your dish with chopped parsley, cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color.

Make sure that you have all these ingredients on hand before starting the recipe. Once you have everything ready, it’s time to move on to the next section and learn how to prepare the chicken for cooking.

Choosing the Right Seasoning for Blackened Chicken

When it comes to seasoning for blackened chicken, there are a few staple ingredients that you’ll need in order to achieve the perfect flavor. Here are some of the most common seasonings used for blackened chicken:

Paprika

Paprika is a spice that is made from the dried fruits of capsicum peppers. It is a popular seasoning for blackened chicken because of its rich, smoky flavor and vibrant color. Paprika is also known for its health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving digestion.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a hot spice that comes from the dried pods of chili peppers. It is often used in blackened chicken seasoning due to its spicy flavor and ability to add depth to the dish. Cayenne pepper is also known for its health benefits, such as improving circulation and reducing pain.

Thyme

Thyme is a fragrant herb that has been used in cooking for centuries. It is a popular seasoning for blackened chicken because of its earthy flavor and ability to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. Thyme is also known for its health benefits, such as improving respiratory function and boosting the immune system.

Ginger

Ginger is a spice that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor and is often used in blackened chicken seasoning for its ability to add a touch of sweetness to the dish. Ginger is also known for its health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and aiding in digestion.

Garlic

Garlic is a staple ingredient in many dishes and is often used in blackened chicken seasoning for its ability to add depth and complexity to the dish. It has a pungent flavor and is known for its health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Choosing the right seasoning for your blackened chicken is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor. Experiment with different combinations of spices to find the perfect blend for your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to add a little bit of heat or a touch of sweetness to your seasoning mix to make it your own.

That’s How You Make Blackened Chicken!

Now you know how to make blackened chicken. The spicy and succulent dish is perfect for any gathering or dinner table. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t forget its bold flavors easily. Remember to keep your spices in check, and you’ll be good to go. Thank you for reading and enjoying this recipe with us. We hope to see you soon with more amazing recipes that will keep your taste buds excited!