Savory Blackened Chicken
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of blackened chicken, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed masterpiece. With its crispy charred exterior and juicy interior, this recipe guarantees to impress at any gathering. The rich smoky spices elevate your dining experience while remaining easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Generously rub the spice mixture onto each chicken breast.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until a charred crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spice mixture for at least an hour before cooking. This recipe can easily be adapted by substituting chicken with fish or tofu; just adjust cooking times accordingly.