Easy Blackened Chicken In 15 Minutes

THE BEST BLACKENED CHICKEN

Cooking dinner can sometimes feel like a daunting task, and on days when you don't know what to make, it's good to have a go-to recipe. 

That is what this recipe is for me - the homemade blackened chicken seasoning is made with all staple kitchen ingredients, and it only takes about 15 minutes from start-to-finish to make! 

And the blend of flavors that cooks into the chicken goes so well with a variety of dishes.

As you'll notice in the recipe - and photos - I included my favorite easy side dish to make with this blackened chicken. It's a healthy & tasty assortment of roasted veggies and you can make them when the chicken is cooking!

That said, you can also enjoy this chicken with a variety of other sides, like these cheddar bay biscuits, this creamed spinach, or you can add it to some pasta or a salad! 

Now get ready for a taste like no other, even if you've made blackened chicken before - I use a secret ingredient and a cooking technique that elevates the flavor and makes it come out perfect every time. 

INGREDIENTS

So, as I mentioned, something to love about this recipe - along with how delicious it is - is that it uses all common ingredients that I almost guarantee you have on hand. 

Here is everything you'll need:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika 
• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter, melted 
• Salt and pepper

And for the optional side dish:

• 4-5 carrots
• 1 large leek
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp brown sugar (or brown Swerve)
• 1 tbsp water
• Chopped parsley for serving

Now, the only ingredient you may not have is chicken. So if you're going to the store, make sure to pick up some extra. 

You can use the leftover chicken to make this recipe again - or to make this instant pot bbq chicken, instant pot chicken stew, chicken marsala, or air fryer chicken breasts with next!

What Does Blackened Mean?

Before we get into making this recipe, let's talk about what blackened means. 

Blackened is simply a cooking technique that can be used with chicken, steak, seafood, and other meats. 

The unique part about it is the combination of spices used and preparation of dipping the chicken in butter, then the herbs and spices, before cooking. 

When the chicken is cooked, it takes on a dark, almost burnt appearance, creating a crust-like texture on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. 

HOW TO MAKE BLACKENED CHICKEN

Another aspect to love about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make! 

And if you're wondering how easy, you can just coat the chicken in the seasonings, and get right to cooking without having to wait hours for it to marinade. 

So, if you're ready to whip up this quick and delicious blackened chicken, let's get to it!

STEP 1: PREPARING THE CHICKEN

First, preheat the oven to 365 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C). 

Then mix all of your spices - the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano - in a large bowl, then set it aside. 

Next, melt the butter and brush each piece of chicken with it, completely covering both sides of the chicken.

Then dip the butter-coated chicken in the spice mixture and thoroughly coat each piece. 

STEP 2: COOKING THE CHICKEN

Now that the chicken is ready to go, heat the oil in a pan or cast-iron skillet, arrange the two pieces of chicken on the pan, and fry them briefly for 2-3 minutes on each side. 

Then transfer the seared chicken to a baking sheet coated with baking spray and bake for about 10-15 minutes until the spices darken and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

And while the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the side dish. 

STEP 3: MAKING THE SIDE DISH

First, steam the carrots and leek until they are tender.

Then fry them in a pan with a little butter, brown sugar, and water until the vegetables caramelize.

When the chicken is baked to perfection, serve it with the veggies or any side of your choice, decorate with chopped parsley, and enjoy! 

STORING THE BLACKENED CHICKEN

So, this blackened chicken recipe makes 2 servings, perfect for a delicious dinner for one or two or a convenient meal prep recipe. 

And if you want to make more chicken to feed the entire family or want meal prep for the week, you can easily double, triple, or quadruple the recipe.

You can store your leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Then just pair it with any side you want and enjoy! 

And if you're looking for some easy side recipes to make, here are a few to try:

• Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole
• Cheese Bread
• Naan Bread
• Biscuits 
• Coleslaw

WRAPPING IT ALL UP 

Well, that is how to make blackened chicken that is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious.

And it's an excellent dinner recipe to have in your back pocket for when you're in a pinch or just want to cook up something with little effort that creates a tasty result.

Honestly, it's one of our favorite weeknight chicken dinner recipes to make in the Duff household.

And it's a recipe that the whole family is sure to love, and you can keep it fresh by pairing it with a different side each time you make it! 

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this blackened chicken recipe as much as we do! If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know what you think and what you ate with it!  

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