Amazing Blackened Chicken

Easy, FLAVORFUL blackened chicken with a spicy, crisp exterior and a juicy interior. This blackened chicken is coated with a homemade spice rub, starts in a hot skillet, and finishes cooking in the oven.

The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

Blackened chicken used to be my husband’s domain– which meant we only had it every so often when he was able to take over the cooking and the rest of us were able to take shelter elsewhere.

Because, OH MY, blackened chicken can smoke and the cooking peppers can make it hard to breathe!

Recently, though, I’ve started making blackened chicken to go with our fettuccine Alfredo, or simply to serve alongside a few complimentary sides.

I took a few of my husband’s tips and made one small change– the chicken does not only cook on the stovetop. After searing the chicken in a very hot pan, it’s transferred to the oven to finish cooking. This saves the house from too much spicy smoke, and also expedites the cooking process on the chicken without drying it out.

The result is perfect blackened chicken with a crust that is bursting with flavor, and tender white meat inside. 

Amazing Blackened Chicken

We start with a homemade spice rub made of several spices. Y’all. This chicken is going to be popping with flavors! Plus, since you are making the spice rub yourself, you can easily adjust the heat. I wouldn’t recommend reducing the peppers, but if you want a spicier finished product, you can double the cayenne.

The key to a perfectly crispy exterior on this chicken is two-fold:

1. Rub the chicken with melted butter, add the spices, then brown in an otherwise dry pan.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is nice and hot! (Typically, I don’t heat cast iron skillets over medium. It isn’t necessary and can cause sticking. But this is an occasion when I break that rule).

The chicken breasts brown for 5 minutes on each side, before being moved to the oven. If you’re using a cast iron pan, or another oven-safe pan, you can simply transfer the pan straight into the oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

If you don’t already have an instant read thermometer, they are a must-have tool in the kitchen. Use a thermometer to measure the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 160. The temperature will rise slightly more as the chicken rests.

In the meal pictured above, we enjoyed our blackened chicken with Skillet Cornbread, Herb Rice Pilaf (from my cookbook), sautéed squash and zucchini, and white corn from the freezer.

IT WAS AN AMAZING MEAL.

I also highly recommend trying this blackened chicken with fettuccine Alfredo and roasted broccoli. The creamy Alfredo sauce (here’s an easy recipe with just 5 ingredients) pairs so well with the spicy chicken and crispy broccoli. It is always a crowd pleaser.

Lastly, we are huge fans of Lodge cast iron skillets in our home. If you don’t already own a cast iron skillet, I highly recommend checking out Lodge. We own several and have been so happy with them. If you are hesitant about cooking with cast iron, or taking care of the pans, I have an excellent resource for you here.

And, as always, I’d love to know if you try this recipe! Come back and leave a comment and rating, and be sure to tag me @thispilgrimlife when you share on social media!

Recommended Resources :: 

• Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
• ThermoPro Instant Read Thermometer

More Like This :: 

• One Small Change That Will Totally Improve Your Cooking
• Basic Spice List & Tips for Keeping Spices Fresh
• 15 Things You Need to Know About Cast Iron
• Easy 5-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce
• Best Ever Ranch Dressing

1

Amazing Blackened Chicken

★★★★★ 5 from 6 reviews

• Author: Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 breasts 1x
• Category: meat
• Method: sauteeing/baking

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Easy, FLAVORFUL blackened chicken with a spicy, crisp exterior and a juicy interior. This blackened chicken is coated with a homemade spice rub, starts in a hot skillet, and finishes cooking in the oven.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp high quality butter
• 3 chicken breasts

Spice Rub

• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 1 tsp granulated onion
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne powder*

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Mix together the spice rub in a small dish. Preheat a cast iron pan over medium high heat. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Rub 2 teaspoons of the melted butter on each side of the chicken breasts. Rub 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture on each side of the chicken breasts.
3. Use tongs to place the chicken breasts in the hot preheated pan. (You should be able to feel the heat radiating off the pan before you add the chicken. Do not add extra oil). Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
4. Place the chicken in the skillet into the preheated oven. Cook for 15 more minutes, until the chicken registers 160 when measured with a meat thermometer. (The temperature will continue to rise slightly after you take it out of the oven).
5. Slice and serve**.

---

Notes

* this amount of cayenne gives the chicken great flavor with a small kick. If you want spicier blackened chicken, double the cayenne.

** This chicken is delicious served on its own, but it is also great in fettuccine and on salads!

Sharing is caring! Don’t forget to pin and share. Thank you!