Blackened Chicken Breasts

Keep reading to learn all the hacks for cooking tender and delicious blackened chicken breasts every time.

What is Blackened Chicken

Blackened chicken consists of rubbing the chicken meat with blackened seasoning, a mix of herbs and spices that gives the meat tons of flavor. While you sear the chicken in the pan, the seasoning gets slightly charred, giving it a crusty exterior and an amazing taste.

In this classic recipe, you first pan-sear the chicken to create a crust that couldn’t be more delicious! Then, you finish cooking the chicken in the oven, which turns out super tender and juicy! Serve it with your favorite chicken sides, and you’ll have dinner ready in less than half an hour!

Does Blackened Mean Spicy?

Blackened food can be considered spicy when the seasoning includes cayenne pepper. When you make your own blackened seasoning, you can control how spicy you want it to be. Otherwise, the term “blackened” simply means charred on the outside.

Is Blackened Chicken Burnt? 

Blackened chicken breasts are not burnt; only the spices and herbs of the blackened seasoning that coat the meat get slightly charred while cooking. The chicken looks dark, but the meat is not burnt.

Ingredients 

You only need four ingredients to turn plain chicken breasts into the most delicious and juiciest ones! Check out the list of ingredients, then scroll to the printable recipe card for the measurements & detailed instructions.

• Chicken breasts: boneless skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs.
• Blackened seasoning: use store-bought or make my easy homemade recipe.
• Butter: for cooking the chicken and adding a delicious flavor.
• Lemon: a fresh citric note that pairs great with chicken, enhancing the seasonings.

How to Make Blackened Chicken Breasts

First, you pan-sear the chicken, then you finish cooking in the oven to get tender, juicy, and ridiculously tasty blackened chicken breasts to serve on any weeknight with your favorite sides. Follow these steps to have dinner in 20!

1. Prep the oven
   Preheat the oven to 375F.
2. Prep the chicken
   On a flat surface, pat dry the 4 chicken breasts. Rub/distribute the seasoning on both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Pan-sear the chicken
   Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, melt the butter. Place the chicken breasts on the pan and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over, and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side.
4. Add lemon
   Squeeze half a lemon into the pan and immediately transfer it into the preheated oven.
5. Bake
   Bake directly in the cast iron pan for 10 to 15 minutes until the blackened chicken breasts’ internal temperature reaches 165F. Time will vary by the thickness of your chicken breast. If you don’t have a cast iron pan, use a stainless or oven-safe pan instead. If not oven safe, transfer the chicken onto a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet and finish baking in the oven in the tray.
6. Serve & enjoy!
   Remove the pan from the oven, assemble your side, and serve.

First time blackening chicken? Watch this short video to learn how.

Why Do You Put Blackened Chicken in the Oven?

While the chicken breasts are in the pan, they sear, creating a tasty crust and trapping all the juices inside. When you put the chicken in the oven, the meat finishes cooking slowly, producing super tender and juicy blackened chicken breasts.

Can You Blacken Chicken Without Baking?

Yes, you can make blackened chicken breasts without using the oven. Cook them in the skillet for about 7 minutes on each side. Cooking time may vary depending on the chicken’s thickness. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer: when it reaches 165F, the chicken is done.

How to Use Blackened Chicken Breasts

Blackened chicken breasts are a terrific meal builder for busy nights when you crave a hearty dinner. You can serve it with your favorite sides or make this delicious Blackened Chicken Pasta.

Leftovers are also great for enjoying a quick, nutritious, and tasty lunch, such as this Blackened Chicken Salad or my epic Chicken Cobb Salad.