Description
This Blackened Chicken recipe features juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, herbs, and spices, then grilled to a smoky, blackened finish. It's a quick and easy dish that's perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or to serve alongside your favorite salads or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or paprika
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (increase to ¼ teaspoon for more heat)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1¼ pounds), cut in half and pounded to ½ – ¾ inch thick
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat an outdoor grill to 400℉ or place a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, salt, ground cumin, dried thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: If thick, slice chicken breasts into cutlets by cutting each breast in half crosswise or butterfly, then pound to ½ – ¾ inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Season the chicken: Brush or rub the chicken cutlets with avocado oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides and massage it into the chicken to coat thoroughly.
- Grill the chicken: Oil the grill grates or grill pan with cooking spray or oil. Cook the chicken on the hot grill or grill pan until it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ and is blackened, about 7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately or refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Perfect for serving alongside vegetables or topping a salad such as a chopped BBQ ranch chicken salad.
- Can be cooked on an outdoor grill or on a grill pan on the stovetop depending on your kitchen setup.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control heat level.
- Ensure chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking results.
- Use avocado oil for its high smoke point and mild flavor, but other neutral oils can be substituted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 ounces cooked chicken
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 213 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg
