Ah, the joys of grilling—nothing quite compares to the sizzle of chicken over open flames, right? This easy blackened chicken recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for those spontaneous summer barbecues or just a Tuesday night craving. Imagine the smoky, spicy aromas mixing with the evening air—makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Heat a cast iron skillet on high until it starts smoking, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, thyme, onion powder, white pepper, and salt.
- Spray both sides of the chicken breasts with cooking spray, then thoroughly coat them in the spice mixture.
- Place the chicken in the heated skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side. Move the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the juices run clear. Ensure an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ? teaspoon onion powder
- ? teaspoon ground white pepper
- ? teaspoon salt
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- Cooking spray
Nutritional Values
Calories: 270 | Total Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 410mg | Total Carbohydrate: 2g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 0g | Protein: 50g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg | Potassium: 456mg
FAQ
- What is the best type of skillet to use for blackened chicken?
- A cast iron skillet is ideal for blackened chicken as it can withstand high heat and helps achieve the characteristic blackened crust.
- How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
- The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside, the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer reads at least 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part.
- Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
- Yes, you can use bone-in chicken; however, the cooking time will be longer to ensure the meat is cooked through.
- Is it necessary to preheat the oven before cooking the chicken?
- Yes, preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) ensures that the chicken bakes evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature.
- What can I serve with blackened chicken?
- Blackened chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Tips
- Ensure your skillet is extremely hot before adding the chicken to achieve the perfect blackened crust. Heating the skillet for about 3 to 5 minutes until it’s smoking will help seal in the flavors.
- For even spice coverage, spray the chicken breasts with cooking spray on both sides before rubbing in the spice mix. This helps the spices adhere better to the meat.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). This ensures the chicken is cooked safely and remains juicy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its tenderness and flavor.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Instant-read thermometer
