Looking for a spicy and flavorful dish to spice up your weeknight menu? Look no further than this blackened chicken recipe! This dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. Warning if you are not a fan of food with a kick to it turn back now.
Chicken Breasts
I am using boneless skinless chicken breasts for this blackened chicken recipe diced into 1-inch pieces so that they are thoroughly coated with the seasoning and make it easier to mix in with the rice. If you prefer dark meat over the boneless skinless chicken breasts then chicken thighs also work well. If you decide to use chicken thighs just keep in mind that they do take a bit longer to cook through.
Blackened Seasoning
The key to this blackened chicken recipe is in the seasoning, and it could not be more simple. I am using a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt for the blackened seasoning. If you want to take a short cut you can just purchase Cajun seasoning and use that to give you a quick seasoning that doesn’t require prep work and works great as a blackened seasoning. You will want to ensure that the chicken is well coated with the blackened seasoning before cooking.
olive oil and butter
I’m using a combination of olive oil and butter in this blackened chicken recipe to fuse the blackened seasoning with the chicken. The olive oil is used to help the blackened seasoning coat the chicken and the butter is used during the cooking process to add a little more flavor and keep the chicken from drying out.
The rice
You have your chicken but what side goes well with chicken and can help complete the meal. This rice is a quick and easy Spanish-style rice that will help complete the meal.
Rice
Use your favorite rice for this blackened chicken recipe. White rice or Jasmine rice are both excellent options but any rice of your choosing should work just fine.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste helps your rice by adding flavor and some more depth and richness.
Chicken Broth
You could use water but chicken broth is just another great way to add flavor to your rice while it cooks.
Bell peppers
I’m using diced bell peppers to give more texture and color to the meal as well as adding some vegetables.
Blackened Chicken with rice
Servings
8
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Calories
225
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time 35 Minutes
*Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate only and may vary depending on the ingredients used. Calories listed are per serving.*
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 Chicken Breasts Cut Into 1-Inch Pieces
- 1 TBSP Cayenne Pepper
- 2 TBSP Smoked Paprika
- 1 TSP Chili Powder
- 1 TSP Garlic Powder
- 1/2 TSP Onion Powder
- 1/2 TSP Salt
- 1/4 TSP Black Pepper
- 1 TBSP Olive Oil
- 1 TBSP Unsalted Butter
Rice
- 2 Cups Rice Of Choice (I Used Jasmine Rice)
- 2 1/2 to 3 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 6oz Can Tomato Paste
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 TBSP Ground Cumin
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
*Disclosure, below are affiliate links to products we recommend. We do not include links to products we have not used or honestly recommend*
What Tools You Will Need:
Directions
- Mix Cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl.
- Cut Chicken breasts into 1-Inch pieces and pat dry. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and coat evenly with the seasoning mixture. Place chicken breasts in seasoning bowl and toss to coat. Set aside.
- Dice Bell pepper into 1/2 inch to 1-inch pieces.
- Place rice in a frying pan and add chicken broth, tomato paste, bell pepper, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and turn heat to medium. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Preheat your second frying pan to medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes then add the butter and toss the chicken in the melted butter to coat it. Cook for 4-6 more minutes or until done.
- Once the rice is done add the blackened chicken and mix well.
- Serve and Enjoy
Notes:
- If you want your blackened chicken to be less spicy cut the seasoning in half.
- Do your prep work before starting to make things easier.
- Top off your blackened chicken and rice with some shredded cheese.
- Add some sour cream if the heat is too much or you want to add some creaminess to your dish.
What is blackened chicken?
Blackened chicken is a dish that originates from Louisiana. It is a spicy and flavorful dish that is made by coating chicken in a blend of spices and then cooking it over high heat. This results in the outside of the chicken being crispy and the inside being moist. Blackened chicken is typically served over rice or quinoa and with a side of vegetables. It can also be topped with green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, or avocado.
What are other ways to serve blackened chicken?
Blackened Chicken breast
If you want to keep it simple you can make a blackened chicken breast. Use the blackened seasoning to season a whole chicken breast and serve your blackened chicken breast alongside some of your favorite vegetables and mashed potatoes or a salad.
Tacos
Another great way to serve blackened chicken is by making blackened chicken tacos. Simply dice the chicken into small pieces and cook it over high heat until it is crispy. Then, add it to soft tortillas along with your favorite taco toppings. Blackened chicken tacos are a great option for an easy and flavorful weeknight meal.
Blackened Chicken Salad
Another great way to enjoy blackened chicken is by making a blackened chicken salad. Start by cooking the chicken over high heat until it is crispy. Then, add it to a bed of greens along with diced tomatoes, avocado, and your favorite salad dressing. Blackened chicken salad is a great option for a light and flavorful meal.
What Goes Well With Blackened Chicken?
There are a variety of sides that go well with blackened chicken. Some of my favorites include roasted Brussels sprouts, a simple green salad, or sauteed vegetables. Blackened chicken also goes great with rice or quinoa. For an easy weeknight meal, you could also serve blackened chicken tacos with your favorite taco toppings.
Do I have To Use A Cast Iron Skillet?
No, you do not have to use a cast-iron skillet to make this dish. Traditionally you would use a hot cast iron skillet to make blackened chicken but you can get great results even if you don’t have a cast-iron skillet. If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, you can use any other type of skillet or even a grill pan. The real key is to make sure you have a hot pan when adding the chicken so that you get a nice pan-seared chicken to lock in the flavor.
Leftover blackened chicken
Leftover blackened chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I like to reheat my leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until they are hot and crispy. Divide it into meal prep containers and you can have a delicious lunch or dinner that’s ready to go whenever you mood strikes.
Blackened Chicken Recipe With Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- 1 tbsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 cups Rice of Choice (I used Jasmine)
- 2-3 cups Chicken Broth
- 6 ounces Tomato Paste
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (Diced)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
- 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Mix Cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl.
- Cut Chicken breasts into 1-Inch pieces and pat dry. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and coat evenly. Place chicken breasts in seasoning bowl and toss to coat. Set aside.
- Dice Bell pepper into 1/2 inch to 1-inch pieces.
- Place rice in a frying pan and add chicken broth, tomato paste, bell pepper, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and turn heat to medium. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Preheat your second frying pan to medium-high heat. Add chicken to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes then add the butter and toss the chicken in the melted butter to coat it. Cook for 4-6 more minutes or until done.
- Once the rice is done add the blackened chicken and mix well.
- Serve and Enjoy
Notes
- If you want your chicken to be less spicy cut the seasoning in half.
- Do your prep work before starting to make things easier.
- Top off your blackened chicken with some shredded cheese
- Add some sour cream if the heat is too much or you want to add some creaminess to your dish.
Nutrition
Summary
If you are looking for a flavorful and easy way to spice up your weeknight dinner menu, look no further than this blackened chicken recipe. This chicken recipe is made by coating chicken in a blend of spices and then cooking it over high heat. Blackened chicken is typically served over rice or quinoa and with a side of vegetables. It can also be topped with green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, or avocado. Blackened chicken is a great option for an easy and flavorful weeknight meal.
