The perfect blackened chicken starts with the best blackening rub recipe. You are going to love this for tailgates, parties, meal prepping, and more!
Years and years of grilling has made me a pro at spotting a great seasoning rub. For a good blackening rub, you want a burst of smoky, bold flavor in every bite of juicy chicken. This foolproof recipe delivers maximum flavor without overpowering the meat or numbing your mouth with spice. The results are always super juicy chicken with the perfect char to go in all kinds of sandwiches, salads, wraps, bowls, and more!
Pro tip: Have it with a drizzle of our favorite smoked queso… You won’t regret it!
What ingredients do you need to make homemade a Blackened rub?
You may be surprised to know that you probably already have the ingredients in your spice cabinet. The spices you will need are:
- Paprika – This is the main ingredient for a beautifully smokey taste. You can use smoked or sweet paprika depending on the flavor profile you prefer.
- Italian seasoning, Garlic salt, and Pepper – The light herby flavor balances out the spice while the salt and pepper provide that classic seasoning for chicken.
- Red pepper, Onion powder, and Garlic powder – This blend provides a well-rounded flavor that complements chicken well (and it works great with any seafood, veggies, pork, or beef you might want to use this mix on).
For this recipe, you will obviously want chicken (I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts but you can use thighs if you like). I also recommend having butter and garlic for finishing sauce that ensures incredibly flavor in every bite.
How to Make Blackened Chicken
This recipe could not be any easier. I highly recommend the grill for the smokey flavor. Check the FAQ section for pan-searing, air frying, and baking instructions.
- Mix the spices together in a small bowl.
- Rub this mixture onto the meat until it is completely coated.
- Heat a grill to high heat (about 400 degrees F). Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side or until internal temperature measures 165 degrees F with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to serve with Blackened Chicken?
This Easy Blackened Chicken is such a versatile dinner option. You can easily grill some on Sunday for a quick meal prep option to go on salads, wraps, or sandwiches. For a low-carb meal, pair it with Roasted Radishes and Collard Greens. Other sides that go well with this: Mashed Potatoes, Summer Pasta Salad, and Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese.
Blackened Chicken FAQs
What is blackened chicken?
Blackened spices are a mix that originated in New Orleans and is packed with smokey, savory flavors. Generally blackened spices feature paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and other spices. This rub can be used on any type of protein and is also great on vegetables. You can buy pre-made blackened spices in most grocery stores, but it is very easy to make your own!
Is it spicy?
I would say that the spice level of this recipe is mild. It may be a bit much for small children and picky eaters, but most people would not consider it spicy. If you prefer more heat, I recommend adding a bit of cayenne pepper.
Is this low-carb?
Yes, about 3 ounces of blackened chicken has about 2 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fiber, so 1 net carb. It will work into keto diets and is gluten-free, nut-free, and egg-free. To make this dairy-free, replace the butter with a dairy-free substitute.
How can I cook blackened chicken without a grill?
- Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees for 3 minutes. Spray the basket with oil, then place your chicken in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake chicken for 20-30 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add oil. Once hot, place chicken breasts on and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remember to always use a meat thermometer to determine if your chicken is ready! Chicken breasts sliced in half for two thin cutlets will cook quicker and more evenly than a full chicken breast.
More Great Recipes
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Chicken and Potato Sheet Pan
- Instant Pot Rice and Beans
- Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Tots
- Cheesy Chicken Crescent Ring
Blackened Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Blackened Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast
Garlic Butter
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Heat a grill to high heat (approximtely 400 degrees)In a small bowl combine all the spice ingredients and mix well.
- Slice the chicken so they are uniform in thickness so they cook at the same rate. Sprinkle 1/2 of the seasoning mix on each side of the chicken, make sure to completely cover.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Note: The cooking time will vary greatly on the thickness of the chicken.
- When chicken has reached the proper internal temp brush with garlic butter and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
