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Easy Blackened Chicken Breast with a Bold, Smoky Spice Crust

This easy blackened chicken features juicy chicken breasts coated in a bold blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, and aromatic herbs. Quickly seared in a smoking-hot cast iron skillet and finished in the oven, the chicken develops a deeply seasoned crust while staying tender inside. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a flavorful dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, fresh corn, or your favorite vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner
Calories: 135
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • - Cooking spray
  • - ½ teaspoon paprika
  • - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • - ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • - ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • - ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
  • - ⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • - ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • - 2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves

Method
 

  1. Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Place a cast iron skillet over high heat. Allow it to heat for approximately 3–5 minutes, until smoking hot. Make sure the kitchen is well ventilated.
  3. While the skillet heats, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried thyme, onion powder, ground white pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until the spices are evenly mixed.
  4. Lightly spray both sides of the chicken breasts with cooking spray. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken, coating both sides.
  5. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot cast iron skillet. Sear for approximately 1 minute without moving them, allowing a dark, flavorful crust to develop.
  6. Turn the chicken breasts and sear the opposite side for another minute.
  7. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should register at least 165°F (74°C). Thicker chicken breasts may require additional baking time.
  9. Remove the chicken from the oven and serve hot with your preferred side dishes.

Notes

  • Adjust the cayenne pepper and other spices according to your preferred heat level.
  • The chicken is briefly seared in a very hot cast iron skillet to create its characteristic dark, seasoned exterior before finishing in the oven.
  • Use proper ventilation when searing because the high cooking temperature can generate smoke.
  • Baking time varies depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Serve with fresh corn and mashed potatoes for a simple, satisfying meal.