Blackened Chicken

Blackened seasoning is also referred to as Cajun spice since these spices and similar method of blackening quick cooking proteins are used often in Cajun cooking.

Typically blackened seasoning contains a mixture of paprika, cumin, thyme, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Other seasonings like crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper can be added for heat. Other herbs can be used in addition or interchangeable like dried parsley, cilantro and basil. Smoked paprika can be used instead of regular paprika for an intense smoky flavor.

To get the seasoning to stick to the chicken, cooking oil is lightly coated on the chicken. Some recipes will create a paste by adding avocado oil or canola oil to the seasoning mix then brushing this all over the chicken. Oils with a high smoke point should be used to keep the oil from oxidizing. Olive oil doesn’t have a high smoke point, so I don’t recommend it if blackening proteins like chicken, fish or pork.

Is blackened chicken spicy?

In this blackened seasoning recipe, cayenne pepper adds heat and can make this chicken spicy. To tame down the heat, omit the cayenne pepper or just add a pinch.