Baked Alabama Blackened Chicken with Spicy Cajun Rub
Oven-baked chicken breasts coated in a smoky, spicy Alabama-style blackened seasoning that delivers bold flavor without frying. This Southern-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, paprika, cayenne pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to make the Cajun rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over them.
- Step 3: Generously coat each chicken breast on all sides with the prepared Cajun rub.
- Step 4: Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with your choice of sides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Alabama Blackened Chicken with Spicy Cajun Rub take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Alabama Blackened Chicken with Spicy Cajun Rub?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Alabama Blackened Chicken with Spicy Cajun Rub?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Alabama Blackened Chicken with Spicy Cajun Rub for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Alabama Blackened Chicken with Spicy Cajun Rub?
Southern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
