Blackened Chicken with Cajun Spice Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pan-seared chicken breast seasoned with a bold Cajun spice mix inspired by the soul of jazz music, delivering a smoky, spicy flavor with a tender interior. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, paprika, cayenne pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and generously coat both sides with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and begins to foam, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until the exterior is darkened and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring a smoky crust and juicy center.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the pan and rest for 5 minutes before serving with 4 lemon wedges, squeezing fresh juice over the top for brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Blackened Chicken with Cajun Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Blackened Chicken with Cajun Spice 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Blackened Chicken with Cajun Spice 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 Blackened Chicken with Cajun Spice 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 Blackened Chicken with Cajun Spice Rub?

American 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.

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