Blackened Chicken with Cajun Spice Rub

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-04 · Updated 2026-07-04

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A vibrant pan-seared chicken breast seasoned with a bold Cajun spice mix. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs 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

4 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
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
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 pieces for serving lemon wedges

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Instructions

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.
Step 2: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and generously coat both sides with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat.
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.
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.
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.