Blackened Chicken with Spicy Cajun Rub

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

This vibrant blackened chicken dish is inspired by the soulful energy of jazz, featuring a zesty Cajun spice blend that creates a bold and smoky crust. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 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, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and evenly coat both sides with the spice rub.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until the crust is dark and blackened and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping carefully to avoid disturbing the crust.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with fresh lemon wedges to brighten the flavors.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 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 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 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.

Is Blackened Chicken with Spicy Cajun Rub gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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