Cajun blackened chicken
Cajun cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors and a unique combination of French, African, and Native American influences. The cuisine of Louisiana, particularly the Cajun style, is famous for its fiery spices, vegetables, meats, and seafood, that have been made with a unique blend of spices, and other flavorings.
In this recipe, we’ll explore one of the most popular dishes of the Cajun cuisine: Cajun blackened chicken. This dish is made with tender and juicy chicken breasts that have been coated in a blend of flavorful spices and then pan-seared until the outside is crispy and caramelized.
The blackening technique is a classic Cajun technique that gives the chicken a smoky flavor and a spicy kick. The blackening process involves rolling the chicken breasts in a spice mix, which is then heated in a skillet until the spices are charred, creating a delicious crust on the outside of the chicken.
Not only is Cajun blackened chicken incredibly flavorful, but it’s also easy to make and incredibly versatile. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing main course for a dinner party.
What makes Cajun blackened chicken truly unique is the blend of spices used to create the flavorful coating. The spice mix is made up of a range of seasonings, including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and salt. These ingredients can be mixed and matched to suit your personal taste and spice tolerance, so you can adjust the spice level according to your preferences.
To make this Cajun blackened chicken recipe, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: chicken breasts, spices, and butter or oil for cooking. You can also add some fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness and a citrusy kick that helps to balance out the spiciness of the chicken.
To get started, preheat a skillet on medium-high heat and add some oil or butter to the pan. While the pan heats up, mix together the spice blend and coat each chicken breast in the mixture, pressing the spices into the chicken to create a thick crust. Once the pan is hot, place the chicken in the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and the spices have formed a crispy, charred crust on the outside.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. The resting time allows the juices to settle and prevents the chicken from drying out, resulting in juicy, tender chicken every time.
Cajun blackened chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress your family or guests. With its bold and spicy flavor and crunchy exterior, it’s a perfect example of the delicious, soulful cuisine that makes Cajun cooking so special. So, get your spice blend ready and start cooking!
Here’s a recipe for Cajun blackened chicken:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, then dredge it in the spice mixture, pressing it onto the chicken on all sides.
- Immediately place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a dark crust on both sides.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your Cajun blackened chicken with some rice, vegetables, or a side salad!