Blackened Chicken Sandwich

This Blackened Chicken Sandwich is spicy and loaded with flavor using boneless, skinless breasts seasoned to perfection using a homemade blend of spices. The chicken is seared until the exterior of the chicken becomes charred and crispy, leaving tender and juicy meat within. Load this onto brioche buns with pickles and spicy mayo.

If you’re a fan of the Popeyes version, try this! I can’t say this is a copycat because I was only able to try their version once before it left the market. But when it comes to blackening some food, I know a thing or two…or three! You will also love my Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich and Crispy Fish Sandwich.

According to Popeyes, they marinate whole chicken breasts for 12 hours (I didn’t do that, but feel free to do it if you wish). Once cooked, the Cajun and Creole-seasoned flavors are complemented with a brioche bun and crisp pickles. The sandwich is topped with spicy mayo or classic house mayo.

What is Blackened Chicken

It’s a cooking technique that involves coating food with a blend of spices and herbs and then searing it at a high temperature in a cast-iron skillet or on a grill. The spice blend typically includes ingredients such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

During the cooking process, the spices and herbs char and create a dark, almost blackened appearance on the surface of the food, which is how it gets its name. The high heat and quick cooking time help to lock in the moisture and flavor of the food, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish.

People will sometimes confuse it for burnt. When done properly, it isn’t!

Blackening is a popular cooking technique in southern United States cuisine, particularly in Louisiana, where it is often used to prepare dishes such as blackened catfish or blackened chicken.

Butter is almost always used because the brown-black color of the crust results from the combination of browned milk solids from the butter and charred spices.

What Type of Chicken to Use

I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs.

When choosing chicken, look for fresh, high-quality chicken that is free from any defects, such as bruises or discolorations. I also trim some of the excess fat or cartilage from the chicken to ensure that it cooks evenly.

It’s best to use chicken that is roughly the same size and thickness so that it cooks evenly. This will ensure that the chicken gets crispy and blackened on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. If you have really thick parts of your chicken breast you can pound out the thick parts using a meat tenderizer.

Blackened Chicken Seasoning and Spices

Feel free to use a store-bought spice blend if preferred. I like to use my Homemade Blackened Seasoning. It’s a combo of the following:

• Regular or Smoked Paprika
• Red Cayenne Pepper
• Dried Oregano
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Ground Thyme

Is it Spicy?

If you aren’t a fan of spicy, omit the cayenne pepper or adjust it to suit your taste.

How to Make Blackened Chicken Sandwiches

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Combine the spices in a bowl and sprinkle the spices over the chicken and rub them in.
2. Heat a cast iron or stainless-steel skillet on medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter.
3. When the butter has melted, add the chicken to the pan.
4. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken has charred on both sides.
5. Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven. Bake.
6. Load up the sandwiches.

Bake the Chicken After Searing

Searing the chicken helps to create a delicious crispy layer on the outside of the chicken. However, it can be difficult to get the chicken cooked all the way through without overcooking the outside. Finishing the chicken in the oven helps to ensure that the chicken is cooked through evenly and that the juices are sealed in.

What Type of Pan to Use

It is best to use a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet or a stainless steel skillet. These types of pans can withstand high heat without warping and can create a nice crust on the chicken. Cast iron skillets are heavy and evenly distribute heat, which is important for getting a good sear on the chicken. They also retain heat well.

Avoid using non-stick pans for blackening as they are not designed for high heat and may release toxic fumes if heated beyond their temperature limit. Also, non-stick pans may not produce the desired crust on the chicken.

If using the stovetop method you will also need a pan that is oven safe.

How to Tell When the Chicken is Done

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165 degrees. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. Using a meat thermometer is key for tender, juicy chicken.

Let the Chicken Rest

It’s important to let the chicken rest after cooking. When the chicken is cooked, the juices move toward the center of the meat. If you cut the chicken right away, the juices will spill out onto the cutting board, making the chicken dry and less flavorful.

By letting the chicken rest, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat, making the chicken more tender and juicy. I wait 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Chicken

You can air fry the chicken at 360 degrees for 15-18 minutes (flip halfway through) or until the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.

What Type of Bun to Use

I used Brioche, like Popeyes. You can also use ciabatta rolls, whole wheat buns, pretzel buns, or kaiser rolls.

Spicy Mayo

For the spicy mayo, I combined 1 tablespoon of mayo with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce. I used Louisiana but Sriracha works here, too. Adjust the ratio and measurements to suit your taste.

Recipe Tips

• It is important to heat the pan until it is very hot before adding the chicken. This helps to create the blackened crust on the chicken. A hot pan also helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. It will steam instead of sear.
• Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is charred.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

You can reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees until warm. You can also reheat it in a skillet. You can use the microwave but it will soften the char on the chicken.

Pair With these Recipes

Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Cajun Dirty Rice
Smothered Potatoes and Onions
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

More Blackened Recipes

Blackened Catfish
Blackened Shrimp
Fish and Grits

You may also enjoy my French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus recipe.