This Blackened Chicken Sandwich is one of my favorite chicken sandwich recipes. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. I love serving it to guests, making it for an easy weeknight dinner, or whipping it up for a quick lunch. It has a rich depth of flavor without being overly spicy.
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As the spices cook, they release a wonderful aroma, enhancing the color and taste of the chicken. The thighs stay tender and juicy, making this a sandwich you'll want to sink your teeth into.
If you like easy Cajun recipes, you will love my Cajun chicken sandwich and this Cajun shrimp pasta.
Why You'll Love This Blackened Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- 30-minute meal: These sandwiches come together in under 30 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy days.
- Customizable recipe: You can easily change the spices and toppings to suit your tastes.
- Makes great leftovers: Save extra chicken for another sandwich the next day-it even reheats well!
Ingredients
All you need to make this recipe are chicken, seasonings, and your favorite sandwich toppings. These are simple ingredients you can find anywhere, so you can easily stock up and make this meal anytime.
- Chicken thighs: I love how flavorful and tender the chicken thighs turn out. Chicken breasts can be used instead, but be sure to keep an eye on them, as they take less time and dry out more easily.
- Buns: Any type of hamburger bun or roll would work in this recipe. I like sturdier sandwich rolls because they soak up some of the juices from the chicken without becoming soggy.
- Seasonings: I use salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This spice blend is Cajun-inspired and balanced to add perfect flavor to the chicken.
- Olive oil: This is what I use to sear the chicken. Any variety of oil would work, including avocado or canola oil.
- Toppings: I picked lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a spicy aioli to serve with the sandwiches, but you can choose your favorites.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Spicy blackened chicken sandwich: Add cayenne pepper to the spice blend for extra heat.
- BBQ bacon blackened chicken sandwich: Use your favorite BBQ sauce and strips of cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Buffalo blue blackened chicken sandwich: A store-bought buffalo sauce or a homemade one, like this McDonald's Buffalo Sauce, and blue cheese crumbles add great flavor.
You have to try my chicken cordon bleu sandwich if you enjoy tasty chicken sandwiches like this one.
How to Make This Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Here are the simple steps to season and cook the blackened chicken and assemble these tasty sandwiches. It's a quick and easy way to get a lot of flavor with minimal effort.
Step 1: Make the spice blend. Combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
Step 2: Season the chicken. Place your chicken thighs in a separate bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them. Toss the chicken to evenly coat it.
Step 3: Sear one side. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, arrange the chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until a nice crust forms.
Step 4: Flip and finish cooking. Next, flip the chicken thighs and cook them for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the second side is perfectly seared as well.
Step 5: Assemble the sandwiches. Start by spreading mayo on the top of the buns. Then, layer the pickles, cooked chicken, lettuce, tomato, and onion onto the bottom buns. Enjoy!
⭐ Hint: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
If you love chicken recipes like this, you may also enjoy Sous Vide Chicken Thighs, Chicken Melt, Chicken Club Sandwich, Turkey Club Sandwich or this Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken!
Another totally fabulous lunch choice is our Chopped Italian Sandwich. It's so delicious that you'll be making it every week!
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftover blackened chicken thighs in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken in the microwave or a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes or until warm.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare and cook the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a slaw like this Cranberry Apple Coleslaw as a topping to the sandwich or a side dish.
- If you're a broccoli fan try our broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers.
- The rich flavors of this Garlic Mayo or Spicy Mayo pair well with the blackened chicken.
- Great sides to serve with this blackened chicken recipe are Skillet Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes.
- Try this chicken on Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread instead of a traditional bun.
Recipe Tips
- Watch the chicken closely: You want to cook the chicken at a higher heat to ensure that the spices darken and turn into a flavorful crust, but you also need to watch that it doesn't burn.
- Pat the chicken dry: To ensure that the seasoning mixture sticks to the chicken thighs, remove any excess moisture by patting them dry with paper towels first.
- Finish in the oven: For thicker chicken thighs, you can finish them in a 350°F oven so the crust doesn't get too dark.
Recipe FAQs
Sure! Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates so the chicken doesn't stick.
Yes. Cook them at 390°F for 8-10 minutes. Flip them and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until no longer pink.
Many people confuse "blackened" seasoning with jerk seasoning. While blackened chicken is typically smoky and flavorful rather than spicy, you can easily adjust the heat level to make it as spicy as you like.
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Blackened Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet
- Instant-read thermometer
- Knife
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 buns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 slices Roma tomato
- 8 slices red onion
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- ¼ cup aioli sauce or spicy mayo
- crisp pickles optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. This blend of spices will create irresistible Cajun flavors. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the blackened seasoning evenly over both sides of the boneless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece of chicken is well-coated.
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a nice blackened crust. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Spread aioli sauce or spicy mayo on the top half of each bun. Add the chicken on top of the bottom bun, and then add a layer of fresh lettuce, a few slices of tomato, a few slices of red onion, and crisp pickles if desired.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately while the chicken is still warm. Enjoy your flavorful blackened chicken sandwich! For sides, consider serving this sandwich with French fries.
Notes
- Watch the chicken closely: You want to cook the chicken at a higher heat to ensure that the spices darken and turn into a flavorful crust, but you also need to watch that it doesn't burn.
- Pat the chicken dry: To ensure that the seasoning mixture sticks to the chicken thighs, remove any excess moisture by patting them dry with paper towels first.
- Finish in the oven: For thicker chicken thighs, you can finish them in a 350°F oven so the crust doesn't get too dark.
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