These Blackened Chicken Sandwiches are spicy and seasoned to perfection. Made in just 20 minutes this is truly an iconic chicken sandwich line-up. Juicy chicken thighs seasoned with irresistible cajun flavors are bound to be your new favorite chicken sandwich combo.
This is a quick and easy family dinner everyone will love AND it's a great time to make extra. Blackened chicken is one of my favorite leftovers to have (besides pizza) because it's so easy to throw on a salad or whip up sides for lunch the next day. If you have extra spice mix, whip up some cajun fries, you won't regret it!
Blackening is one of my favorite techniques to use on chicken because it takes it from bland to mouthwatering with just a simple homemade spice mix. This spicy chicken sandwich will be a hot new menu item in your household!
What is Blackening?
Blackening is a cooking technique found in mostly Cajun cuisine that involves coating meat in a blend of spices and herbs that take on a dark brown or even black coloring when seared on a skillet or grill. Blackening seasoning is usually a combination of onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper.
A lot of people mistake blackening for being burnt. But don't worry it's not!
🌟Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Pantry Staples. The blackened seasoning is made with spices commonly found on your spice rack at home.
- 20 Minutes. From prep to serving this recipe takes only 20 minutes.
- Fan Favorite. This is a good sandwich the whole family will appreciate.
🥘Ingredients
- Chicken thighs- I always recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs over breasts for chicken sandwiches. They are much more flavorful.
- Blackening seasoning mix- You can use store-bought but you most likely already have everything in your spice cabinet to make it homemade.
- Spicy mayo- Spicy mayonnaise is really simple to make at home as you only need 3 ingredients: mayo, hot sauce and lime juice. However, any store-bought spicy mayo will be great on these blackened chicken sandwiches.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
📖Substitutions & Variations
- This recipe also works great with chicken cutlets or chicken tenders if that's what you have. Make sure you're buying high-quality chicken from your trusted shop. I like to make sure I'm using similar-sized pieces to ensure an even cook.
- Add your favorite garnishes like crisp pickles, red onion or havarti cheese.
- For a lighter option, use lettuce wraps or your favorite bread alternative. The blend of cajun spices is truly the main event.
🔪Instructions
Step 1: Add the spices to a small bowl and mix. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with spice mix on all sides.
Step 2: Heat a cast-iron pan over high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and chicken and cook for 2 minutes per side. Turn the heat down and cook the chicken until cooked through.
Step 3: Make the spicy mayo while the chicken cooks.
Step 4: Serve the blackened chicken on a toasted bun with spicy mayo, lettuce and tomato. Enjoy!
💭Recipe FAQs
It does have a little kick to it but you can omit the cayenne pepper or add a bit more for an extra kick.
Chicken should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh.
Heat a cast-iron skillet until it is very hot and add a small amount of oil. Cook the chicken for 2 minutes per side on high heat to sear the spices onto the chicken. Turn the heat down to medium and cook the chicken until cooked through.
👩🏻🍳Chef Tips
- Let the chicken rest before building your sandwich. This ensures the juices stay inside the meat and keeps it from drying out.
- I like to use a meat thermometer when cooking chicken to make sure each piece has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- I like to choose similarly sized chicken thighs to ensure they cook evenly.
- Always heat a cast-iron skillet on high heat and then turn down to medium-high heat before cooking. This allows the pan to heat up at an even temperature and cook evenly.
🥗Serving
The best way to serve these blackened chicken sandwiches is on a toasted brioche bun, topped with spicy mayo and your favorite sandwich garnishes. Add a refreshing side dish like my Greek Cucumber Salad, Smashed Fingerling Potatoes or Air Fried Steak Fries.
If you are a fan of spice, you may want to add a side of seasoned French fries.
🥣Storage & Reheating
- As per FDA guidelines, cooked chicken is good to eat for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Or freeze immediately after cooking in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container for 3-4 months for easy meal prep!
- Reheat in a skillet for a few minutes until warm or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
More Sandwich Recipes to Try
- Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches40 Minutes
- Connecticut-Style Lobster Rolls Recipe23 Minutes
- Ground Chicken Burgers22 Minutes
- Sheet Pan Chicken Pita Pockets1 Hours
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and comment below. Share it on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!
📋 Recipe
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Blackened Chicken Sandwiches
KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 pieces lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 4 Buns
Spicy mayo
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Mix together the spices in a small bowl.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Season the chicken on all sides generously with the spices to coat.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat.
- Once hot, add the olive oil and cook the chicken for 2 minutes per side. Turn the heat down to medium and cook the chicken until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Chicken should be 165 degrees F.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the spicy mayo. In a small bowl, mix together all of the ingredients and set aside.
- Serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato and the spicy mayo.
Sarah's Tips
- Let the chicken rest before building your sandwich. This ensures the juices stay inside the meat and keeps it from drying out.
- I like to use a meat thermometer when cooking chicken to make sure each piece has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- I like to choose similarly sized chicken thighs to ensure they cook evenly.
- Always heat a cast-iron skillet on high heat and then turn down to medium-high heat before cooking. This allows the pan to heat up at an even temperature and cook evenly.
- As per FDA guidelines, cooked chicken is good to eat for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Or freeze immediately after cooking in a freezer bag or other freezer safe container for 3-4 months for easy meal prep!
- Reheat in a skillet for a few minutes until warm or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
The cookbook is packed with easy-to-follow recipes that require only 6 ingredients to help you simplify your weeknights. Includes kitchen tips, ingredient swaps & grocery lists!
Charlie says
The blacken chicken sandwich recipe was fantastic. Such great flavor!
Sarah Hill says
Hi Charlie, really glad to hear you enjoyed the sandwich!!