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 then layered on a toasted bun with all the right toppings—this sandwich is packed with flavor and so easy to make.
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This is a quick and easy family dinner everyone will love AND it's perfect for meal prep. Leftover blackened chicken is perfect for throwing on a salad for lunch the next day. If you have extra spice mix, whip up some air fryer 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. If you love bold, spicy flavors, try my Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches for a tangy, fiery twist on a classic! If you’re in the mood for something with a sweet and spicy kick, my Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are another must-try chicken sandwich recipe that delivers crispy texture and bold flavor in every bite. 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!
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 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!
Sarah's Top Tips
- Preheat your cast-iron skillet on high heat until it's very hot, then reduce to medium-high before cooking. This ensures even heat distribution for the best sear. Add a small amount of oil, then cook the chicken for 2 minutes per side on high to lock in the spices. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked. This method guarantees a beautifully blackened crust without burning!
- 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.
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.
Storage & Reheating
- Keep leftover chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Or freeze in a freezer bag or 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
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
Recipe
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Blackened Chicken Sandwiches
See the full post for extra tips and photos
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
Spicy mayo
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
For Serving
- 4 hamburger or brioche buns
- 4 pieces lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. (4 boneless skinless chicken thighs)
- Mix the spices in a small bowl. (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)
- 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. (1 tablespoon olive oil)
- While the chicken is cooking, make the spicy mayo. In a small bowl, mix together all of the ingredients and set aside. (¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon hot sauce)
- Serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato and the spicy mayo. (4 hamburger or brioche buns, 4 pieces lettuce, 1 tomato)
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Sarah's Tips
- Preheat your cast-iron skillet on high heat until it's very hot, then reduce to medium-high before cooking. This ensures even heat distribution for the best sear. Add a small amount of oil, then cook the chicken for 2 minutes per side on high to lock in the spices. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked. This method guarantees a beautifully blackened crust without burning!
- 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.
- Keep leftover chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Or freeze in a freezer bag or 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.
KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
- Small Bowl
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!!