This blackened chicken recipe is packed with bold flavors and paired with a luxurious, creamy mushroom sauce that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. The smoky seasoning on the chicken creates a beautiful contrast to the rich and velvety sauce, making it a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Whether served over pasta, with mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables, this dish is a comforting and satisfying option for any occasion. The combination of perfectly seared chicken and a luscious garlic mushroom sauce ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Simple to prepare, yet restaurant-worthy in taste—this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 2
This Blackened Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is the ultimate combination of bold spices, rich flavors, and creamy indulgence. It brings together the smoky heat of blackened seasoning and the lusciousness of a Parmesan-infused mushroom sauce, creating a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet.
Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, an impressive meal for guests, or a low-carb, protein-packed dish, this recipe checks all the boxes. The perfectly seared chicken breast gets a beautiful crust from the blackened seasoning, while the mushroom sauce adds depth and creaminess to each bite.
If you love meals that are simple yet bursting with restaurant-quality flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
What is Blackened Chicken?
Blackened chicken is a Cajun-inspired dish that originated in Louisiana and became famous due to its bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. The technique involves coating the chicken in a homemade blackening seasoning, then searing it in a hot skillet to create a dark, flavorful crust.
The term “blackened” comes from the high heat cooking process, which creates a rich, charred appearance on the outside of the chicken. The seasoning itself is made of a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. When cooked in butter and oil, these spices caramelize beautifully, giving the chicken its signature dark crust.
Pairing this with a creamy mushroom sauce balances out the heat and enhances the overall taste, making it an irresistible dish that combines spice and richness perfectly.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This Blackened Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce stands out for several reasons:
1. Packed with Flavor
The combination of smoky, spiced chicken and savory, velvety mushroom sauce creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. The seasoning blend enhances the taste of the chicken, while the sauce brings a creamy richness that complements it beautifully.
2. Quick & Easy to Make
This entire recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in no time.
3. High-Protein & Low-Carb
Each serving is high in protein (from the chicken) and low in carbohydrates, making it a great meal for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. The creamy mushroom sauce is made without flour, keeping the dish naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
4. Versatile & Customizable
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences:
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Use different mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for extra depth.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper.
5. Pairs Well with Many Sides
This dish can be paired with a variety of side dishes, making it a well-rounded meal:
- For a healthy option: Serve it over steamed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or cauliflower rice.
- For a comforting meal: Pair it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or garlic bread.
- For a restaurant-style experience: Serve it alongside grilled asparagus and a glass of chilled Chardonnay.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it also offers several nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: Each serving provides lean protein from the chicken, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, B vitamins, and potassium, which support brain and heart health.
- Supports Weight Management: This low-carb, high-protein dish can help keep you full and satisfied without unnecessary calories.
- Great for Gut Health: The garlic and mushrooms in this recipe contain prebiotics, which promote good digestion.
By choosing fresh, whole ingredients, you can enjoy a nutrient-dense meal that’s both satisfying and good for your body.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Blackened Chicken
1. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet for the Best Sear
A cast-iron skillet is ideal for blackened chicken because it holds heat well and helps develop that crispy, charred crust. If you don’t have one, use a heavy-bottomed pan instead.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
To achieve a perfect sear, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, allowing it to develop a deep crust without steaming.
3. Let the Chicken Rest
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, keeping it moist and flavorful.
4. Adjust the Creaminess of the Sauce
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. If you like it lighter, add a little more chicken broth or a splash of milk.
5. Enhance the Flavor with Fresh Herbs
Adding fresh parsley or thyme at the end brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the sauce.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored and reheated easily.
- To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- To reheat: Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s consistency.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:
- Blackened Salmon: Use the same blackening seasoning on salmon fillets for a seafood twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lactose-free version.
- Mushroom-Free: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try replacing them with caramelized onions or roasted red peppers.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is truly the perfect balance of spice, richness, and comfort. It’s a meal that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Conclusion
This Blackened Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors and rich textures, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. The smoky, spiced crust of the chicken combined with the velvety, garlicky mushroom sauce creates an indulgent yet well-rounded dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
With its quick cooking time, high-protein content, and versatile serving options, this recipe is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even entertaining guests. Whether you enjoy it with roasted vegetables, pasta, or mashed potatoes, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the perfect combination of spice, creaminess, and heartiness in every bite! If you love it, don’t forget to share your experience and variations—happy cooking!