Blackened Chicken Sandwich with Cajun Mayo

Get ready to set your taste buds ablaze with the blackened chicken sandwich, a Cajun-inspired masterpiece boasting smoky spice, juicy chicken, and crisp veggies nestled between toasted buns.

And to kick things up a notch, we’re throwing in a homemade Cajun mayo that’ll add a creamy, spicy punch to every bite.

It’s a culinary masterpiece where smoky, fire-kissed chicken takes center stage, surrounded by a vibrant cast of fresh veggies and nestled between toasted buns begging for a bite.

This isn’t just your average chicken sandwich. This is a Cajun-inspired explosion of taste, where paprika, garlic, and thyme weave a smoky spell on your palate.

Each bite is a thrilling tango between the fiery char of the blackened chicken and the cool crunch of lettuce and tomato.

And don’t forget the juicy burst of a ripe tomato, the tangy zing of pickles, and the creamy comfort of mayonnaise – all playing their part in this flavor symphony.

So, if you’re ready to ditch the bland and embrace the bold, this blackened chicken sandwich recipe is your culinary compass.

What Does Blackened Mean In Chicken?

In the culinary world, “blackened” refers to a cooking technique where food, particularly chicken and fish, is coated in a special spice blend and cooked at high heat in a cast iron skillet or on a grill, resulting in a dark brown, almost black crust.

This crust isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s packed with flavor and adds a smoky, spicy depth to the dish. To achieve the blackening effect, the seasoned meat is typically cooked in a hot cast-iron skillet, creating a seared crust that seals in the juices while imparting a smoky and aromatic flavor.

While the exterior may appear dark, the interior of the meat remains moist and tender, making blackened chicken a favorite for those who appreciate a combination of spice, flavor, and textural contrast in their dishes.

How To Prepare Blackened Chicken Sandwich?

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing bowl
• Cast iron skillet or grill pan
• Tongs
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients:

For the Blackened Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for deglazing)

For the Cajun Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Sandwich:

• 2 hamburger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Red onion slices (optional)
• Avocado slices (optional)
• Pickle slices (optional)

How to Make Step by Step Instructions:

1. Spice Up the Scene: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the blackened seasoning. Mix well and get ready to unleash some serious flavor magic.

2. Prep the Poultry: Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle them with vegetable oil and coat both sides generously with the blackened seasoning. Let the spices work their magic while you heat up the pan.

3. Sizzle and Sear: Preheat your cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. You want it sizzling hot for that perfect blackened crust!

4. Blacken with Confidence: Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Watch them transform into beautifully charred masterpieces, but don’t overcrowd the pan or you’ll lose that crucial heat.

5. Deglaze for Extra Flavor (Optional): If the pan gets too smoky (a good sign!), add a splash of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. This adds extra flavor and prevents burning.

6. Toasty Goodness: While the chicken rests, lightly toast the buns in the same pan or on a separate grill. Get them nice and golden for that perfect sandwich hug.

7. Whip Up the Cajun Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Creole seasoning, hot sauce, and parsley (if using). Taste and adjust the spice level to your liking.

8. Assemble Your Flavor Fortress: Spread the Cajun mayo on both sides of the toasted buns. Layer the chicken, lettuce, tomato, red onion (if using), avocado (if using), and pickles (if using) onto the bottom bun. Top it off with the other bun, and prepare for a flavor explosion.

Additional Tips:

1. Adjust the cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning and Cajun mayo to your desired level of spiciness.

2. For an extra smoky flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite hot sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.

3. Experiment with different toppings! Add coleslaw, grilled peppers, or even a fried egg for a hearty and flavorful twist.

Nutrition Facts Blackened Chicken Sandwich (per serving):

What Is The Blackened Chicken Sandwich?

The blackened chicken sandwich is a savory and flavorful culinary delight that features a seasoned chicken breast with a distinctive blackened crust, nestled between layers of fresh and complementary ingredients, all encased in a bread roll or bun.

This sandwich has gained popularity for its bold flavors, contrasting textures, and the enticing visual appeal created by the blackened exterior of the chicken.

Is The Blackened Chicken Sandwich Permanent?

The permanence of the blackened chicken sandwich depends on the menu offerings of the establishment or the preferences of the individual preparing it.

Popeyes the blackened chicken sandwich has been a permanent member of Popeyes’ menu since June 2023.

This spicy addition marked their first permanent menu change since the iconic launch of their original chicken sandwich in 2019.

So if you’re a Popeyes fan yearning for some smoky, blackened goodness, your cravings are permanently satisfied!

Is The Blackened Chicken Sandwich Spicy?

Yes, the blackened chicken sandwich is typically spicy. The spiciness comes from the seasoning blend used to coat the chicken before cooking.

The spice mix often includes ingredients such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and other flavorful spices that contribute to the bold and zesty taste.

The degree of spiciness can vary depending on the specific recipe and the amount of cayenne pepper or other spicy ingredients used.

If you prefer a milder version, you can always adjust the spice levels by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper or choosing a milder alternative in the seasoning mix.

Is Blackened Chicken Sandwich Fried?

The blackened chicken sandwich is not traditionally fried in the conventional sense. Instead, it is cooked using a technique called blackening.

In the blackening process, the chicken is coated with a blend of spices, such as smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper, to create a flavorful crust.

The seasoned chicken is then cooked at a high temperature in a hot cast-iron skillet. This cooking method produces a charred or blackened exterior on the chicken while preserving its moist and tender interior.

The high heat used in blackening contributes to the creation of a distinctive crust, offering a flavorful and visually appealing contrast to the juicy chicken.

What Does Blackened Chicken Taste Like?

The high heat used in the blackening process creates a charred crust on the exterior of the chicken, imparting a smoky and slightly caramelized taste.

Despite the bold flavors from the spices and the char, the interior of the chicken remains moist and tender, creating a well-balanced contrast in textures.

Blackened chicken offers a unique and delicious combination of smoky, spicy, savory, and juicy flavors. It’s a departure from your typical chicken sandwich, offering a bold and flavorful experience that will leave you wanting more.

How To Reheat Blackened Chicken Sandwich

Reheating a blackened chicken sandwich can help maintain its flavors and textures. Here’s a simple and effective way to reheat a blackened chicken sandwich:

1. Oven or Toaster Oven:

• Preheat your oven or toaster oven to around 350°F (175°C).
• Wrap the blackened chicken sandwich loosely in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet and heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature.

2. Skillet:

• Heat a skillet on medium heat.
• Optionally, you can add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet for added moisture.
• Place the blackened chicken sandwich in the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, ensuring the crust becomes crispy again.

3. Microwave (for shorter time):

• While the microwave is not the best option as it may affect the crispiness of the crust, it can be used for a quick reheat.
• Place the blackened chicken sandwich on a microwave-safe plate, covering it with a damp paper towel.
• Heat it in short intervals, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking for doneness after each interval.

Conclusion

The blackened chicken sandwich with Cajun mayo is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a culinary adventure for your taste buds, a smoky serenade for your senses, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So crank up the heat, whip up this recipe, and get ready to be blown away. Just remember, with great spice comes great responsibility, so adjust the heat levels to your own preference.

Now go forth, blacken some chicken, and savor the Cajun goodness! We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.

Feel free to experiment with different toppings and spice levels to create your own perfect blackened chicken sandwich masterpiece. And don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us!

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Popy Aktar

Hello, I'm Popy Aktar, and I'm the chicken recipe creator over at yammichickenrecipe.com blog. With a deep-seated passion for all things delicious and a commitment to healthy creativity in the kitchen, I've dedicated four years to perfecting the craft of chicken recipe development and presentation. Through numerous cooking experiments, I've refined my skills and am eager to share my knowledge and experiences with you. I'm particularly fond of trying out new recipes, especially when they turn out to be irresistibly delicious. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Thank you for your time!

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