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    Home » Recipes » Cast Iron

    Published: Jun 8, 2020 · Modified: Feb 17, 2023 by Jeremy Klae · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Blackened Fish or Chicken

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Blackening: A Spice or Technique?

    Blackened meats originated in the 80's. Thanks to a famous Chef by the name Paul Prudhomme who was born in Opelousas, La. Which makes blackened proteins such as fish, seafood, chicken, steak, and even alligator, all part of the Cajun and Creole cuisine.

    Chef Prudhomme used Redfish and a blend of spices in the original recipe. The technique that he used was to dip the meat in melted butter, cover with the Blackened Seasoning, and cook in a hot cast iron skillet. By doing so, this technique mimics the results of cooking the protein over an open charcoal fire.

    So to answer the above question of whether Blackening Fish or Chicken is a spice or technique, I say both.

    A few slight changes

    Now, I absolutely love Cajun or Creole food and find myself with a craving pretty frequently. The use of veggies, meats, and spices really create big and unique flavors that I truly enjoy.

    However, I do like to tweak things sometimes to add even more to the end result. So in the case of Blackened Fish or Chicken, I actually cook this on the grill. The other difference is that I mix the Blackened Seasoning into the melted butter.

    I'm going to briefly explain why I changed both of these.

    By mixing the Blackened Seasoning into the butter, it provides a more even and full coverage of the protein. This is important to ensure that each bite is a consistent and that the color in your overall presentation is the same.

    Like I said, I cook this on the grill. However, that doesn't mean that I don't cook it in a Cast Iron Skillet. I preheat the skillet on my Big Green Egg and then place my meat and butter mixture in the skillet. This adds a whole other dimension to the flavor. Adding in the element of charcoal and open fire cooking to the protein makes this a crowd favorite!

    If you don't have a charcoal grill, cook it on the stove top. Just be sure to have all fans on and maybe even a couple open windows!

    Don't be overwhelmed

    Two things I hear a lot, "This sounds overwhelming." Blackened Seasonings too salty." Trust me, it's NOT hard to make. Like, At all! In fact it's one of the most simple things I've ever made.

    In regard to the saltiness in blackened foods, I agree 100% that most blackened seasonings are way too salty. But, I made my own! Guess what the biggest compliment I get is...YUP! Not salty at all!

    Blackened Seasoning Recipe

    For this blackened seasoning recipe you'll need kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.

    The seasoning can be used on anything like chicken, fish, alligator, or even veggies. In this post I used fresh caught Bass from the lake in our area.

    Place the protein of your choice in a large bowl.

    Raw Bass in Bowl.

    Pour Melted Butter over the protein in the bowl. I have made this a few times since I took these photos. As you can see the Blackened Seasoning is not in the bowl yet. I do recommend mixing the seasoning into the butter before pouring over the meat.

    Fish and Butter.

    Stir the meat and Blackened/Butter mixture to evenly cover.

    Fish, Butter, Blackened Seasoning.

    After the grill and cast iron come up to temperature at 400° F, place your meat and butter mixture in the heated skillet.

    Blackened Bass in a Cast Iron Skillet on the Grill.

    Depending on the protein you chose, allow the meat to cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until you've reached the desired texture, color, and required internal temperature.

    Bass flipped in Cast Iron skillet on Big Green Egg.

    Plate your Blackened Meat with your favorite sides and SERVE!

    Bass, Collard Greens, and Rice, served.

    📖 Recipe

    Blackened Chicken on Alfredo.

    Blackened Fish or Chicken

    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: Cajun, Creole
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 282kcal
    Author: Jeremy Klae

    Ingredients

    Blackened Seasoning

    • 2 tablespoon Paprika
    • 2 ½ tablespoon Cayenne
    • 4 tablespoon Kosher Salt
    • 4 tablespoon Black Pepper
    • 2 tablespoon Garlic Powder
    • 2 tablespoon Onion Powder
    • 2 tablespoon Dried Parsley
    • 2 tablespoon Dried Oregano

    For the Meat

    • 2 lb Fish or Chicken (Breasts/Tenderloins)
    • ⅛ cup Blackened Seasoning.
    • ¼ cup Butter Melted

    Instructions

    • Remove your protein from the fridge and place in a large bowl.
    • Heat Charcoal Grill to 400° F.
    • Place a well-seasoned Cast Iron Skillet on the grill to preheat.
    • Melt butter in microwave.
    • Add Blackened Seasoning to Butter and stir to combine.
    • Pour Blackened/Butter Mixture over meat and stir to cover.
    • Place the meat in the cast iron skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side or until you have reached 135° F for fish or 165° F for Chicken.
    • Remove the meat from the skillet, let rest for about 5 minutes, and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 282kcal
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ChickenFriedKitchen or tag #chickenfriedkitchen!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle says

      March 11, 2022 at 11:28 pm

      You say making the blackened seasoning is super easy, but then you never say how to make it. What is the point of a recipe if you don't say the ingredients?????

      Reply
      • Jeremy says

        March 12, 2022 at 6:55 pm

        Hi Michelle! First of all, thank you so much for visiting Chicken Fried Kitchen. I am going to be completely transparent here. At the time of writing that recipe I was selling my own blackened seasoning and have since discontinued that product. It was a complete over site on my behalf by not updating this post to include the seasoning recipe. I will certainly get this post updated and I truly appreciate you pointing this out to me. So, to answer your question a recipe without ingredients is a very pointless recipe!

        Reply

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