Loaded Blackened Chicken Recipe – Juicy blackened chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and melty pepper jack cheese make this dish a weeknight winner.
Let me take you back to a random Tuesday night. You know the kind—the fridge looks half-empty, your energy is at level zero, and the last thing you want to do is figure out dinner. That’s exactly how this recipe came to life.
I’d just come back from a hectic day, and my family’s usual “anything for dinner” patience was wearing thin. I spotted chicken breasts, some leftover bacon, and a block of pepper jack cheese hiding in the corner of the fridge. “What can I even do with this?” I thought. But, with a sprinkle of blackening seasoning and a little kitchen creativity, dinner went from boring to bold.
When I brought this to the table, there was this collective “Wow!” moment. It was simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. My husband even joked, “Who needs takeout when you can make this?” And you know what? He was right.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Blackened Chicken Recipe?
- Effortless Elegance: It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time for the things (or people) you love.
- Bold, Smoky Flavors: Blackened spices, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese come together in the most satisfying way.
- Customizable: It’s versatile enough to add your own twist—extra veggies, spicy cheese, or even swapping the protein.
Ingredient Notes:
This dish is all about simple ingredients coming together to make something magical.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and a blank canvas for those smoky spices. Pro tip: Pound them to an even thickness for perfect cooking.
- Blackening Seasoning: The star of the show! Adjust the amount depending on how bold or mild you want the flavor.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty goodness that adds a satisfying crunch. Let’s be honest, bacon is never optional.
- Onions: Sautéed in bacon grease for a touch of sweetness and depth. Don’t skip this step—it’s worth it.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: The slight heat from this cheese is the perfect match for the smoky chicken. Swap it with cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of freshness that takes the presentation up a notch.
How To Make Loaded Blackened Chicken?
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with blackening seasoning. Don’t skimp—it’s what gives this dish its smoky, bold flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Fry up that bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, but keep the grease in the pan—it’s going to flavor your onions like a pro.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Toss your sliced onions into the skillet and let them cook until soft and golden. Stir occasionally to soak up all that bacon-y goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, cooking 8-9 minutes per side. Flip them carefully and let them brown beautifully while staying juicy inside.
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Step 5: Top and Broil
Place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Top each piece with sautéed onions, crumbled bacon, and a generous sprinkle of shredded pepper jack cheese. Pop it under the broiler for about 2 minutes until the cheese melts and everything looks irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that final touch. Serve it straight from the oven—it’s best when the cheese is still gooey!
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F for the best texture. A microwave works, but it might soften the bacon a bit.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken without the toppings for up to 2 months. Add fresh cheese and bacon when reheating for the best results.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Different Protein: Swap chicken for turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even thick tofu steaks for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese Choices: Not a fan of pepper jack? Monterey Jack, cheddar, or gouda work beautifully too.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Upgrade: Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne to the blackening seasoning or use habanero cheese for a fiery kick.
What to Serve with Loaded Blackened Chicken?
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy spuds balance the smoky spice of the chicken.
- Roasted Veggies: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini make for perfect sides.
- Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love sopping up cheese and sauce with warm, buttery bread?
- Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad is a great counterpoint to the rich flavors of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally! Cook the chicken and onions ahead, then assemble and broil just before serving for maximum freshness.
What if I don’t have blackening seasoning?
Make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and salt.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure your seasoning and bacon are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
This Loaded Blackened Chicken Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Bold flavors, simple steps, and a dish that’s always a hit. Whether you’re whipping it up for family dinner or wowing guests, this recipe has got your back. Let me know how it turns out—did you add your own spin? I can’t wait to hear about it!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Loaded Blackened Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts about 3
- 1 teaspoon blackening seasoning
- 1 large onion sliced
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces pepperjack cheese shredded
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with blackening seasoning.
- Next, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and then set it aside.
- In the skillet sauté the sliced onions, in the leftover bacon grease until they become translucent. Set them aside for later use.
- Now cook the chicken in the skillet flipping it after 8 to 9 minutes, on each side to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked place the chicken on a serving dish. Top it with the onions, crispy bacon pieces and a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- To melt the cheese perfectly broil the dish for 2 minutes until everything is nicely melted and combined.
- For an added touch of freshness and presentation garnish your dish with some chopped parsley.
- Finally, bring your flavor-packed meal to the table. Savor every bite!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
