How to Blacken Chicken on the Grill?

Cooking chicken on the grill is an excellent method, although achieving the perfect grill marks can be challenging. Many enjoy their chicken with a blackened exterior featuring charred, crisp edges, while some prefer it less cooked or almost raw. No matter your taste, this guide will instruct you on how to perfectly blacken your chicken on the grill!

If you have never blackened your chicken on the grill before, then it can be a little intimidating. But don’t worry! We will walk you through the process so that your first attempt at blackening chicken will be a success.

What is blackened chicken?

Blackened chicken is a method of cooking that uses intense heat to char the outside of the meat while leaving it moist and tender on the inside. It was created by chef Paul Prudhomme in New Orleans, who wanted to create a dish with Cajun flavors that didn’t involve deep-frying or using copious amounts of butter.

What you will need:

Grill tongs – It is very important to use these when blackening chicken because it can be very easy for the meat to fall into the grill and get burnt accidentally. Use a pair of long grilling tongs that are heat-proof or silicone tongs, like this set here.

A cutting board – The last thing you want to do is accidentally drop the chicken into your grill and watch it burn. Place a clean, heat-proof cutting board on the ground next to where you will be grilling so that if anything happens, you can quickly transfer the meat onto the tray instead of having to run over with tongs.

A grill brush – You want to make sure that your grates are clean before placing the meat on them. A dirty grate can cause a lot of sticking and potentially ruin your meal! Use a good, sturdy wire-bristled scrubbing brush like this one here.

Oil & Seasoning – Before you start blackening the meat, you want to make sure it is nice and dry. Place the chicken on a plate or tray and drizzle some good-quality olive oil over the top of the surface – this will ensure no pockets of moisture inside when cooking. Then season with your favorite blackening seasoning

How to Blacken Chicken on Grill?

To learn how to blacken chicken on the grill, you need to learn the complete recipe:

Best Blackened Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• Paprika
• Chicken breasts
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil or butter

Directions:

• Mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag. Pour olive oil or melted butter over the top of the chicken breasts, and then sprinkle the spice mixture over the top. Close the bag and massage everything around so that the chicken is coated in the spices.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for about six minutes per side or until cooked through. Serve immediately!
• You can also try this blackened chicken recipe on an outdoor smoker.

Preparing a Perfect Marinade

Prepare a marinade using blackening spice. You can purchase this at most grocery stores, or you can mix your own following the recipe below! The best ratio of spices to use is about two tablespoons of paprika and one tablespoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper.

After mixing the marinade, pour it into a shallow container and add your chicken pieces to it. Let them soak in the mixture for at least five minutes before placing it onto the grill. Once they are on the grill, brush any remaining marinade over both sides of each piece while cooking!

Once you have finished grilling these delicious blackened chicken pieces, you can serve them up with a side of your choice. Some great options would be rice, veggies, or baked potato.

Modification for Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks

If you are using chicken thighs or drumsticks, you will need to add some oil and let them sit in the marinade for at least an hour before grilling. This is because dark meat requires a little more time than white meat on the grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you get grill marks on the chicken breast?

A: Grill marks are typically achieved by placing the meat perpendicular to the grill’s grates. You will want to brush some oil over the top of the chicken before adding it to the grill, and then leave it for about six minutes per side. If you use an outdoor smoker, follow the same instructions but smoke for about two hours at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: Can I use blackening seasoning on fish?

A: Yes! Blackening seasoning is a great way to add flavor to any seafood. Make sure that the fish is completely dry before adding the spices, and then cook for about four minutes per side.

Q: What should I serve with blackened chicken?

A: You can serve this meal with just about any side dish, but some great options would be rice, vegetables, or a baked potato. It’s also delicious when served on top of salad greens!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to blacken chicken on the grill and create the perfect recipe, don’t forget to add this delicious dish to your grilling rotation! You will not regret trying out this fantastic and easy way to cook chicken.