Make your own homemade blackened seasoning for poultry, seafood and more with this easy seasoning blend.
Blackening spice is an easy seasoning recipe that gives the perfect amount of heat and kick! Make it ahead to store in your pantry to use anytime.
Recently, I shared my Zesty Blackened Chicken Recipe that is so moist and juicy with the perfect balance of heat and flavor! I achieve this balance of spice with my own homemade Blackened Seasoning blend and it is so easy to make.
I know I’ve often touted the benefits of making your own spice mixes but I can’t help saying it again. It’s a game changer and honestly a secret to cooking flavorful protein dishes.
Homemade spice blends are often more fresh and can be tailored to your individual tastes. They are so worth the effort, and I think you’re going to love this one!
Blackened Seasoning
So what is blackened seasoning mix? That’s a great question. It is a blend of Cajun and Creole style that is spicy but not overly hot!
We love to use this spice blend at home because it creates an explosion of flavor, without necessarily adding extra fat or calories. The herbs and spices coat the chickening (or your preferred protein) creating a burst of flavor in each bite.
This seasoning blend has only seven ingredients that are most likely already in your spice cabinet.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Course Ground Salt – Gives some texture and flavor
- Black Pepper – A little color and heat. I love using freshly ground but any black pepper is great!
- Smoked Paprika – This spice is dried and ground chilies. It adds color and a bit of mild heat. You can use regular or smoked paprika.
- Cayenne Pepper – A beautiful color with more heat, this spice gives this recipe a bit of a kick!
- Dried Thyme – A great herb with lemon and minty undertones. It pairs well with pepper!
- Onion Powder – Adds a savory and sweet element that is sharp and delicious.
- Garlic Powder – Is not as strong and pungent as fresh garlic. It adds the perfect balance and rounds out this spice mix well!
Variations
- Add a little sugar (up to one teaspoon) to this blend for a sweet and salty balance.
- Eliminate salt if you’d like to customize the sodium in your dishes.
Tools to Use
- Glass jar with gold lid
- Wooden salt cellar
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Funnel – to transfer into a jar
How to Make
- Gather ingredients
- Measure ingredients into a large mixing bowl
- Combine
- Scoop into storage jars
- Enjoy in your favorite recipes
Tips
- Don’t use fresh herbs in this seasoning blend – Normally I would tell you that interchanging fresh herbs when a recipe calls for dried is a reasonable idea. However, not when it comes to blackening! They would immediately char, burn and ruin any flavor you’re looking to impart.
- Buy fresh, quality spices for your seasoning blends.
- Although spices last a long time when stored properly, you’ll get the best flavor early in their shelf life.
- Adjust ingredient amounts to your taste.
- Fill small, lidded glass jars.
- Make sure to add a label with the contents and the date.
- Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Frequently Asked Questions
In the process of blackening, food is dipped in melted butter and then dredged through herbs and spices. It is then cooked in a hot cast iron pan, resulting in chicken or seafood with a deep brown or black crust on the exterior.
They are actually somewhat similar in their flavor profiles! However, Cajun seasoning is traditionally a little spicier with the addition of red pepper flakes and a significant dose of extra cayenne.
Can the two be interchanged in recipes? That’s personal preference. Since you’re making your own blend and controlling the spice level, it’s possible, but be cautious. Because Cajun seasoning contains more heat and spice, be careful in fully coating your protein so you don’t overdo it.
Serving Suggestions
This is the fun part! You can top any protein with this spice blend. Rubbed on chicken is how I most often use it, but steak and fish are also delicious and popular choices for blackened food.
Others have reported using this seasoning mix in soups, to season veggies, and more! It’s so vibrant and flavorful that it will be fun to experiment with a variety of ideas.
- Creamy Chicken Pasta with Cajun Sauce – This easy chicken and pasta dinner is one of my most popular recipes! It’s delicious and effortless!
- Cajun Spiced Chicken – An incredibly easy way to add delicious flavor to your chicken, so it’s a super flexible protein option for pastas, salads, and more.
- Blackened Chicken Recipe – this flavorful chicken is coated in melted butter and this delicious blackened chicken seasoning. It’s unforgettable!
- Chicken Fajita Bowl – A simple way to use blackened chicken that combines the flavors of Cajun and Mexican foods. The perfect little kick of spicy fun!
Make Ahead
- This recipe is great for making ahead of time! Use a small funnel to transfer into a small jar with a lid.
- Label and date.
How to Store
This seasoning can be stored like any of your other spices. Use a clean sealable jar to store your mix and store in a cool dry and dark location. A cabinet or pantry works great!
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
- Vegan
- Keto Friendly
More Seasoning Blends
Blackened Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt thick flakes
Instructions
- Gather ingredients.
- Measure ingredients into a small mixing bowl.
- Combine.
- Scoop into storage jars.
- Enjoy in your favorite recipes.
Julie’s Tips
- Don’t use fresh herbs in this seasoning blend – Normally I would tell you that interchanging fresh herbs when a recipe calls for dried is a reasonable idea. However, not when it comes to blackening! They would immediately char, burn and ruin any flavor you’re looking to impart.
- Buy fresh, quality spices for your seasoning blends.
- Although spices last a long time when stored properly, you’ll get the best flavor early in their shelf life.
- Adjust ingredient amounts to your taste.
- Fill small, lidded glass jars.
- Make sure to add a label with the contents and the date.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
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