Introducing my healthier, homemade version of a popular fast food item: the blackened chicken sandwich! These are incredibly juicy and seasoned to perfection with an easy, flavor-packed blackening seasoning (recipe included).
You can either grill the chicken breast or pan-sear then bake. Slap on some chipotle Greek yogurt sauce and a bun, and you’re ready to dig in!
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Blackened chicken sandwiches are a popular fast food item, but I’m happy to report they’re easy to make at home! The homemade blackening seasoning comes together in minutes, and instead of mayonnaise, we add a creamy and savory Greek yogurt sauce that’s simple and flavorful.
(If you’re a BBQ lover, be sure to try my tangy shredded bbq chicken sandwiches as well!)
The secret to keeping the chicken extra juicy: pound the chicken so it’s uniform in thickness (more on that below), and also use an oven-safe meat thermometer! That way, you can remove the chicken from the heat right when it hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, make sure it rests for 5 minutes afterward. That’s it!
I’m confident these chicken sandwiches will become part of your go-to dinner rotation because they’re just THAT good.
Love blackening seasoning? These blackened salmon tacos with mango salsa are also incredible!
What You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious blackened chicken sandwiches:
- chicken breasts (I highly recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts, because we’ll be pounding them with a mallet for uniform thickness. You can also swap these out for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.)
- olive oil
- buns (I like whole wheat buns, but any kind will work!)
- plain Greek yogurt (For the creamy chipotle yogurt sauce on top. You can use spicy mayo if you prefer, but this creamy chipotle yogurt sauce is just as delicious, includes probiotics, is higher in protein, and perfectly tangy!)
- tomatoes
- lettuce (or other greens, like baby spinach)
- spices for homemade blackening seasoning: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper (for added heat)
Feel free to swap out the chipotle yogurt sauce for your favorite burger sauce, if preferred! You can also add sliced cheese on top, just before removing it from the oven/grill so it gets nice and melty.
How to Make Blackening Seasoning from Scratch
It’s super easy to make your own blackening seasoning! Just combine all the ingredients (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt) in a bowl and stir until combined. (Full measurement details are in the recipe card at the end of the post.)
If you like it spicy, stir in 1/2 – 3/4 tsp of cayenne pepper too!
How to Make Blackened Chicken Sandwiches
Now, let’s get into the deets on how to make these chicken breast sandwiches! Start by mixing together your blackening seasoning. (Set aside 2-3 teaspoons to make the yogurt sauce later.)
Next, I highly recommend pounding the chicken breasts before cooking – it’ll help the chicken cook more evenly so it stays juicy (while also tenderizing it!).
Wrap the chicken breasts in plastic wrap, or place it in a plastic bag. Next, pound the chicken breasts with a mallet, saucepan, or rolling pin until they’re an even thickness of about ½ inch. Matt and I always use this method when cooking chicken breasts nowadays! Makes it so much easier to cook evenly and quickly.
Then, pat the chicken breasts dry and brush them with olive oil. Rub both sides of each chicken breast with the blackening seasoning until fully coated.
Next, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. (You can also grill these – see instructions further down in the post). Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a dark crust forms.
Transfer the skillet to the oven (preheated to 400 degrees F) and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. (Here’s where an oven-safe meat thermometer is SO helpful!).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
While the chicken cooks, make the chipotle yogurt sauce: mix together the Greek yogurt and the reserved blackening seasoning in a small bowl until combined.
You can also toast the whole wheat buns, if desired.
Lastly, assemble your sandwiches! Spread the yogurt sauce on both halves of the bun, then add lettuce, tomato slices, and blackened chicken breast.
Feel free to toss in your favorite burger toppings, like pickles, slaw, or red onion! Either way: this sandwich is *chef’s kiss*. Hope you enjoy!
Can I make this on the grill?
Yep! You can easily grill the chicken instead of using the skillet and oven method. Simply place the seasoned raw chicken on the grill and cook until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
Hot tip: near the end of grilling the chicken, toss the buns on the grill for a couple minutes to toast them!
What to Serve with Chicken Burgers
Need some side dish ideas? These are some of my favorite sides that would pair perfectly here:
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Apple & White Bean Cabbage Slaw
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Yogurt Dressing
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples
- Crispy Oven Roasted Mini Potatoes
- Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Lemon Mint Vinaigrette
Helpful Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your chicken sandwiches turn out divine:
- Use an oven-safe digital meat thermometer to make sure you don’t overcook the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning the chicken breast.
- Coat the chicken generously with seasoning. Don’t be shy with the blackening seasoning! A thick, even layer will create a bold, flavorful crust.
- Be sure to preheat the skillet before searing the chicken.
- Pounding the chicken breasts before cooking will help the chicken to cook more evenly. Don’t skip this step if you can help it!
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking (before eating) to allow the juices to redistribute.
More burger and sandwich recipes you’ll love:
- Ground Turkey Curry Burgers with Yogurt Sauce
- Juicy Grilled Chicken Gyro Wraps
- Greek Lamb Burgers with Feta & Spinach
- Pulled Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich
Healthier Blackened Chicken Sandwiches (Juicy & Crazy Delicious)
This healthier, homemade version of the blackened chicken sandwich is so juicy, seasoned to perfection, and topped with creamy Greek yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons homemade Blackening Seasoning*
- whole wheat buns
- tomato slices
- lettuce or baby spinach
- Savory Greek Yogurt Sauce**
*Blackening Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional - adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
**Savory Greek Yogurt Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2-3 teaspoons Blackening Seasoning (to taste)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Set aside 2-3 teaspoons for the Savory Greek Yogurt sauce.
- Optional: pounding the chicken breasts before cooking helps the chicken to cook more evenly and tenderizes it. Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap or place the chicken in a plastic bag. Pound the chicken breasts with a mallet, saucepan, or rolling pin until the chicken breasts are an even thickness of about ½ inch.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry, then brush them with olive oil. Rub both sides of each chicken breast with the blackening seasoning, making sure they are fully coated.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a dark crust forms.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 13 - 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and the reserved blackening seasoning until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toast the whole wheat buns, if desired. Spread the Savory Greek Yogurt Sauce on both halves of the bun. Add lettuce and tomato slices to the bottom half, then place the blackened chicken breast on top. Finish with the top bun.
Notes:
Helpful tips:
- Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure you don't overcook the chicken.
- If you prefer, you can grill the chicken instead of using the skillet + oven method. If grilling, simply place the seasoned raw chicken on the grill and cook until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F. You can also grill the buns for 2-3 minutes until they are toasted.
- Coat the chicken generously with seasoning. Don’t be shy with the blackening seasoning! A thick, even layer will create a bold, flavorful crust.
- Be sure to preheat the skillet before searing the chicken.
- Pat the chicken breast dry before seasoning it.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking (before eating) to allow the juices to redistribute.
