Blackened Chicken Breasts

Step 1

Clean and oil the grill. Preheat grill to a surface temperature of about 450° which is medium-high on most grills. You must get the surface temperature correct.

Step 2

Trim breasts well. You can brine if you wish but then skip the salt in the rub. A simple brine of 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons table salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar for 20 to 60 minutes help keep them moist.

Step 3

Mix rub 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon white pepper. You may adjust the cayenne to taste and use black pepper if you want.

Step 4

Rub the dry mix on breast front and back. You only have 2 teaspoons so a light coat.

Step 5

Grill over direct heat with the grill lid closed for 5 minutes then flip every 5 minutes until internal temp is 165°. About 25-30 minutes. Oven instructions in the recipe tips below.

Step 6

Lightly tent for 5 minutes before serving.