Sink your teeth into these succulent Cajun Chicken Thighs, a quick and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite! Featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned generously with a bold Cajun spice blend, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, this recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. A quick sear in olive oil and butter locks in flavor, while oven-roasting ensures the meat is cooked to perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with zesty lemon wedges, these chicken thighs are as vibrant as they are delicious. Ready in just 50 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Serve alongside roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal! Keywords: Cajun chicken thighs recipe, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, Cajun spices, weeknight dinner ideas.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet, letting it melt and baste the chicken for added richness.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
Calories |
2474 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 195.2 g | 250% | |
| Saturated Fat | 55.5 g | 278% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 760 mg | 253% | |
| Sodium | 5893 mg | 256% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.7 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 163.1 g | 326% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 128 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 2153 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.