Best 6 Cajun Chicken Thighs Recipes

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Cajun chicken thighs are a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of Louisiana, this dish features succulent chicken thighs coated in a blend of aromatic Cajun spices and herbs. With its crispy skin, juicy meat, and distinct, slightly spicy flavor, Cajun chicken thighs are a popular choice for backyard barbecues, family dinners, and casual gatherings. Whether you prefer grilled, baked, or pan-seared, there's a Cajun chicken thigh recipe to satisfy every taste and cooking preference.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS



Cajun Chicken Thighs image

Tender, juicy, baked chicken thighs marinated with a zesty homemade cajun seasoning make for one of the easiest, tastiest meals ever. Add some veggies to the pan a super simple one pan dinner!

Provided by Ann Otis

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lbs bone-in (skin-on chicken thighs (about 8 thighs))
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste or add some crushed red pepper for extra heat)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
1/4 cup olive oil
sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper, honey, mustard, and lemon juice. Reserve the juiced lemon. Whisk in the olive oil.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and turn to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to 2 days, or 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature.
  • Transfer the chicken thighs to a large baking sheet and add the squeezed lemon halves to the pan.*
  • Bake at 425 F for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is browned and crispy. If the chicken starts to get too dark before it's fully cooked, cover it loosely with a sheet of foil.

CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS



Cajun Chicken Thighs image

Make and share this Cajun Chicken Thighs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Cajun

Time 30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon granulated onion
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons fresh coarse ground black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt
16 (4 ounce) boneless skinless chicken thighs
extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Make the rub: in a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients.
  • Rinse chicken thighs under cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
  • Coat chicken with the rub, then brush or spray with olive oil.
  • Grill the thighs over Direct Medium heat until the meat is firm and the juices run clear, 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290.5, Fat 9.1, SaturatedFat 2.3, Cholesterol 189.7, Sodium 634.8, Carbohydrate 4.3, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 2.3, Protein 45.4

AIR FRYER HONEY-CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS



Air Fryer Honey-Cajun Chicken Thighs image

I'm a wimp when it comes to heat, but this packs some heat without being overwhelming.

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Thigh Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

½ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
¼ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup tapioca flour
2 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon honey powder (such as Savory Spice®)
¼ teaspoon ground paprika
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 teaspoons honey

Steps:

  • Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a resealable plastic bag. Add chicken thighs and marinate for 30 minutes
  • Combine flour, tapioca flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, honey powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Remove thighs from buttermilk mixture and dredge through flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 360 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place chicken thighs into the air fryer basket and cook for about 15 minutes. Flip thighs over and cook until chicken thighs are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 10 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove chicken thighs from air fryer and drizzle each thigh with 1 teaspoon honey.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 247.9 calories, Carbohydrate 16.4 g, Cholesterol 64.7 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 19.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 429.5 mg, Sugar 5.1 g

GRILLED CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS



Grilled Cajun Chicken Thighs image

[DRAFT]

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Yield 6 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 pounds chicken thighs
½ cup Kikkoman Low Sodium Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon thyme
½ teaspoon ground red pepper

Steps:

  • Rinse chicken thighs under cold water, pat dry. Combine Kikkoman Low Sodium Soy Sauce, hot pepper sauce, garlic, onion powder, thyme and red pepper in a plastic zipper bag. Add chicken thighs. Close the bag and turn it to coat chicken. Marinate at least 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium. Make drainage holes in sheets of Reynolds Wrap Non-Stick Foil with a large grilling fork. Place foil sheets with holes on grill rack with non-stick (dull) side towards food; immediately place chicken on foil. Grill chicken 5 minutes; turn. Continue grilling and turning every 5 minutes until chicken is tender and reaches 180°F, for about 30 minutes.

CREOLE CHICKEN THIGHS



Creole Chicken Thighs image

Cajun seasoning adds loads of flavor and spice to this easy-to-assemble meal. The slow cooker does the work so you don't have to! -Matthew Laman, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 can (16 ounces) red beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 cups uncooked converted rice (not instant)
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3-1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1-1/2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
8 bone-in chicken thighs (about 3 pounds), skin removed
1 tablespoon canola oil

Steps:

  • In a 6-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 6 ingredients and 1-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning., Sprinkle chicken with remaining Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; brown chicken, about 5 minutes per side. Place in slow cooker., Cook, covered, on low until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads at least 170°-175°, 4-5 hours (rice will be saucy).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 394 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 87mg cholesterol, Sodium 802mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 31g protein.

INSTANT POT® CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN THIGHS



Instant Pot® Creamy Cajun Chicken Thighs image

This quick meal is packed with flavor without being too spicy or hot for the kiddos. Serve over wide egg pappardelle and steamed green beans.

Provided by duckman

Categories     Chicken Thighs

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ¼ cups chicken bone broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 leaves fresh basil, or to taste

Steps:

  • Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. When the pot is hot, add 1 tablespoon butter and avocado oil to coat the bottom of the pot. Leave remaining 3 tablespoons butter out to soften.
  • Place chicken thighs in the pot and sprinkle with basil and garlic powder. Brown for 3 minutes on each side. Temporarily remove chicken to a plate.
  • Pour broth into the pot and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Return chicken to the pot and cancel the Saute setting.
  • Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 6 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions for 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid and remove chicken thighs to a plate.
  • Mix softened butter and flour together in a small bowl. Select Saute function and when the sauce begins to simmer, whisk in the butter-flour mixture until sauce has thickened. Cancel Saute function.
  • Stir in heavy cream and roasted red peppers. Slice chicken thighs and return to the pot. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 436 calories, Carbohydrate 8 g, Cholesterol 149.9 mg, Fat 34.5 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 23.2 g, SaturatedFat 17.3 g, Sodium 758.4 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can marinate them for up to 24 hours if you have the time.
  • If you don't have time to marinate the chicken, you can still make this recipe. Just add the spices to the chicken thighs and cook them as directed.
  • Be sure to cook the chicken thighs over medium heat so that they have time to cook through without burning.
  • Serve the chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice.

Conclusion:

This Cajun chicken thighs recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic Southern dish. The chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and then cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve them with your favorite sides for a complete meal that your family and friends will love.

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