Love a little heat? These Spicy Cajun Chicken Thighs bring bold and fiery Cajun flavors to the table, making dinner easy, delicious, and anything but boring. Juicy, tender meat with perfectly crispy skin, all cooked right in the oven, makes this recipe a real game-changer. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these chicken thighs will leave everyone reaching for seconds!
Cajun seasoning can be found at most grocery stores, but why not try making your own? Many online recipes use pantry staples to create a custom seasoning blend tailored to your preferences.
Ingredients
To make this easy oven-baked dish, you’ll need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt & Pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven.
Set your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will ensure the chicken gets crispy without sitting in excess juices.
(I’ve also been known to crank up the oven to 430°F to get even crispier skin, so feel free to experiment with the cooking temperature!)
Prep the chicken thighs.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this step is essential for crispy skin. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
Arrange the chicken on the wire rack.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared wire rack, ensuring enough space between each piece for even cooking.
Bake the chicken.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve and enjoy!
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to seal in all the juices. Serve with your favorite sides. My top side dishes for Cajun Chicken are creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread
Top Side Dish Suggestions for Cajun Chicken
If you’re looking for more options to pair with your Cajun chicken thighs, here are four additional side dishes that perfectly complement the bold, spicy flavors:
- Collard Greens: A classic Southern staple, collard greens add a hearty, earthy element to your meal. Cook them low and slow with garlic, onions, and a splash of vinegar for the best flavor.
- Dirty Rice: This flavorful, Cajun-inspired rice dish is loaded with spices, vegetables, and sometimes ground meat. It’s the perfect way to double down on those Cajun flavors.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes helps balance the heat of the Cajun spice, creating a perfectly satisfying bite.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with the crispy, spicy chicken thighs.
- Corn on the cob: A classic Southern side, corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious addition to any Cajun-inspired meal.
- Cornbread: Nothing screams Southern comfort food more than a slice of cornbread. The sweet and savory flavors are the perfect complement to the heat of the cajun chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a great option for those who want a milder side dish to balance out the spiciness of the chicken. Sprinkle on some extra Cajun seasoning for an added kick!
- Coleslaw: The cool, crispness of coleslaw is a refreshing counterpoint to the bold flavors of Cajun chicken. Experiment with different dressings, like using spicy mayo or vinegar-based dressing for an added punch.
With these options, you can mix and match your sides to create a well-rounded and flavorful meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds! So go ahead, spice up your dinner game with these oven-baked Cajun chicken thighs and enjoy a tasty meal full of bold flavors. Happy cooking!
