Baked Cajun Chicken Thighs
A jar of cajun spice and a few pantry staples is all you need to make a wonderful dinner in less than 40 minutes. This baked cajun chicken thighs can be served over steamed rice or buttered noodles.
About this recipe
Cajun spice is a blend made with wonderful aromatic flavors of onion, garlic, oregano. This spice mix is easily found in any supermarket on the spice rack but can be easily made at home. Chances are you probably already have all the spices and herbs needed to make this blend. I have given you my blend below in the recipe card.
If you like cajun spice you must try my cajun chicken with rice and cajun chicken pasta
We love this chicken over buttered noodles. And yet, you can serve it over any of your favorite pasta. Or, try mashed potatoes, or alongside some wonderful salads.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Chicken – I’m using chicken thighs. And yet, you can use thighs and legs, chicken breast, or even the whole chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Olive oil – I like to use a good quality olive oil for maximum flavor. But, you can also use butter to enhance the flavor. Cajun butter chicken is absolutely delicious.
- Seasoning – I have put salt and pepper as optional because cajun seasoning also has salt in it. In fact, if you buy ready-to-use cajun spice you might want to check on how much salt is in there.
Step by step instructions
- Preheat the oven at 200 C/ 390 F.
- Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces.
- Place the chicken pieces in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, combine cajun spice and brown sugar
- Brush the chicken liberally with the lemon juice and olive oil
- Then sprinkle liberally with the cajun spice mix on both sides.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until done.
- Tip – A chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 F.
Frequently asked questions
This cajun chicken will keep in the fridge for a good 4 to 5 days. You can even freeze it for up to a month.
It’s better not to add veggies because they will add moisture which will cause the chicken to stew rather than bake. Having said that if you want a chicken and veggies casserole, add some potatoes, carrot, mushrooms, and parsnips.
Yes, this will make a wonderful meal, chicken with pasta. You can add about 8 oz of boiled pasta at the end after you have taken it out of the oven. The pan juices coat the pasta well. Make sure to add a good helping of fresh herbs too.
This is a very versatile dish and can pair with almost any veggies. Try sauteed green beans or asparagus, baked butternut squash, or carrots. You can even try a side of simple salad like celery, carrots, cabbage, etc.
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Baked Cajun Chicken Thighs
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Ingredients
- 6 (1.50 lb) Chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp Cajun spice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- ½ tsp Salt (optional)
- ¼ tsp Pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 200 C/ 390 F.
- Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces.
- Place the chicken pieces in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, combine Cajun spice and brown sugar
- Brush the chicken liberally with the lemon juice and olive oil
- Then sprinkle liberally with the cajun spice mix on both sides.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until done.
- Tip – Chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 F.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Cayenne powder
- 1 tbsp Paprika, smoked
- 1/2 tsp Red chili flakes
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Hi Veena, should I use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar
You can use light brown sugar, Marion. Thanks
The flavors in this chicken are great! Great with a side of veggies for dinner. Family loved it too!!
Thank you, Noelle. So happy you enjoyed it.