Name: Crispy Cajun Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

Description

These Crispy Cajun Chicken Thighs offer a perfectly seasoned, crispy-skinned chicken dish with a bold blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Ideal for a quick stovetop meal, these juicy thighs deliver rich, smoky flavors with a slight kick of heat, making them a delicious and satisfying option for any dinner.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.
Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and optional brown sugar for a balanced Cajun spice blend.
Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs evenly with olive oil or butter. Then coat the chicken with the prepared seasoning mixture, pressing it into the skin and flesh for maximum flavor.
Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to get hot enough to sizzle the chicken skin.
Cook Skin-side Down: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes without moving them to develop a deep golden, crispy skin.
Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked and juicy.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin.
Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
Using bone-in, skin-on thighs keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
You can substitute olive oil with butter for richer flavor.
Resting the meat after cooking enhances juiciness.