Cajun Chicken Thighs

My fall-apart tender Cajun chicken thighs are cooked to super saucy, slightly charred perfection, y'all. Boneless, skinless thighs are marinated for 30 minutes to inject the base flavors into the meat. Then, they are slid under the broiler and basted in intervals with a honey, hot sauce, lime, molasses, and herb sauce that takes your taste buds on a fiery, flavor-popping joy ride. Yep and yay...

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• It's Like a Passionate Food Kiss...
• Ingredient Essentials & Substitutions
• How to Make Cajun Chicken Thighs
• Other Amazing Cajun Chicken Dishes
• Cajun Chicken Thighs

It's Like a Passionate Food Kiss...

Cajun chicken thighs are seasoned from the inside out with traditional south Louisiana flavors, then glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce while broiling in the oven. Although the taste and presentation of this dish are gourmet-quality, it marinates and cooks in less than one hour. So, you can serve it as an easy weeknight family meal or use it to impress your guests at dinner parties, holiday events, and get-togethers. 

I created this original recipe using select ingredients that I had on hand in my fridge and pantry. It's a very near-and-dear recipe to me as I developed it early on in my blogging career. And, like many of my other unique creations, these Cajun chicken thighs provide an explosion of flavors that you just don't find  anywhere else. Nope. 

Ingredient Essentials & Substitutions

You need a handful of ingredients to make the Cajun chicken thighs marinade. 

• The boneless skinless chicken thighs were the inspiration for this recipe that I created in 2016. I highly recommend using them. You can also debone bone-in chicken thighs fairly easily and proceed with the recipe as written. 
• Steen's cane vinegar is a local favorite that I use in many of my original recipes. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar with full confidence. 
• The lime juice, chicken broth, and dried spices are also easy to acquire. I use Great Value spices for my recipes. So, please don't think that you have to purchase expensive seasonings for this or any other of my recipes. 

Once you have the chicken marinated, there are only another handful or so of ingredients that you need to gather. 

• I use local honey in this Cajun chicken thighs recipe because I always have it on hand. You can also use store-bought without any issues, as long as its unflavored and from a solid brand.
• Molasses adds depth and beautiful color to the sauce. I wouldn't skip it. But, you can use brown sugar or even just sugar in a pinch.
• Tabasco is one of the grand dames of the south Louisiana spice world. Truth be told, this amazing hot sauce has earned its rightful place in all of our kitchens and our hearts. Since the Tabasco flavor is extremely prominent in this recipe, you'll most likely want to make a special order. If you just don't have the time, you can substitute Louisiana hot sauce or Crystal hot sauce for best results. If going with an out-of-state brand, stick to unflavored hot sauce. 
• Freshly chopped parsley and lime zest work together to brighten these Cajun chicken thighs beautifully. You'll certainly not experience this recipe as it was intended without them. 

How to Make Cajun Chicken Thighs

To begin the recipe, stir all of the marinade ingredients until combined. 

Pour the marinade over the thighs. 

Toss until well incorporated, then set aside. 

Preheat the broiler, then make the sauce. 

Transfer the marinated boneless skinless chicken thighs to a lightly greased enameled cast iron skillet. 

Finally, broil the thighs for 10 to 12 minutes on each side. 

Baste each side of the thighs with the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking time.

And that's, it, y'all!!

These Cajun chicken thighs release seasoned pan drippings into the skillet that combine with the sauce to create a uniquely electrifying flavor profile that literally stuns your palate upon contact. For real!! 

And the meat, y'all, the meat...It's almost unbelievably fall-apart tender and juicy. So, you'll want to keep going back again and again just to savor the succulence. Truth!

Share these Cajun chicken thighs with those who propel you to push beyond your personal boundaries with courage and confidence. And see y'all on the yum side...

NOTE: This post was originally published on May 18, 2016, and was updated and republished on October 11, 2024.

Other Amazing Cajun Chicken Dishes