Ohhh now we’re talking—Cajun BBQ Chicken Thighs bring the smoky, spicy, sticky-sweet flavor bomb that makes taste buds dance! Here’s how to do them right:
🔥 Cajun BBQ Chicken Thighs
🛒 Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless works too, just adjust cook time)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, see below)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the BBQ glaze:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional for a kick)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
🌶️ Homemade Cajun Seasoning (if needed):
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (more if you’re bold)
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Mix and store the rest for later!
🔥 Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat thighs dry with paper towels.
- Rub with olive oil, then generously coat all sides with Cajun seasoning, plus a little extra salt & pepper.
- Let it marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grill option: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill thighs skin-side down first, 6–8 minutes per side, then reduce heat and finish cooking through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
- Oven option: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Sear thighs skin-side down in an oven-safe skillet until golden (about 5–6 mins), flip, then transfer to oven for 20–25 minutes.
- Make the Glaze:
- While the chicken cooks, mix BBQ sauce, honey, paprika, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Glaze & Finish:
- Brush the chicken with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling/roasting, and again just before serving.
🍽️ Serve With:
- Grilled corn or cornbread
- Creamy slaw or potato salad
- Pickles or quick pickled onions for contrast
This one’s smoky, sticky, spicy, and hits all the comfort food notes. Want to turn this into tacos or sliders? I’ve got you covered there too!
