Cajun Spiced Grilled Chicken (Printable)
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in Cajun spices and grilled to a smoky, flavorful finish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 2.5 lbs)
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
10 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - ½ teaspoon brown sugar, optional for sweetness
→ To Serve
13 - Lemon wedges
14 - Chopped fresh parsley, optional
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, up to 8 hours for enhanced flavor penetration.
03 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Lightly oil the cooking grate to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill thighs for 6 to 8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops charred, crispy marks.
05 - Transfer grilled chicken to a serving plate and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with fresh parsley and accompany with lemon wedges.
# Tips from dashanddishes:
01 -
- The spice blend delivers that perfect Cajun kick without overwhelming the natural chicken flavor
- Marinating does most of the work ahead of time, making actual cooking feel almost effortless
02 -
- Patting the chicken semi-dry before grilling prevents steaming and helps develop better char marks
- Letting the meat rest is non-negotiable, cutting into it immediately releases all those juices you worked to create
03 -
- Grilling over wood chips takes the smoky flavor to another level entirely
- Make extra spice blend and store it in a jar for instant Cajun meals anytime