Description
Juicy and flavorful chicken thighs seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend and grilled to perfection. This dish brings the smoky, spicy essence of Louisiana straight to your backyard with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to create the Cajun spice rub.
Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish.
Add olive oil to the bag/dish, then add the spice rub, mixing well to coat the chicken evenly.
Seal the bag and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for more flavor.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F / 190-230°C). Place chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down.
Grill for about 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a juicy pink center.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra smokiness, use a charcoal grill and add wood chips soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
If the cayenne is too intense, reduce or omit it for a milder version.
Serve with a simple side of grilled corn or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs per serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 120mg