Chicken thighs…
Because they are cheap, yummy, and full of flavor. Amiright? We love some dark meat chicken up in this casa! Not only are they budget-friendly they are packed full of flavor and super easy to cook. You just throw some spices on their thighs and bake them in the oven. Easy peasy and these Bayou cajun chicken thighs are just that…
They’re easy, they’re full of flavor, and they’re affordable—three things I love when it comes to a hearty meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or just whipping up something for yourself, this recipe delivers a satisfying dish without breaking the bank or taking up too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a spicy kick!
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ToggleWhy Chicken Thighs Are Perfect for Cajun Dishes
Chicken thighs are the go-to choice for making flavorful Bayou-inspired dishes like these Bayou Cajun chicken thighs. But why thighs instead of chicken breasts? The dark meat in chicken thighs is naturally juicier and more tender than white meat, which means it retains moisture and flavor when cooked, especially when paired with a spicy seasoning blend. Plus, the higher fat content in thighs ensures they stay succulent even after baking or searing. When coated with the zesty Bayou Cajun seasoning blend, the chicken skin crisps up beautifully, locking in the bold, smoky flavors that define cajun chicken. Not to mention, chicken thighs are incredibly budget-friendly, making them an ideal protein for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank!
Ingredients Used to Make Bayou Cajun Chicken Thighs
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 corn on the cob, shucked and each corn cut into 3 pieces
- 2-4 Tablespoons Bayou cajun seasoning blend (we got you covered!)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 of a lime
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
This recipe is so simple. You just make your Bayou Seasoning blend and sprinkle it on both sides of the chicken thighs.
Like spicy? Use a lot. Like it a little less spicy? Use less. You control the heat in these by how much seasoning blend you use. We love spicy food so we used a lot ↑. Booya.
How to Make Bayou Cajun Chicken Thighs
- Sear chicken: you’re going to sear the chicken thighs on each side to really get that cajun seasoning browned on there. Remove from the pan.
- Sear corn: sear the corn for a few minutes to get a nice char on some sides of the corn.
- Bake: Bake the chicken thighs and the corn together in an oven-proof skillet or 9 x 13 baking dish if you don’t have an oven-proof skillet.
- Serve: You squeeze lime juice all over the corn and chicken thighs prior to serving, but we love the lime flavor so much, we serve it with lime wedges for even more lime flavor. It’s cooling and refreshing when mixed with the Bayou seasoning blend.
Now let’s make some Bayou cajun chicken thighs, yo.
Kitchen rockstar status…
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Bayou Cajun Chicken Thighs
These Bayou Cajun chicken thighs are already loaded with bold flavors, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate the meal even further. Here are some great side dish options that complement the spicy, smoky taste:
- Creamy Cajun Sauce: A smooth, rich sauce made with cream, garlic, and a dash of Cajun seasoning adds a cool contrast to the heat of the chicken.
- Sticky chicken Rice: Serve your thighs over sticky rice or even Cajun-style dirty rice for a hearty, flavorful base.
- Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread pairs beautifully with the savory spiciness of Cajun-seasoned chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus will complement the chicken without overpowering the flavors.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy slaw with a hint of sweetness can help balance the spiciness of the dish.
With these sides, you’ll have a well-rounded, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion!
Quick Cooking Recipe
- Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
The flavors of the Bayou come alive in these Bayou Cajun Chicken Thighs. Loaded with flavor this easy meal is topped with corn and lime juice and is absolutely tasty!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 corn on the cob, shucked and each corn cut into 3 pieces
- 2-4 Tablespoons Bayou cajun seasoning blend
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 of a lime
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Season chicken thighs generously with Bayou seasoning.
- Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down first to the skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan (it will not be fully cooked). Set aside.
- Add corn to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side (top and bottom) until corn has a nice char on it. Add chicken back to the pan.
- Bake chicken and corn for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is done and juices run clear. Remove from the oven. Squeeze half of the lime all over the chicken thighs and corn. Serve with more lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Microwaving the corn for 2 minutes with shucks on makes it easier to cut. Let cool before cutting.
- If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, just sear chicken and corn on the stovetop in the skillet then transfer to a 9 x 13 baking dish and bake.
Ready to elevate your meals? Visit So Damn Delish for a treasure trove of flavorful and easy-to-follow recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or sweet, you’ll find endless inspiration to make every dish unforgettable!
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Savory Bayou Cajun Chicken Thighs Served with Seasoned Corn
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The flavors of the Bayou come alive in these Bayou cajun chicken thighs. This easy meal is topped with corn and lime juice, let's cook with So Damn Delish!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 corn on the cob, shucked and each corn cut into 3 pieces
- 2–4 Tablespoons Bayou cajun seasoning blend
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 of a lime
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Season chicken thighs generously with Bayou seasoning.
- Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down first to the skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan (it will not be fully cooked). Set aside.
- Add corn to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side (top and bottom) until corn has a nice char on it. Add chicken back to the pan.
Bake chicken and corn for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is done and juices run clear. Remove from the oven. Squeeze half of the lime all over the chicken thighs and corn. Serve with more lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Microwaving the corn for 2 minutes with shucks on makes it easier to cut. Let cool before cutting.
- If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, just sear chicken and corn on the stovetop in the skillet then transfer to a 9 x 13 baking dish and bake.
- Author: SoDamnDelish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg