Cajun Spiced Grilled Chicken (Print View)
Juicy grilled chicken thighs with a bold Cajun spice blend, delivering smoky and spicy Southern notes.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
→ Cajun Spice Mix
02 - 2 tbsp smoked paprika
03 - 1 tbsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tbsp onion powder
05 - 1 tsp dried oregano
06 - 1 tsp dried thyme
07 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper
08 - 1 tsp ground black pepper
09 - 1 tsp kosher salt
→ Marinade
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - Juice of 1 lemon
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all spices.
02 - Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adhesion and better grill marks.
03 - Place chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with the prepared Cajun spice blend. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
04 - Heat grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F. Clean grates and lightly oil to prevent sticking.
05 - Arrange chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side until well-charred and cooked through. The internal temperature must reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
06 - Transfer grilled chicken to a clean platter and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Serve hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice rub comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
- Chicken thighs stay impossibly juicy even after high heat grilling
- You control the heat, so everyone from spice lovers to kids can enjoy
02 -
- Patting the chicken dry before marinating makes a huge difference in how well the spices stick
- Letting the cooked meat rest is nonnegotiable for juicy results
03 -
- Invest in a good meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, which dries out chicken quickly
- Brush the grill grates with oil right before adding the chicken for guaranteed easy cleanup