Cajun Chicken
Baked Cajun chicken thighs marinated in a butter, honey, and Cajun seasoning mixture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. 1 kgskin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- 4 tablepoonsunsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoonCajun seasonings McCormick Gourmet Cajun Seasonings
- 1 tablespoonhoney
- 1 teaspoonsalt
- 3 dashescayenne pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (207°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven and have a baking dish ready.
- Pat the 2 lbs skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Leave the bones and skin intact.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasonings, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3 dashes cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in a shallow bowl or the prepared baking dish. Pour the Cajun butter mixture over the chicken and turn or brush to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 30 minutes.
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the baking dish, skin-side up. Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, then check doneness. The chicken is done when the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is browned. If the skin needs more color, broil on high for up to 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a platter. Spoon any pan juices (Cajun sauce) over the chicken, let rest 3–5 minutes, then slice if desired and serve.
Notes
Deboned chicken thighs with skin is best for baked chicken, as the chicken meat remains moist, tender, and juicy, with the added bonus of nicely charred skin.
You may add two tablespoons of plain yogurt or Greek yogurt in step 3. Yogurt retains moisture in the chicken.
You may use chicken breast for this recipe. Leave the skin on.
400F is the perfect temperature to bake chicken thighs.
I recommend Challenge brand unsalted butter andMcCormick Gourmet Cajun Seasonings.
You can prepare the Cajun marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. Use it for seasoning chicken, fish, or shrimp.
You may add two tablespoons of plain yogurt or Greek yogurt in step 3. Yogurt retains moisture in the chicken.
You may use chicken breast for this recipe. Leave the skin on.
400F is the perfect temperature to bake chicken thighs.
I recommend Challenge brand unsalted butter andMcCormick Gourmet Cajun Seasonings.
You can prepare the Cajun marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. Use it for seasoning chicken, fish, or shrimp.