Cajun Spiced Grilled Chicken (Printable Version)

Juicy chicken thighs with smoky Cajun spices grilled to juicy, flavorful perfection.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 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

→ To Serve

13 - Lemon wedges
14 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar until well combined.
02 - Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
03 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grate.
04 - Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is charred and crispy.
05 - Transfer to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

# Tips from hearthlykitchen:

01 -
  • The spice blend hits that perfect sweet spot where everyone reaches for seconds but nobody needs a glass of milk
  • Mixing the marinade takes literally five minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant that's been perfecting it for years
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting period or all those juices will end up on your cutting board instead of in the chicken
  • The longer you marinate the deeper the flavor goes but even 20 minutes makes a huge difference
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating if you want even better char marks
  • Double the spice blend and keep it in a labeled jar for instant meal prep

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