Cajun Spiced Grilled Chicken (Printable Version)
Tender chicken thighs marinated in bold Cajun spices and grilled for a smoky, flavorful meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
02 - Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better spice adherence and 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 vigorously until each piece is uniformly coated.
04 - Cover bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor penetration, extend marinating time up to 4 hours.
05 - Heat grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F. Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
06 - Arrange chicken thighs on preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, turning once, until exterior develops rich char marks and interior reaches 165°F.
07 - Transfer grilled chicken to a clean platter. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat before serving.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- The homemade spice blend creates layers of flavor that store bought versions simply cannot match
- Chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy while developing that irresistible smoky char everyone fights over
- Once you master this marinade, you will find yourself wanting to put it on everything from fish to roasted vegetables
02 -
- Patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning is the step most people skip, but it makes the difference between soggy skin and crispy edges
- Over marinating in lemon juice can break down the chicken texture, so stick to the 4 hour maximum for the best results
03 -
- Soaked wood chips on the grill add another layer of smoky flavor that takes this chicken from great to absolutely unforgettable
- Always use tongs to handle the chicken rather than a fork, which would pierce the meat and let those precious juices escape