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Cajun Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

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Juicy, crispy chicken thighs coated in a smoky Cajun spice blend and caramelized brown sugar glaze. This easy, sweet-and-spicy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim any excess skin or fat if desired. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat.
  4. Sprinkle the Cajun brown sugar rub all over the chicken thighs, pressing it on so it sticks. Get some under the skin for extra flavor. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the rub for later.
  5. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes.
  6. Sprinkle the reserved rub over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is bubbling.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
  8. Serve hot, spooning sticky pan juices over the chicken.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Let the spice rub sit on the chicken for 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor. Don’t crowd the pan for best searing. Adjust spice level to taste. Leftovers are great in sandwiches or wraps. For easy cleanup, line baking sheet with parchment or foil if transferring from skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: cajun chicken, brown sugar chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, easy chicken thighs, skillet chicken, weeknight dinner, southern recipe, comfort food, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/cajun-brown-sugar-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-sweet-and-spicy-dinner/