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Cast Iron Skillet Cajun Chicken Thighs

Crispy Cajun chicken thighs in the cast iron skillet.  Preheat the skillet in the oven, sear on the stove top, then finish off back in the oven.  Perfect every time.

Overhead of cooked chicken thighs in skillet.

This past year, my mom gave me two cast iron skillets that were my dad's.  I actually think they were my grandmother's, that my dad eventually got.  My mom thinks they were a gift when they got married.  Regardless, I have them now and I've restored them and I'm using them more and more. 

One of my favorite things to make are chicken thighs.  It's in the technique and also the Cajun spices.  Cast Iron Skillet Cajun Chicken Thighs are so simple and so delicious.

Cast Iron Skillet Cajun Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are definitely my family's favorite, and wings.  Breasts... not so much.  Although I do feel there is a time and place for chicken breasts, just not here, this way in the skillet.  Try these orange glazed chicken breasts the next time you have some breasts to use up.

Close up in skillet.

The technique I mentioned is simply preheating the skillet in the oven for 30 minutes.  Just put it in the oven, then turn on the heat.  After 30 minutes, it's good and hot, but more importantly, it's evenly heated.  This makes for a perfect sear on the stove top.   Cast iron pans don't always heat up evenly, this ensures a perfect sear.  Also, here's a great article about cast iron care from the kitchn to check out.

Prepping chicken thighs, photo collage with Cajun seasoning mix and cast iron pan.

I love Cajun spices and have a favorite local blend.  Use your favorite, or make your own, like this Creole Cajun Seasoning from Immaculate Bites.  A word of caution regarding salt.  My blend has NO SALT and thus I salt the chicken liberally.  If your blend has salt, adjust accordingly.  Without salt, even with the flavor and heat of the Cajun spices, the chicken will be bland, just sayin'.

Cast Iron Skillet Cajun Chicken Thighs are easy and delicious.  The pan drippings make a great sauce on their own, drizzled over the chicken or rice.  This is definitely a winner, winner, chicken dinner!  Kelly🍴🐦

Overhead of blackened chicken thighs in skillet.

Like Cajun spices?  Try these for dinner:

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Cast Iron Skillet Cajun Chicken Thighs

Crispy Cajun chicken thighs in the cast iron skillet.  Preheat the skillet in the oven, sear on the stove top, then finish off back in the oven.  Perfect every time.
4.86 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 344kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun spice mix (or Creole)
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil

Instructions

  • Place a large cast iron skillet in oven.  Turn heat on and set to 450°. Let skillet heat in oven for 30 minutes.
  • Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towel. Season each side with salt and pepper. Sprinkle Cajun mix on bottom of thigh first, then flip and evenly coat the top, rubbing gently into skin.  Turn oven down to 400°.
  • Place preheated skillet on stove top over medium heat.  Add the oil and swirl over bottom.  Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, to the pan and sear until brown, almost black, about 4 - 6 minutes.  Turn thighs and brown other side for 2 - 4 more minutes.
  • Place skillet back in 400 degree oven and bake until cooked through and juices run clear, about 30 - 40 minutes, depending on size of thighs.  Remove to plate, defat pan drippings, and serve with pan juices on the side or drizzled over chicken.

Recipe Notes

You can use 4 - 6 thighs, depending on size and what will fit in your skillet.
The technique I mentioned is simply preheating the skillet in the oven for 30 minutes.  Just put it in the oven, then turn on the heat.  After 30 minutes, it’s good and hot, but more importantly, it’s evenly heated.  This makes for a perfect sear on the stove top.   Cast iron pans don’t always heat up evenly, this ensures a perfect sear.

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal Carbohydrates: 2g Protein: 24g Fat: 27g Saturated Fat: 7g Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g Monounsaturated Fat: 11g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 142mg Sodium: 113mg Potassium: 349mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 1g Vitamin A: 1262IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 17mg Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe? Please comment, rate it and share! And mention me on Instagram @thehungrybluebird or tag #thehungrybluebird so I can see!
 


 

 

 

 

Recipe Rating




Val

Monday 27th of September 2021

I tried this about a week ago and it was absolutely delicious!! Tonight I thought I would try Kinders Buttery Steakhouse seasoning. It was absolutely delicious as well.

Kelly

Tuesday 28th of September 2021

Glad you liked, Val. I'm sure other dry rub seasonings work well, too!

Tess H

Wednesday 4th of August 2021

EASY and DELISH! I was hesitant because it was my first time cooking chicken thigh in my cast iron skillet. Nothing usually tops grilled chicken thigh but these are the juiciest and most tender chicken thighs I’ve ever had! My boyfriend agreed. Used boneless/skinless, I would’ve seared them slightly longer but next time because there will surely be a next time.

Kelly

Saturday 21st of August 2021

So glad you tried chicken thighs this way, Tess. They are so easy and so good!

Dan

Sunday 14th of March 2021

Amazing. The chicken was juicy and delicious. I followed the link below for the spice as I didn't have premade cajun at home. I am normally a grill guy and can say with confidence these are the best chicken thighs I have ever made.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/149221/cajun-spice-mix/

Kelly

Thursday 18th of March 2021

Thanks so much for the kind note, glad you liked this chicken, so easy, right?

Zay

Monday 18th of January 2021

So easy and absolutely wonderful! I made up a super easy Cajun blend and was generous with the salt as well as the Cajun rub. It turned out just like is pictured. I can not stress how easy AND delicious this was. Will be trying more of your recipes. Thank you so much!

Kelly

Monday 1st of February 2021

Thanks for letting me know, Zay. I'm so glad you liked the recipe, it's a favorite of mine.

Cassandra Bank

Monday 11th of January 2021

Delicious. Used bone-in thighs and turned out great.