Cajun Chicken Dinner
This Cajun Chicken Dinner is the ultimate comfort food, packed with bold flavors and juicy chicken. It's a one-pan meal that delivers on taste and simplicity, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Try it tonight and enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner!
Equipment
- Whisk
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 5 pieces Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 piece Bell pepper
- 0.5 piece Red onion
- to taste garnish Fresh parsley
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2.5 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1.25 tsp Dried oregano
- 1.25 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 - 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This high temperature will help achieve a crispy skin on the chicken while perfectly roasting the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the Cajun seasoning ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This blend is what gives your chicken that authentic Cajun flavor.
- Take a large rimmed baking sheet and place the chicken thighs skin side down. Drizzle and rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the thighs, ensuring they’re well-coated for roasting. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning to taste; I personally use about 1 tablespoon for a great flavor.
- Flip the chicken thighs over and drizzle with another tablespoon of olive oil. Season this side with Cajun seasoning, too; around half a tablespoon works well to enhance the flavor.
- In a large bowl, toss the diced Yukon Gold potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. I often do this right on the cutting board to minimize mess. Season with Cajun seasoning to taste—about 2 teaspoons should suffice.
- Now, transfer the seasoned potatoes to the baking sheet, placing them around the chicken thighs. This allows the flavors to mingle and creates a delightful roast.
- Roast everything in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be golden brown and the potatoes to start getting tender.
- After 30 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the diced bell pepper and red onion over the potatoes, tossing them gently for even distribution. This addition of veggies will add even more flavor and color.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes. This lets the vegetables cook down and allows the chicken to finish cooking through until it's golden and juicy.
- If you want an extra crispy skin, you can broil everything for the last few minutes. It’s a great way to achieve that perfect finish.
- Once done, serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Enjoy your delicious Cajun Chicken Dinner!
Notes
- Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Tip 2: You can freeze this dish before cooking. Assemble everything in the baking pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen, just add extra time.
- Tip 3: This meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or cornbread to soak up the delicious juices.
- Tip 4: Experiment with additional spices like cumin or cayenne to customize the flavor to your preference.
- Tip 5: If you prefer, you can layer the ingredients in a casserole dish and bake it that way.
- Tip 6: Feel free to modify the cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance, or omit it for a milder version.