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Chicken / Dinner Ideas / Gluten Free / Keto / Low Carb / Special Diets

Pan Seared Cajun Butter Chicken Thighs

You’re going to love these moist, juicy, and tender Pan Seared Cajun Butter Chicken Thighs. They’re flavorful, rich, and enticing cooked in a spicy Cajun rub and topped with a velvety butter sauce. 

cooking chicken thighs in a skillet

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Recipe

  • Cajun flavor. There’s a few particular cuisines that, when I even just think of them, my taste buds come alive. Cajun cuisine is one of those! A good Cajun seasoning is legit, out-of-this-world. Cajun seasoning is especially good on chicken. I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me that chicken with Cajun seasoning rubbed on it is where the term, “finger licking good” came from. 
  • Spicy crunch. This recipe has so much powerful Cajun flavor, cooked up in one pan. The best part of Cajun seasoning is when it’s seared or charred. The spicy crunch is simply perfection!
  • Super easy. All you’ll need is 30 minutes and a single pan for this easy chicken thighs recipe. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

What’s In this Chicken Thighs Recipe?

  • Cajun seasoning. You can use any store brand you’d like or give our homemade Cajun seasoning a try (check it out below)!
  • Chicken Thighs
  • Butter & Oil
  • Garlic
  • Chicken Broth: You can also use veggie stock if you’d prefer.
  • Fresh Parsley
picture of homemade cajun seasoning

What is Cajun Seasoning?

Cajun cooking incorporates French, West African, and Spanish techniques and is most closely associated with Louisiana. Cajun seasoning is a spice blend that’s commonly used in Cajun cooking. 

Here’s what I put into my Cajun seasoning:

  • light brown sugar
  • sweet paprika
  • dried oregano
  • salt
  • fresh ground pepper

How to Make Cajun Chicken Thighs

  1. Combine: In a shallow plate or shallow bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together to combine.
  2. Season: Rub the seasoning all around the chicken thighs.
  3. Heat: Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to heat up.
  4. Cook: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot oil, smooth side down. Cook the chicken for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken over and continue to cook for 6 to 7 more minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink. Check for doneness with an instant read thermometer. Chicken is done when internal temperature registers at 165˚F.
  5. Rest: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. 
  6. Sauce: Return the skillet to the stove and set it over medium heat. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the garlic and cook it for 30 seconds. Whisk in the chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a boil and let it cook for 2 minutes, or until reduced. Whisk frequently. 
  7. Top and serve: Drizzle the sauce over the chicken thighs. Garnish the chicken with parsley and serve.
raw chicken thighs rubbed with cajun seasoning

Tips for Success

  • Embrace the char. One of the best parts of this meal is the char that develops from the pan searing. Let your chicken sit without moving it around for the entire 6 minutes on each side. This will help to develop that sear you want. 
  • Chicken breasts vs thighs. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer. In my experience, they will be a little less juicy and rich. They will also need less time to cook through.
  • Bone in thighs. You can use bone-in chicken thighs but I don’t recommend leaving the skin on. If you use bone-in chicken thighs, you will need to increase your cooking time. 
  • Try other seasonings. You can use this same pan searing technique followed by making a butter sauce with other seasoning blends. I’m thinking Italian herb, lemon thyme, or Mexican. 

How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs

  • Chicken thighs are cooked when there is no longer any pink running through the meat. This happens when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F.
  • The easiest and most accurate way to check for doneness is to use an instant read thermometer. Chicken is done when the internal temperature registers at 165˚F. 
  • For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, this will usually take about 10 to 14 minutes (just about 6 to 7 minutes per side – cooking time will also depend on the size of the thighs). 
chicken thighs on a white plate topped with cajun flavored sauce

Serving Suggestions

Anything Cajun and anything with a yummy sauce belongs served over rice! If you’re trying to limit grains, you can serve these over riced cauliflower instead. Because the sauce is butter based, it’s also great over noodles or zoodles. Zucchini fries would be another great side with this dish!

Throw in a green veggie side, like green beans, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts and you’ve got yourself a complete balanced meal in no time. 

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • Let your chicken thighs come to room temperature then place them into an airtight container. Pour the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist. Then, refrigerate your chicken thighs for about 3-5 days.
  • When you’re ready to reheat them, pop them in the oven until the chicken is warmed through. 

More Chicken Thigh Recipes

cooking boneless chicken thighs in cajun butter sauce
Print Recipe
4.69 from 16 votes

Pan Seared Cajun Butter Chicken Thighs

Moist, juicy & tender Pan Seared Cajun Butter Chicken Thighs. They’re flavorful, rich, and cooked in a spicy Cajun rub and topped with velvety butter sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Keyword: cajun chicken, cajun chicken recipe, cajun chicken thighs, chicken thigh recipe, chicken thighs recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 417kcal

Ingredients

For the Cajun Seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend
  • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

For the Chicken

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
  • chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  • In a shallow plate or shallow bowl combine Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper; mix to combine.
  • Rub seasoning all around the chicken thighs.
  • Set a large skillet over medium heat; add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to heat up.
  • Add seasoned chicken thighs to the hot oil, smooth side down.
  • Cook chicken for 6 minutes.
  • Flip over and continue to cook for 6 to 7 more minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink. Check for doneness with instant read thermometer; chicken is done when internal temperature registers at 165˚F.
  • Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  • Return skillet to stove and set over medium heat.
  • Add remaining butter to the skillet and let it melt.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Whisk in the chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Bring to a boil and let cook for 2 minutes, or until reduced. Whisk frequently.
  • Drizzle sauce over chicken thighs.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Spice Rub inspired by AllRecipes
If you can’t find Cajun Seasoning, use a mix of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 893mg | Potassium: 599mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 774IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

50 Comments

  • Beth
    Jun 9, 2020 at 7:27 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe looks so delicious! I can’t wait to make this!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 10, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      Thank YOU! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
    • James romo
      Sep 14, 2022 at 5:34 pm

      5 stars
      Very delicious..flavourful quick to make..family enjoyed it

      Reply
      • Katerina
        Katerina Petrovska
        Sep 16, 2022 at 10:27 am

        Thank YOU! I’m very glad you and your family enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
  • Allyson Zea
    Jun 9, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    Wow this looks so flavorful and juicy! Would make the perfect dinner!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 10, 2020 at 8:17 pm

      Thank you, Allyson! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  • Vikki
    Jun 10, 2020 at 5:20 am

    5 stars
    Sounds so delicious! Making it ASAP

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 10, 2020 at 8:16 pm

      Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Toni
    Jun 10, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    5 stars
    This is such an amazing meal! A new favorite at my house!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 10, 2020 at 8:13 pm

      Thank you so much, Toni! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  • Sara Welch
    Jun 10, 2020 at 4:28 pm

    5 stars
    Chicken thighs are my favorite cut of poultry; perfectly tender and juicy, every time! This is easily, my new favorite recipe!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 10, 2020 at 8:12 pm

      I hope you enjoy it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
    • Mike Stanislawski
      Jun 2, 2021 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      Finally gave this recipe a try. Wish I hadn’t waited so long. I keep some Cajun seasoning from an Emeril recipe on hand so it made this so easy. The only change I will make is to make extra for leftovers. So good over rice.

      Reply
      • Katerina
        Katerina Petrovska
        Jun 4, 2021 at 9:47 am

        I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

        Reply
  • Cathy
    Jun 16, 2020 at 2:57 pm

    The Cajun seasonings are perfection!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jun 16, 2020 at 9:12 pm

      Thank YOU, Cathy! 🙂

      Reply
  • Dawn
    Jul 6, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    This recipe was amazing and I am adding it to my recipe box. Not many recipes make it that far! Only my favorites! I didn’t have any cajun seasoning, so I substituted creole seasoning….it was FANTASTIC!!!!!

    I will get some cajun seasoning and try it with that next time….but this recipe is a keeper and you will be glad that you tried it. So easy and delicious.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jul 8, 2020 at 4:03 pm

      I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Hema
    Dec 24, 2020 at 12:25 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks For Sharing this Amazing Recipe. My Family Loved It. I will be sharing this Recipe with my Friends. Hope They will like it.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Dec 24, 2020 at 5:31 pm

      Thank you so much! I am very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Elizabeth
    Jan 3, 2021 at 5:55 pm

    I’m new to cooking and just wondering what kind of pan did you use? Thanks

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Jan 3, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      Hi!
      I use a 12-inch skillet; nothing fancy, just an everyday type frying pan. These are always my go-to: https://amzn.to/3hCYfpX (affiliate link)

      Reply
      • Elizabeth
        Jan 4, 2021 at 12:21 am

        Cool. Thanks so much.

        Reply
      • Tyler
        Mar 21, 2024 at 12:28 am

        1 star
        Really disappointed with some of the information on this recipe. I used bone in chicken thighs and it ruined my whole dinner. The instructions at the top of this page are unclear as to whether you use bonless or bone in, at one part you suggest you can indeed use bone in chicken thighs, but just cook them a bit longer. The chicken was burned on the outside and uncooked on the inside and the sauce was also burned. Very disappointing. I’m sure it probably taste great with bonless thighs, but you should really clarify throughout this article / recipe that it calls for boneless thighs. I do not recommend using bone in chicken thighs based on the instructions given here. I am giving only 1 star because of the misleading information.

        Reply
        • Katerina
          Katerina
          Mar 21, 2024 at 7:17 am

          Hi!
          The recipe card specifies the use of 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but I appreciate your feedback on the clarity of our instructions in the article itself. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

          Reply
  • DeAndre Yancey
    Jan 6, 2021 at 1:48 am

    4 stars
    Very tasty thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jan 12, 2021 at 4:06 pm

      I am glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Paige
    Jan 9, 2021 at 2:51 am

    5 stars
    This may be the best chicken dish I’ve ever made. It was so easy and moist and delicious!!! Will definitely be making it again and again. Thank you!!!!!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jan 12, 2021 at 4:05 pm

      I am so happy to hear that! Glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Gene B
    Jan 27, 2021 at 3:06 am

    5 stars
    This was fantastic! My family has always been white meat only! My 11 yr old granddaughter and I do the cooking and we agreed that this was a recipe we needed to try so she told her family that she knew they would love it. The house smelled awesome when her mom & dad walked in so they were pretty much sold right then! She made up the seasonings, prepared the chicken & I cooked it. She made pasta and asparagus to go with it. The only change to the recipe was that we only needed 6 boneless thighs, but they were quite large. We had enough of the great juice left to pour over the pasta. My 5 yr old granddaughter is not much of a meat eater but she ate her whole piece of chicken! Y’all definitely need to make this recipe. It is quick to make & get on the table & don’t let Cajun seasoning scare you. It’s not spicy at all, just gives the chicken a deeper flavor. Yum!

    Reply
  • Danielle
    Mar 24, 2021 at 9:16 pm

    Do bone in chicken thighs work too or does the recipe have to be adjusted?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Mar 25, 2021 at 12:36 am

      Hi!
      No, they won’t work because bone-in thighs take a lot longer to cook. What you can do is bake the bone-in chicken thighs, but prepare the sauce on the stovetop. Then just pour the sauce over them before serving.

      Reply
  • Susan
    Oct 19, 2021 at 6:52 pm

    5 stars
    This was such a delicious and easy recipe. I will definitely be making this again. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  • Tracy
    Nov 30, 2021 at 7:15 pm

    We loved it. Had to double the seasoning.

    Reply
  • Brian Land
    Dec 12, 2021 at 8:29 pm

    As being Cajun myself it was great but I spiced it up more with Tony Chaserie Creole seasoning and red pepper flakes and it was the bomb.

    Reply
  • Kiersten
    Jan 3, 2022 at 8:04 pm

    5 stars
    This was super good! I’m usually not a good cook even when using recipes online but this is the first one where my chicken was juicy and flavorful! Thank you! Will be making again!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jan 12, 2022 at 5:03 am

      That’s wonderful to hear! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Barbara
    Jan 4, 2022 at 3:31 pm

    5 stars
    This is wonderful. My family loves it. I served it with cheese grits. Yummy

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jan 12, 2022 at 5:02 am

      That’s great to hear! I’m very glad you and your family enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Kandice Coop
    Jan 21, 2022 at 7:20 am

    Would cajun stuffing/dressing go well with this chicken?

    Reply
  • K
    Feb 9, 2022 at 2:15 pm

    5 stars
    This was delicious!

    Reply
  • Sean Hackbarth
    Mar 10, 2022 at 6:35 pm

    How do you make sure the chicken is cooked but the fond isn’t burnt and unusable for a sauce?

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Mar 12, 2022 at 7:03 am

      Hi!
      I would suggest to lower the heat if it starts to smoke/burn. Sometimes I’ll add more oil, too, if needed.

      Reply
  • Ken
    Mar 15, 2022 at 8:42 am

    Hello!
    Can you please help me understand the Cajun seasoning. In the article it appears that you make your own with the ingredients listed (if so, how much of each?), but in the recipe, it calls for ½ tsp of the Cajun seasoning, along with some of the same seasonings that appear to be in the homemade version. You also provided a link to Cajun seasoning on Amazon. Please clarify for me. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina
      Mar 16, 2022 at 7:29 am

      Hi!
      I listed the extras that I put into cajun seasoning. So, yes, you want to use cajun seasoning blend plus the rest of the ingredients that I listed in the recipe box.

      Reply
  • Angela
    Jun 6, 2022 at 8:29 pm

    5 stars
    This Recipe is easy for a week day dinner excellent spices.

    Reply

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