Baked Cajun Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower

Name: Baked Cajun Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (bone in, skin on); 1 head cauliflower (broken into large florets); ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided in half); 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (I use Slap Ya Moma); 2 teaspoons 21 Season Salute; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 4 teaspoons unsalted butter (if using salted butter, omit the added salt above)

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Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner with a spicy kick? These Baked Cajun Chicken Thighs are seasoned with a flavorful cajun rub and roasted with cauliflower.

It is a cheap recipe with minimal prep work that will leave the whole family feeling full and nourished!

For another chicken thigh dinner, try my Rosemary and Thyme Chicken Thighs with potatoes. Or you can browse more easy and cheap dinner recipes here.

A plate of baked cajun chicken thighs and roasted cauliflower ready to eat.

If you’re a regular here you know I don’t typically share dinner recipes. I am all about appetizers like chicken wings and sliders. But let me tell you, these Baked Cajun Chicken Thighs are hands-down my favorite chicken dinner recipe.

I knew I had to share this one with you because as soon as you bite into the crispy skin, you get the juiciest meat with a kick of spice. The cauliflower roasts up so nice and tender but still has a little crunch to it, which I know you’ll love.

Not to mention, this recipe is …

SIMPLE – 8 ingredients and only 40 minutes to make.
INEXPENSIVE – there is nothing I like more than a cheap dinner, it cost me under $6 to make!

Ingredients For Baked Cajun Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skin on thighs. If there is an excess amount of skin on the underside of the chicken, trim that away with kitchen scissors or a knife.
Cauliflower: Use a medium to large sized head of fresh cauliflower (don’t forget to wash it). Break or cut the cauliflower into large florets. I do not recommend using frozen cauliflower.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This helps the seasoning to adhere to our food while promoting a beautiful even browning.
Cajun Seasoning Blend: This is a mixture of Slap Ya Mama original blend, 21 Season Salute, salt, and black pepper. It is the perfect amount of Cajun without being completely overwhelming to your mouth.
Unsalted Butter: We add a dollop to the top of our chicken thighs before baking them. It helps the skin of the chicken to become even more crispy and delicious.

Equipment Needed

Baking Sheet: You will need a really large baking sheet for this dinner recipe. We need a lot of room for the cauliflower and chicken to bake evenly (it shouldn’t be too crowded on the baking sheet).
Meat Thermometer: A digital thermometer is great for checking the temperature of our chicken thighs and ensuring doneness.

Ingredients. Bone in, skin on, chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, cajun seasoning blend, and cauliflower.

How to Make Baked Cajun Chicken Thighs

This effortless dinner comes together in just 3 major steps, which I’ve briefly summarized below. Of course, you’ll find more detailed instructions in the full recipe card further down, but for now here’s a quick overview.

1. Preheat oven, prep your baking sheet, and mix together the cajun seasoning blend.

2. Toss the cauliflower in olive oil, seasoning blend, and arrange on the baking sheet. Nestle the chicken thighs between the cauliflower before coating them in olive oil, the seasoning blend, and a dollop of butter.

A baking sheet topped with a dollop of butter and cajun seasoned chicken thighs. Seasoned cauliflower surrounding the chicken and ready to go in the oven.

3. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping only the cauliflower halfway through. Allow the chicken thighs to rest before serving dinner.

This dinner tastes great with a side salad, mashed or smashed potatoes, cajun smothered green beans, english pea salad, broccoli, or really anything. The possibilities are endless!

If you’re wondering what the green stuff is on mine, it’s chimichurri (you can find the recipe below)! Chimichurri is a bright, herbaceous sauce that is perfect for cutting through spice. The main ingredients are parsley, spices, and red wine vinegar.

Storing Information

Any leftover chicken and cauliflower should be refrigerated in an airtight container for no more than 3 days. Feel free to eat your leftovers cold or warmed up in the microwave or air fryer.

A baking sheet with baked Cajun Chicken Thighs and roasted cauliflower.

3 Recipe Tips You Need To Read

1. Trim away excess skin on the chicken thighs. Sometimes store-bought thighs have an excess amount of skin on the sides and bottom of the chicken. Leaving this can make the chicken and cauliflower super oily. Always trim it away with kitchen scissors or a knife and discard.

2. Break the cauliflower into large florets. This is so important because cauliflower not only shrinks as it roasts, but it cooks faster than you may think. If the florets are too small it will cook faster than the chicken and you will have mushy overcooked cauliflower. Nobody wants that!

3. Adjust the spice to your liking. The spice level on this dish is great, even for those who don’t like spice. If you like a lot of spice I recommend buying a spicier cajun blend or adding additional chili powder and cayenne pepper.

Table scene of baked chicken thighs and roasted cauliflower seasoned with a Cajun blend seasoning on plates and more on a baking sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Cajun Chicken Thighs

When are chicken thighs fully cooked?

The best way to tell if chicken thighs are fully cooked is with a digital thermometer. Inserted into the thickest part of the chicken thigh it should read 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Most definitely! The baking time will need to be adjusted because breasts cook more quickly than thighs (because of the bone). I would cook them at the same temperature but check them after about 15 minutes. I would also make the florets medium in size to adjust with the cooking time.

Can I make cajun seasoning homemade?

Yes, of course! To make cajun seasoning homemade, try this recipe. Unfortunately I don’t have a copycat recipe for 21 Season Salute. Honestly, I think it is easier to buy than to get all 21 seasonings to make your own.

More Cheap and Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes To Try:

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