Charcoal-Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a bold Cajun spice blend, charred over hot charcoal for a smoky finish. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Prepare your charcoal grill by lighting coals and allowing them to ash over until hot, about 20-30 minutes with a temperature around 400°F.
  4. Step 4: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat. Grill for 6-7 minutes until the skin is nicely charred and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Flip the thighs and move them to indirect heat. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and enhance tenderness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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