Roasted Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Smoky Tomato Gravy

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with a bold Cajun spice blend, served in a smoky tomato gravy that captures a touch of Southern comfort. This southern american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Rub 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly, coating all sides.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken roasts, heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Step 5: Slowly pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, whisking to remove lumps. Simmer the gravy for 10 minutes until thickened and slightly smoky.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from oven and spoon the smoky tomato gravy over the thighs. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Roasted Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Smoky Tomato Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Roasted Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Smoky Tomato Gravy?

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 Roasted Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Smoky Tomato Gravy?

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 Roasted Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Smoky Tomato Gravy 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 Roasted Cajun-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Smoky Tomato Gravy?

Southern American chicken 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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