Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Hidden Herb Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-01 · Updated 2026-05-01

Oven-roasted chicken thighs coated in Cajun spices and topped with a herb-infused butter that melts into juicy, flavorful meat. This southern american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic powder 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.

Ingredients

• 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
2. Step 2: Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and rub the spice blend evenly over each thigh.
3. Step 3: In another small bowl, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp lemon zest.
4. Step 4: Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Dollop small spoonfuls (about 1 tsp each) of the herb butter under the skin of each thigh, gently loosening skin to spread butter evenly.
5. Step 5: Roast chicken for 35-40 minutes until the skin is crisp and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.