Juicy baked Cajun chicken is quick to prepare with a flavorful homemade Cajun rub. Serve with delicious sautéed cauliflower rice for an easy, low-carb dinner!
Prepare to bake. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Lightly grease a roasting pan with cooking spray and set aside.
Heat oil in a skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Make the Cajun rub. In a small mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, fresh ground pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Season the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Spray the thighs with cooking spray, and then rub the Cajun seasoning all over.
Pan-sear the chicken. Sear thighs in the hot oil for 2 minutes per side, or until just browned.
Bake. Transfer chicken thighs to the previously prepared roasting pan and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the chicken over in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Chicken thighs are done when the internal temperature registers at 165ºF. Please use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Prepare the Cauliflower Rice
Add oil to the skillet. In the meantime, stir 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil into the skillet where you seared the chicken. Heat the pan over medium-high heat. Please note: If there's enough drippings leftover in the skillet, you may not need to add any vegetable oil.
Sauté. Add the cauliflower rice to the warmed oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender, stirring frequently.
Serve. Remove thighs from oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve with cauliflower rice.
Notes
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate chicken thighs within two hours of cooking. Make sure that they are completely cooled.
Store chicken in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Transfer completely cooled chicken thighs to an airtight container OR freezer bags.
Label the bag or container with the name and date, and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.