Craving bold, smoky flavors with a little heat? These Spicy Cajun Chicken Thighs with Corn and Bell Peppers bring the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and juiciness—all in one easy sheet pan meal. Crispy Cajun-seasoned chicken thighs roast alongside sweet corn and bell peppers, creating a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with Southern-inspired flavor!
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
✔ One Pan, Less Cleanup – Quick prep, easy roasting, minimal mess!
✔ Spicy & Smoky Cajun Flavor – A bold, flavorful kick in every bite.
✔ Sweet & Crunchy Veggies – Roasted corn and bell peppers balance out the heat.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
👉 Ingredients
For the Chicken & Veggies:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Cajun Spice Mix:
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ lemon, cut into wedges
👉 Directions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven – Set to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cajun Spice Mix – In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
3️⃣ Season the Chicken – Pat the chicken thighs dry, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then rub generously with the Cajun spice mix.
4️⃣ Season the Veggies – Toss the corn and bell peppers with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them evenly on the sheet pan.
5️⃣ Bake – Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the pan. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 175°F (80°C) and the veggies are tender.
6️⃣ Broil for Extra Crispiness – For crispy skin, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley, squeeze over lemon juice, and serve hot with rice, cornbread, or a side salad!
Common Questions
❓ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Reduce the cooking time to 20-25 minutes since boneless thighs cook faster.
❓ What if I don’t like spicy food?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, and use regular paprika instead of smoked for a milder flavor.
❓ Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Zucchini, red onion, or cherry tomatoes would be great additions.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
This Spicy Cajun Chicken Thighs with Corn and Bell Peppers is bold, zesty, and ridiculously easy to make. If you love Southern-inspired flavors with a kick, this is the recipe for you! Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 🔥🍗🌽
