Smothered Cajun Chicken Thighs

1: Preheat the oven on 400°F.

2: Clean the chicken with cold water, lime or lemon, salt, and vinegar. Pat dry chicken underneath the skin as well.

3: In a small bowl, add all of the seasonings and mix well.

4: Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and season the chicken thighs with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the seasoning mix.

5: In a large pan, on medium-heat brown the chicken thighs on each side for one to two minutes.

6: Remove the chicken thighs from the pan, leaving the drippings in for extra flavor, add the bell peppers and onions. Add the chicken thighs to a baking dish.

7: Sauté the bell peppers and onions for 4 to 5 minutes or until softened and slightly caramelized.

8: Add in the butter with the bell peppers and onions. Once slightly melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while whisking at the same time.

9: Continue to mix and cook the all-purpose flour until it is slightly browned.

10: Gently pour in the (room-temperature) chicken broth while continuously whisking until the gravy mixture is smooth.

11: Add the remaining seasonings and mix until well combined.

12: Pour the Cajun gravy over the chicken thighs and place in the oven for 40-45 minutes, then broil on low for 2-3 minutes.

13: Once the smothered chicken is fully cooked, pour the gravy on top of the chicken thighs and serve while hot.