Go Back
Cajun Ninja Sticky Chicken Recipe

Cajun Ninja Sticky Chicken Recipe

5 from 2 votes
If you’re craving bold Cajun flavors with melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken, this cajun ninja sticky chicken recipe is your answer. This beloved dish combines perfectly seasoned bone-in chicken with caramelized onions and a rich, glossy sauce that clings to every piece.
Prep Time 20 hours
Cook Time 2 days 12 hours
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 443

Ingredients
  

  • 4 yellow onions chopped
  • 4-5 lbs chicken on the bone thighs, drumsticks, or mixed pieces
  • Cajun seasoning generous amount
  • Garlic powder generous amount
  • All-purpose flour for dusting
  • ½-1 stick butter or substitute half with olive oil for lighter version
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch optional, for thickening
  • ¼ cup cold water if using cornstarch

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. While heating, chop all 4 yellow onions and set them aside in a bowl. This prep work ensures smooth cooking once you begin.
  2. Generously coat each piece of chicken on all sides with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder. Don’t be shy-this bold seasoning creates the flavor foundation. Lightly dust each seasoned piece with flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Add ½ to 1 stick of butter (or butter-olive oil combination) to the hot pot. Once melted and bubbling, carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer, fitting them tightly together. Brown for 6-8 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Adjust time based on your heat level-watch for deep golden color, not blackening.
  4. Once all sides are beautifully browned, transfer chicken to a bowl using tongs. Set aside while you work on the onions. Don’t worry about fully cooking the chicken now-it’ll finish during the simmer.
  5. Add chopped onions to the same pot with all those flavorful drippings. Stir continuously, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Sauté for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions turn deep golden and caramelized. This step is crucial for flavor development.
  6. Add a small splash of chicken stock to the caramelized onions, scraping any stubborn browned bits from the pot bottom. This deglazing captures every bit of flavor.
  7. Return chicken pieces to the pot, pouring in any accumulated juices from the bowl. Add remaining chicken stock, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  8. If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water. Stir this slurry into the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken beautifully.
  9. Ladle the sticky chicken over fluffy white rice or your preferred side, spooning extra sauce over everything. Enjoy immediately while hot!

Video

Notes

Store leftover cajun ninja sticky chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken stock, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between. The chicken actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together overnight!