Blackened Cajun Grilled Chicken with Charred Corn Salad
Spicy blackened chicken breasts grilled to perfection paired with a fresh charred corn salad bursting with tangy lime and cilantro. This american-inspired grilling (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs cajun seasoning, olive oil, (from 3 ears) fresh corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups (from 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Rub 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil and coat each with 2 tbsp cajun seasoning, pressing to adhere.
- Step 2: Place chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is blackened and charred, then remove and rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 cups fresh corn kernels, cooking for 4-5 minutes until kernels are slightly charred and smoky.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the charred corn with 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to combine.
- Step 5: Serve the blackened chicken breasts sliced alongside the charred corn salad for a vibrant, spicy meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blackened Cajun Grilled Chicken with Charred Corn Salad take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Blackened Cajun Grilled Chicken with Charred Corn Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cajun seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blackened Cajun Grilled Chicken with Charred Corn Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Blackened Cajun Grilled Chicken with Charred Corn Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Blackened Cajun Grilled Chicken with Charred Corn Salad gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
