Bold Cajun Blackened Chicken with Corn Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Coated in smoky Cajun spices paired with a fresh corn and tomato salsa bursting with summer flavors. This American-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and rub evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning on both sides for a bold flavor punch.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until a dark, blackened crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 12 minutes total.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced small jalapeño, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Toss gently to mix.
  4. Step 4: Serve the blackened chicken topped with the fresh corn salsa for a balance of smoky heat and bright freshness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bold Cajun Blackened Chicken with Corn Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Bold Cajun Blackened Chicken with Corn Salsa?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bold Cajun Blackened Chicken with Corn Salsa?

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 Bold Cajun Blackened Chicken with Corn Salsa 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 Bold Cajun Blackened Chicken with Corn Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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