Cajun-Style Blackened Chicken with Green Onion Salsa

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

Chicken breasts seared with a spicy Cajun blend and served with a fresh, zesty green onion salsa. This cajun-inspired grilling ready in about 29 minutes blends paprika, garlic powder, onion powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 Cajun cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano in a small bowl. Rub 1 tbsp olive oil over chicken breasts, then coat evenly with spice mixture.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are charred.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1/4 cup cilantro, 2 green onions thinly sliced, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1/4 cup diced tomato in a small bowl; mix well to form salsa.
  4. Step 4: Serve chicken with green onion salsa on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Style Blackened Chicken with Green Onion Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Style Blackened Chicken with Green Onion Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Style Blackened Chicken with Green Onion 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 Cajun-Style Blackened Chicken with Green Onion 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.

What goes well with Cajun-Style Blackened Chicken with Green Onion Salsa?

Cajun grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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