Char-Grilled Cajun Chicken with Zesty Creole Mustard Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts marinated in bold Cajun spices and grilled to perfection, served with a tangy Creole mustard dipping sauce. This louisiana creole-inspired mardi gras ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder 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 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Creole mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp, for garnish chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
- Step 3: Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred and juicy.
- Step 4: While chicken cooks, combine 1/4 cup Creole mustard, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and tangy.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice if desired and serve topped with the zesty Creole mustard sauce and a sprinkle of 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Char-Grilled Cajun Chicken with Zesty Creole Mustard Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Char-Grilled Cajun Chicken with Zesty Creole Mustard Sauce?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Cajun Chicken with Zesty Creole Mustard Sauce?
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 Char-Grilled Cajun Chicken with Zesty Creole Mustard Sauce 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 Char-Grilled Cajun Chicken with Zesty Creole Mustard Sauce?
Louisiana Creole mardi gras 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely loved the zesty sauce. Perfect for a summer dinner.
- ★★★★★
The Creole mustard sauce elevates the chicken to a whole new level.
- ★★★★★
The Cajun spice blend was spot on. So flavorful!