Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Charred Corn Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices served alongside a vibrant charred corn salad with fresh lime and cilantro. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, Cajun seasoning 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Rub 4 chicken breasts with 3 tbsp olive oil and evenly coat with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the grill heats, husk 3 ears of corn and place directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until kernels are charred and smoky. Remove and let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: Cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob into a bowl. Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled Cajun-spiced chicken with a generous scoop of the charred corn salad on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Charred Corn Salad 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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