Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Corn and Black Bean Salad
Juicy grilled chicken breast seasoned with smoky Cajun spices, paired with a fresh corn and black bean salad tossed in a zesty lime dressing. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) 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 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) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups (from about 2 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained black beans
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp (freshly squeezed) lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Rub 4 chicken breasts evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil and coat with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Step 2: While grill heats, in a large bowl combine 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, 1 can (15 oz) rinsed black beans, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 3: In a small bowl whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; pour over the salad and toss to combine.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear, with light grill marks.
- Step 5: Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve sliced chicken atop the corn and black bean salad for a vibrant, smoky meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Corn and Black Bean Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Corn and Black Bean 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 Corn and Black Bean 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 Corn and Black Bean 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 Corn and Black Bean 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.
