Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Southern Coleslaw

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

Tender grilled chicken breast seasoned with bold Cajun spices paired with a refreshing creamy coleslaw featuring tangy buttermilk dressing. This southern united states-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 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 380 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: 15 min Serves 4 Southern United States cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, about 400°F. Brush 4 chicken breasts with 2 tbsp olive oil and rub evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage and 1 cup shredded carrots in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots mixture and toss thoroughly until all vegetables are coated and the slaw is creamy and fresh.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled Cajun chicken alongside a generous scoop of Southern-style creamy coleslaw for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Southern Coleslaw 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 Creamy Southern Coleslaw?

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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Southern Coleslaw?

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 Creamy Southern Coleslaw 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Creamy Southern Coleslaw?

Southern United States chicken 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.

Related recipes