Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Corn
A smoky grilled chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices paired with roasted sweet corn for a summer feast. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 45 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. 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) 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
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 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 to create a marinade. Coat 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) evenly with this mixture and drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over them. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove husks and silk from 4 ears of fresh corn, then brush each ear with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Place corn on the grill and cook, turning every 3 minutes, for about 12 minutes until kernels are charred and tender.
- Step 3: Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the surface is nicely charred. Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Slice grilled chicken and serve alongside the roasted corn, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for a bright finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Corn take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 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 Roasted Sweet Corn?
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 Roasted Sweet Corn?
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 Roasted Sweet Corn 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 Roasted Sweet Corn?
American 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.
