Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Black Bean Salad

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts rubbed with Cajun spices served alongside a smoky black bean salad bursting with southwestern flavors. This latin american-inspired bbq & smoked 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 Latin American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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. Let rest 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While chicken rests, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 cup roasted corn kernels, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Stir in 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix gently.
  3. Step 3: Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear, with nice grill marks and slightly charred edges.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes. Serve each breast topped or alongside the smoky black bean salad for a vibrant and hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky 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 Smoky 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky 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 Smoky 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.

What goes well with Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Black Bean Salad?

Latin American bbq & smoked 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.

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