Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Chipotle Mayo

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with a robust Cajun spice blend paired with a smoky chipotle mayonnaise for dipping. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes turns (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, paprika into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun spice blend.
  2. Step 2: Rub 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) evenly with 3 tbsp olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the Cajun spice blend.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo sauce, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice in a small bowl; stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with the smoky chipotle mayo on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Chipotle Mayo 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 Chipotle Mayo?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Chipotle Mayo?

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 Chipotle Mayo 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 Chipotle Mayo?

American 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.

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