Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Corn and Black Bean Salad

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices served alongside a smoky charred corn and black bean salad, perfect for a summer cookout. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless 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 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a small bowl, mix together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Brush 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with the marinade and let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken marinates, grill 2 cups fresh corn kernels in a grill basket over direct heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Remove corn from grill and combine in a bowl with 1 cup drained black beans, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Step 5: Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled Cajun-spiced chicken breasts with a generous scoop of smoky corn and black bean salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Corn and Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Smoky 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 olive oil from drying out.

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

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

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes