Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Corn Salad

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts rubbed with Cajun spices paired with a vibrant smoky corn and black bean salad, perfect for summer cookouts. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, Cajun seasoning blend 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Rub this mixture evenly over 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: 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 the outside has char marks. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups fresh corn kernels and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until corn is slightly charred and smoky.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, 1 cup drained black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Step 5: Slice grilled chicken and serve atop or alongside the smoky corn salad. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Corn 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 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 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 Salad?

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.

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