Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Roasted Corn Salad

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices paired with a vibrant smoky roasted corn salad bursting with fresh herbs and lime. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Cajun seasoning, olive oil, ears fresh corn on the cob 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Rub 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear; set aside to rest.
  2. Step 2: While chicken grills, preheat oven to 450°F. Brush 4 ears of fresh corn with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp salt. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, turning halfway, until corn is tender and lightly charred. Once cooled slightly, cut kernels off the cob.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the roasted corn kernels, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 finely chopped small red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Toss with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and season with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve the grilled Cajun-spiced chicken alongside the smoky roasted corn salad.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Roasted 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 cajun seasoning from drying out.

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

Is Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Smoky Roasted Corn Salad gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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