Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Sweet Corn Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Cajun-spiced pan-seared chicken breast served with a fresh, zesty sweet corn relish that sings with flavors as soulful as a jazz tune. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs cajun seasoning, olive oil, fresh corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and coat evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning on both sides. Set aside to let the spices settle.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until the exterior is blackened and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring gently to blend the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Slice the rested chicken and serve topped with the sweet corn relish for a bright contrast to the smoky Cajun crust.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Sweet Corn Relish 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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Sweet Corn Relish?

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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Sweet Corn Relish?

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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Sweet Corn Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Jazz-Inspired Cajun Blackened Chicken with Sweet Corn Relish?

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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