Description
Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that packs bold, smoky, and zesty flavors. Perfectly grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts are coated with a vibrant Cajun spice blend and balanced with lemon and garlic. Ideal for busy weeknights or cookouts, this versatile dish is juicy, flavorful, and great on its own or added to salads, wraps, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs blend)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The oil helps infuse the spices into the chicken and keeps it moist.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and generously rub the Cajun marinade all over each piece. Ensure every surface is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high, the perfect temperature to get beautiful char marks quickly without drying out the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken breasts on the grill and cook about 5-7 minutes per side. Flip once grill marks appear, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and to prevent drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and maintain juiciness.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor absorption when possible.
- Always let chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist.
- Clean grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Spicy Cajun Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Quick Dinner, Cajun Seasoning, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Gluten Free, Summer Recipe