Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken
Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs coated in a vibrant Cajun seasoning blend. Grilled to perfection and finished with fresh herbs and lemon juice, this recipe offers a smoky, spicy meal that’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion – from busy weeknights to weekend cookouts.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 22-24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Spice Mix
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels for better spice adhesion. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken, then rub the Cajun seasoning mix generously to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to ensure beautiful sear marks and seal in the chicken’s juices for tender, flavorful results.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid flipping frequently to develop an ideal crust.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve with your choice of sides and enjoy your spicy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and prevent overcooking.
- Resting after grilling keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
- Marinating overnight with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Clean and oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve perfect char marks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken, Cajun chicken recipe, grilled chicken, spicy chicken, gluten free chicken, easy Cajun chicken