Cajun Chicken Recipe

Last Updated On: Aug 28, 2025 by Aarthi

Grilled cajun chicken is a flavourful and juicy chicken dish. It is made by marinating chicken breast in a cajun spice , lemon juice and seasoning, then grilling them to perfection. This cajun chicken recipe is known for its smoky, slightly spicy and zesty taste. This grilled cajun chicken is perfect for a healthy dinner or a weekend BBQ.

Grilled Cajun Chicken

Cajun Seasoning is like a life saver at times. It is packed with tons of flavour and you dont have to worry about any other ingredients if you have this one. I bought a bottle of cajun seasoning during my last trip to Chennai.

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I have made a delicious cajun chicken pasta using that. Then yesterday I thought of making a grilled chicken using that. And it turned out so juicy, I made a stir fried noodles with peas to go along with it.

About Cajun Chicken

This grilled cajun chicken can be prepared in an outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan or even baked for a similar smokey effect. The dish is so delicious, you can enjoy it in sandwiches, tacos or salads.

Cajun chicken can be served in variety of options. It can be added to salads, wraps, pasta or even as a sandwich filling. This dish is perfect for outdoor cooking. It is ideal for BBQ nights and camping grills.

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Seekh Kebab
Chicken Mince Kebab
Chicken Shawarma

My Personal Tips

Pound the chicken evenly. It ensures uniform cooking and prevents overcooking and dry chicken breast.
Marinate the chicken overnight. It deepens cajun flavour and keeps the chicken extra tender.
Oil the grill pan, not the chicken. It helps to prevent sticking and creates clean grill marks.
Use a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken until the thickest part is perfectly done.
Slice against the grain. It makes each bite more tender and juicy.

Ingredients

Chicken breast: This is the main ingredient of the recipe. It is rich in protein and perfect for grilling. You can use chicken thighs instead of breast.

Lemon juice or vinegar: It adds tanginess and tenderises the meat and balances the spices.

Cajun seasoning: It is a bold spices mix that gives the chicken a signature smoky and spicy flavour. You can use homemade cajun blend or store bought.

Shallots/ Onion: shallots adds sweetness to the dish once cooked.

Spices – I used chilli, garlic, black pepper, onion, oregano and thyme for the flavouring.

Step by Step Pictures

You just need a handful of ingredients

First pat dry your chicken using paper towel

Wrap it in plastic wrap

Use a rolling pin to bash the chicken a little so it get even thickness which cooks evenly

like this

Now lets make the marinate..Take oil in a bowl

add in lemon juice or vinegar

add in cajun seasoning..I used store bought,
if you want to make your own,
check the written part of the recipe

Mix well

I added few chopped shallots

Now place the chicken in this

coat on all sides and let it marinate for 2 to 4 hours

Heat a grill pan or a normal pan untill it smokes

place the chicken over it

let it cook for 7 to 8 mins

flip over and cook

let it cook till it is done

Serve

Expert tips

Use room temperature chicken before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent the exterior from overcooking.
Lightly oil the grill pan to create attractive sear marks without sticking.
For a deeper flavour prepare the cajun seasoning at home and toast the spices lightly before mixing.
Pair the chicken with a cooling sides like yogurt dip to balance the spice.
Monitor the heat. Too high can burn spices, while too low can make the chicken dry out.

Variations

Spicy grilled chicken breast: This is a fiery and flavorful chicken dish marinated with bold spices and herbs.

Lemon and pepper grilled chicken: This is a light yet zesty recipe where fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper infuse the chicken with tangy bitterness which makes it refreshing and aromatic.

Grilled chicken legs recipe: In this recipe chicken legs marinated in spices then grilled until tender inside with a crispy and charred skin that is packed with flavour.

Charcoal grilled chicken: It is a smoky and rustic style chicken recipe which is cooked over glowing charcoal. It delivers authentic barbeque flavour with every bite.

Greek style grilled chicken: This is a Mediterranean favourite which is seasoned with olive oil, garlic , oregano and lemon for a tender, herbaceous and citrusy grilled chicken experience.

FAQ

Q:Can I use bone in chicken for this recipe?

Yes. But cooking time will be longer and you may need to reduce the heat slightly to ensure even cooking without burning the outside.

Q: Is grilling the only cooking method?

No. You can also pan sear, oven baked or air fry the cajun chicken if a grill is not available.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2-4 hours for best flavour, but overnight marination will make it even more flavourful and juicy.

Q: Can I make this recipe without oil?

Yes you can. But small amount of oil helps in keeping the chicken moist and prevents sticking during grilling.

Q: What can I serve with grilled cajun chicken?

It pairs well with roasted vegetables,mashed potatoes, fresh salad or herbed rice.

Q :How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Make sure it is pounded to even thickness, marinated properly and cooked on medium to high heat without overcooking.

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