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Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken

Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken
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Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts or thighs coated with a vibrant Cajun spice blend. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky, slightly spicy crust, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts and suits all skill levels. Marinated in olive oil and lemon juice, the chicken stays moist and bursting with bold flavors that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Cajun Spice Mix

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cajun Spice Rub: Combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level to create an authentic Cajun seasoning blend.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle the Cajun spice rub on both sides of the chicken pieces. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors and moisture to penetrate the meat.
  3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (approximately 375°F to 450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure they’re ready for direct grilling to sear the chicken perfectly.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, flipping the chicken once. Look for clear grill marks, a firm texture, and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping the chicken tender and juicy with every bite.

Notes

  • Marinate Early: For deeper flavor absorption, marinate chicken at least 30 minutes or longer if time allows.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
  • Rest Before Cutting: Resting locks in juices for moist and tender chicken.
  • Grill Setup: Maintain medium-high heat; avoid excessive temperatures to prevent charring the spices.
  • Customize Heat Level: Adjust cayenne pepper in the spice mix to control spiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken, Cajun chicken recipe, grilled chicken, spicy chicken, Southern grilled chicken, easy grilling recipe, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/spicy-cajun-grilled-chicken/