Heart-Healthy Grilled Cajun Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this *Heart-Healthy Grilled Cajun Chicken* recipe, a flavorful and nutritious twist on classic grilled chicken. Infused with bold Cajun spices, garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of zesty lemon juice, this dish is a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory goodness. Marinating the chicken ensures every bite is packed with vibrant flavors, while grilling keeps it low in fat for a heart-friendly meal option. Ready in just 30 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or backyard barbecues. Tender, juicy, and garnished with fresh parsley, it pairs beautifully with wholesome sides like steamed veggies or a crisp green salad. Whether you're seeking a healthy twist on grilling or simply love Cajun-inspired cuisine, this dish is sure to satisfy!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness, approximately 0.5 inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off before placing the chicken on the grill.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and tent it with aluminum foil for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Slice the chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite heart-healthy sides, such as steamed vegetables or a green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1473 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.7 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 5680 mg | 247% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.6 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 217.6 g | 435% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 150 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 8.6 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 2098 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
