Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful Whole30 Grilled Cajun Chicken, a smoky, spicy delight perfect for healthy eating enthusiasts. This recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts marinated in a bold blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, onion powder, and paprika, ensuring every bite bursts with an irresistible kick. Quick to prepare and grill, itβs ideal for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts, boasting vibrant grill marks and a charred exterior that screams perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and served alongside zesty lemon wedges, this dish is entirely Whole30-compliant, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a crowd-pleaser that aligns with clean eating goals. Whether paired with a fresh salad or roasted veggies, this cajun-inspired favorite is sure to become a regular on your menu!
Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are thick, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a marinade paste.
Place the chicken breasts in a large sealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For best results, marinate for up to 4 hours.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400Β°F/204Β°C). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are thoroughly heated and ashed over.
Once the grill is hot, clean the grates with a grill brush and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off before placing the pieces on the grill.
Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and the juices run clear. The exterior should be nicely charred with grill marks.
Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an optional zest of flavor.
Calories |
1595 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.5 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 6854 mg | 298% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.8 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 217.2 g | 434% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 125 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1993 mg | 42% | |
*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.