Heart-Healthy Grilled Cajun Chicken

Fire up the grill for this irresistibly flavorful Heart-Healthy Grilled Cajun Chicken recipe! Packed with bold Cajun spices, smoked paprika, and a zesty hint of lemon juice, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfectly marinated boneless, skinless chicken breasts are grilled to juicy perfection, offering a lean, protein-rich main course that's low in saturated fat and big on flavor. With a quick preparation time of just 15 minutes and a simple marinade featuring wholesome ingredients like olive oil and fresh herbs, this recipe is as approachable as it is healthy. Garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch, it's ideal for pairing with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced, heart-smart meal. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or hosting a backyard barbecue, this quick and easy grilled chicken recipe is sure to be a hit! Search no further for a healthy, flavorful twist on classic grilled fare.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off before placing the chicken on the grill.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and tent it with aluminum foil for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 8

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

Serving size	(800.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1473.2

Total Fat 53.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 5679.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 15.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.7g	0%
Total Sugars 1.3g
Protein 217.6g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 149.5mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 2097.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.1%

Protein: 61.5%

Carbs: 4.4%