These grilled Cajun chicken sandwiches are delicious, quick, and easy dinner. This simple chicken burger is loaded with spicy Cajun flavors, tender chicken breasts spiced with homemade Cajun seasoning, and perfectly grilled. It is stuffed inside a soft toasted bun with cheese, mayo, lettuce, onion, and tomatoes, ready in 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it with step-by-step photos and a video recipe.
When the weather heats up, I'm all about easy, flavorful meals, and this grilled Cajun chicken sandwich is a total game-changer. It's my absolute favorite for summer grilling. Tender chicken breasts are the star, coated in a bold, homemade Cajun seasoning.
And don't worry, the seasoning is super easy – I can whip it up in just 5 minutes with pantry staples like smoky paprika, fiery cayenne, and fragrant herbs. It gives the chicken the perfect spicy kick. You can use this cajun seasoning to make Cajun Chicken and Rice, Spicy Cajun Chicken Bites, Spicy Cajun Shrimp, and Cajun Chicken Pasta.
The chicken is seared over high heat and develops a crispy, blackened crust that gives way to a juicy, tender interior. This grilled Cajun chicken is stuffed inside a soft toasted bun with your favorite cheese, creamy mayo, crisp lettuce, and summer fresh vegetables like tomatoes and onions. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this spicy chicken sandwich is the perfect weeknight dinner.
Trust me, once you try these spicy Cajun chicken sandwiches, you'll be making them all summer long, just like I do. They're perfect for casual weeknight dinners or even backyard barbecues with friends. Don’t have a grill? You can easily make them on the stovetop on a grill pan/frying pan. The Cajun seasoning adds a delicious depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the char from the grill. Try it and comment below on how it turned out.
You may also like these other popular chicken sandwich recipes from this website
- Chicken Mayo Sandwich
- Chicken Club Sandwich
- Chicken Fajita Sandwich
- Shredded Chicken Sandwich
- Tandoori Chicken Sandwich
Watch how to make it
Ingredients And Substitutions
These grilled Cajun chicken sandwiches are super versatile – you can customize them with your favorite toppings, from crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to creamy Greek yogurt coleslaw or a drizzle of tangy sauce/ketchup. You will love the delicious Cajun flavors in every bite. Here's what you need to make these crispy cajun chicken sandwich recipe.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Cajun Seasoning - For the best flavor, consider making your own Cajun seasoning blend. You can control the level of heat and customize it to your liking. For the homemade Cajun seasoning, I have used a combination of paprika, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, onion powder & garlic powder. You can substitute Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of dried oregano and ½ tablespoon of dried thyme. The recipe is given in recipe card notes.
For Cajun Sandwich
- Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Olive Oil: You can substitute it with any neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.
- Lemon Juice: This brightens the flavors. You can substitute it with vinegar.
- Sandwich Bread/Hamburger Buns: You can use any sandwich bun.
- Onion: I used red onion to assemble this chicken sandwich. Substitute it with white onion or skip it if you don't have any.
- Mayonnaise: I used vegetarian mayonnaise. Substitute it with egg mayo, garlic mayo, or any other flavored mayonnaise to make this cajun chicken sandwich.
- Tomato Sauce: I used spicy tomato sauce here for a spicy kick and tangy flavor. If you prefer less spice, use regular tomato ketchup or skip it completely.
- Fresh Tomato: It is used for the sandwich toppings.
- Fresh Lettuce Leaves: Add freshness and a crisp element to the chicken and sandwich toppings.
- Butter (for toasting the buns): You can substitute it with olive oil or use mayonnaise for toasting the buns.
- Cheese Slices: I used processed cheese slices. I often use these slices in my grilled cheese sandwiches. You can use any soft cheese or slices of Pepperjack or Monterey Jack cheese, or skip it.
For the detailed list of ingredients & their measurements, please check out the recipe card below.
How to make Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwiches
Preparations
1) Prepare the seasoning: In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Set aside.
2) For the mayo spread: Combine the mayonnaise and tomato sauce in a small bowl. Refrigerate.
Grill Chicken
3) Marinate the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts with a rolling pin to even thickness, or slice them in half. Set aside.
4) In another mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, oil, and lemon juice. Marinate the chicken breasts in this mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
5) Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature on the kitchen counter.
6) Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, place the chicken breasts in it.
7) Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until char marks appear. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F if using a food thermometer).
8) Add a slice of cheese to each chicken breast during the last minute of cooking. Remove the chicken to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
Assemble the Sandwich
9) Toast the buns: Lightly butter the cut sides of the buns. Heat a pan over medium heat. Toast the buns for about a minute, or until they are crisp and golden brown. Remove from heat. Toasting the bun adds texture and prevents it from getting soggy.
10) Assemble the Cajun chicken sandwich: Spread the mayo mixture on the bottom bun. Top with lettuce, the grilled Cajun chicken with cheese, and onion slices. (Optional: lightly sprinkle the onion slices with salt and pepper.)
11) Next, add tomato slices. Spread the remaining mayo mixture on the top bun and place it on top of the sandwich. The grilled Cajun chicken sandwich is ready to serve. Serve with your favorite salad or french fries.
Tips To Make The Best Cajun Chicken Sandwiches
- To ensure even cooking, either pound the chicken breast or slice it in half.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Marinating tenderizes the chicken, infuses it with flavor, and helps it retain moisture during grilling.
- Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken over the pan. The high heat will sear the chicken, locking in its juices and creating a satisfyingly crispy, blackened, Cajun-spiced crust, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly. Check for doneness by making a small cut in the center; the meat should be opaque or white throughout, with no pink remaining. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes.
- You can grill, bake, pan-fry, or even air-fry the chicken. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor while pan-frying or air-frying can create a crispy crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
A brioche bun is the best choice because it’s soft, slightly sweet, and complements the spicy chicken. Other good options include sesame seed buns or ciabatta for a sturdier sandwich.
You can grill, bake, or air-fry the chicken for a healthier option:
1) Grilled: Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until done.
2) Baked: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
3) Air-Fried: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
Cajun is moderately spicy. However, if you are making Cajun seasoning at home you can always adjust the spiciness by reducing the quantity of cayenne in it.
Yes, you can but the cooking time will be longer. Cook to an internal temperature of 170˚-175˚F (6 to 8 minutes per side)
Any soft cheese goes well with a chicken sandwich like Havarti, Cheddar, Monterey, Colby Jack Cheese, Gruyere, Fontina, Provolone, or Swiss Cheese.
Here are a few topping suggestions:
Classic: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo.
Spicy: Jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle mayo.
Creamy: Coleslaw or avocado slices.
Cheesy: Pepper jack or cheddar cheese.
A salad like Greek Yogurt Coleslaw, Creamy Macaroni Salad, Creamy Corn Salad, or Grilled Corn Salad
Salsa - Corn Salsa or Mango Salsa
Grilled veggies
Roasted potato wedges
Chips
Storage & Reheating
- Storing leftovers: Store the leftover Cajun chicken within 2 hours of cooking. Let it cool down completely before you store it.
- Transfer the leftover chicken to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bun and toppings separate to prevent sogginess.
- Always check for signs of spoilage like foul smell, bad taste, or dark spots. If there are any signs discard them immediately.
- To reheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and heat for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through or microwave - heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Or heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side.
Variations
- Make it dairy-free - Skip cheese.
- Make it healthy - Replace Mayo with avocado. Mash the avocado, and season with salt & pepper.
- Add some crispy fried bacon to it.
- Add any vegetables of your choice.
Related Recipes
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Recipe Card
Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwiches
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Grill pan
Ingredients
Cajun Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (130 gram, each)
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (recipe is given below)
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
For Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1.5 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or use 1 tablespoon dried oregano and 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder
To grill Cajun chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon oil
For Mayo spread
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon tomato sauce (optional) substitute tomato ketchup
To make Cajun sandwich
- 8 tomato slices
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 8 onion slices
- salt & pepper to taste
- 4 cheese slices (optional) optional
Instructions
Preparations
- Prepare Cajun seasoning: In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- For the mayo spread: Combine the mayonnaise and tomato sauce in a small bowl. Refrigerate.
- Marinate the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts with a rolling pin to even thickness, or slice them in half. Set aside. In another mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, oil, and lemon juice. Marinate the chicken breasts in this mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature on the kitchen counter.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, place the chicken breasts in it.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until char marks appear. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F if using a food thermometer).
- Add a slice of cheese to each chicken breast during the last minute of cooking. Remove the chicken to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Toast the buns: Lightly butter the cut sides of the buns. Heat a pan over medium heat. Toast the buns for about a minute, or until they are crisp and golden brown. Remove from heat. Toasting the bun adds texture and prevents it from getting soggy.
- Assemble the Cajun chicken sandwich: Spread the mayo mixture on the bottom bun. Top with lettuce, the grilled Cajun chicken with cheese, and onion slices. (Optional: lightly sprinkle the onion slices with salt and pepper.)
- Next, add tomato slices. Spread the remaining mayo mixture on the top bun and place it on top of the sandwich. The grilled Cajun chicken sandwich is ready to serve. Serve with your favorite salad or french fries.
Video
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, either pound the chicken breast or slice it in half.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Marinating tenderizes the chicken, infuses it with flavor, and helps it retain moisture during grilling.
- Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken on the pan. The high heat will sear the chicken, locking in its juices and creating a satisfyingly crispy, blackened, Cajun-spiced crust, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly. Check for doneness by making a small cut in the center; the meat should be opaque or white throughout, with no pink remaining. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Grill the chicken until char marks appear, which will impart a desirable smoky flavor.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes.
- To reduce the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning, use less cayenne pepper.
- You can grill, bake, pan-fry, or even air-fry the chicken. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor, while pan-frying or air-frying can create a crispy crust.
- For the best flavor, consider making your own Cajun seasoning blend. You can control the level of heat and customize it to your liking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Foodie
Mouth watering,,