If you’re bored of basic grilled chicken, this Grilled Tajin Chicken Bowl is your answer. It’s smoky, zesty, and loaded with vibrant summer flavors—perfect for a light lunch, meal prep staple, or easy weeknight dinner.

Juicy grilled chicken is coated in chili-lime Tajin seasoning, paired with sweet corn and crisp veggies, then tossed over arugula with a punchy vinaigrette. This is the kind of salad you actually want to eat.

Grilled tajin chicken in a green bowl with corn, cucumbers, feta cheese, and avocado.

Table of Contents

Looking for a satisfying and refreshing summer salad? This amazing salad is exactly what you need! Top arugula with seasoned grilled chicken and corn and toss it all in a simple homemade vinaigrette for a quick and flavorful meal.

If you love the flavors in this grilled chicken, my Watermelon Tajin Skewers and this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad are also must-try recipes! And for another amazing chicken dish, make my Cajun Chicken and Vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works

Beyond quick: Ready in less than 15 minutes!
Big bold flavor with minimal effort: Tajin seasoning brings a zesty, citrusy kick that makes the grilled chicken anything but boring.
Fresh and summery: Juicy grilled corn, crisp veggies, and arugula balance the heat and make this salad light yet satisfying.
Great for meal prep: Grill the chicken in advance and assemble when you’re ready—perfect for lunches or no-fuss dinners.

Jordan

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken cutlets – Thinly sliced or pounded chicken breasts cook quickly and soak up flavor from the Tajin seasoning, making them the star of this vibrant salad. You can grill, pan-sear, or air fry them depending on your mood (or how hot your kitchen is).
Seasonings – A simple mix of paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper gives the chicken a zesty, smoky-sweet flavor.
Tajin – This Mexican seasoning is made from chili peppers, lime, and salt and offers a nice tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
Arugula – Peppery, crisp, and the perfect leafy contrast to the bold flavors in the salad.
Veggies – Creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, cool cucumber, and charred corn come together for a colorful, veggie-packed base.
Feta cheese – Salty, tangy, and crumbly—feta brings the richness that ties everything together.

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

Substitutions/Additions

Chicken thighs instead of cutlets – for extra juicy, flavorful results.
Goat cheese or cotija in place of feta – both add creaminess with their own flair.
Romaine or baby spinach instead of arugula – if you prefer something milder.
Pickled onions – for a punch of acidity and color.
Black beans or chickpeas – to bulk it up with extra protein.
Mango or pineapple – adds a sweet, tropical twist. I love to do this in the summer!
Grilled bell peppers – for extra charred flavor and crunch.
Tortilla strips – for a salty, crunchy topping.

How to Make Tajin Chicken

Step 1: Season chicken. Combine Tajin with brown sugar and paprika, then season the chicken all over.

Step 2: Grill. Add the chicken to the grill with an ear of corn. Grill the chicken until its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Grill the corn for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 3: Make dressing. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper. Slice the corn kernels off the cob.

Step 4: Assemble salad. Toss arugula with dressing. Divide between serving bowls and top with chicken, corn, and other toppings.

storing and reheating

Keep the chicken and corn separate from the other ingredients and store in the fridge in airtight containers for 2 to 3 days.

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil. You can also microwave or air fry the chicken to reheat.

You can also reinvent your leftovers in a grilled chicken sandwich!

Picking up a piece of grilled chicken from a salad bowl.

If you tried this tajin chicken or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you, and this helps my business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes!