If you’re craving a dish that’s smoky, spicy, and tangy all at once, Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is about to become your new obsession. This Southern-inspired recipe brings together juicy, boldly seasoned chicken with a creamy, peppery white sauce that’s nothing short of addictive. It’s a foolproof meal for weeknights, backyard cookouts, or anytime you want to wow your taste buds without a lot of fuss. One bite, and you’ll see why this flavor-packed combo is a favorite in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce lies in its simple, approachable ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—whether it’s adding a punch of heat, a hint of smoke, or creamy tang that ties everything together.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for soaking up all the bold Cajun flavors and grill beautifully every time.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil ensures your chicken stays moist and helps the spices stick to every nook and cranny.
- Cajun seasoning: This spice blend delivers heat, earthiness, and a touch of Southern magic—use your favorite store-bought or homemade mix.
- Garlic powder: A dash of garlic powder adds savory depth and rounds out the spice profile.
- Smoked paprika: This smoky red powder gives the chicken a beautiful color and irresistible grilled flavor.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the bold flavors in the seasoning mix and enhancing the chicken’s natural taste.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch sharpens the spices and adds a subtle kick to every bite.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Alabama white sauce, mayo lends richness and tangy comfort.
- Apple cider vinegar: This adds a zippy tang that cuts through the richness of the sauce perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the sauce and balances out the heat from the chicken.
- Prepared horseradish: For a peppery punch that makes the white sauce irresistible—adjust to your preferred level of heat.
- Dijon mustard: A little Dijon gives the sauce subtle sharpness and complexity.
- Garlic powder (for sauce): Doubles down on the garlicky goodness in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Salt (for sauce): Just enough to bring all the creamy, tangy flavors together.
- Black pepper (for sauce): Adds a final layer of zip to the Alabama white sauce.
How to Make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by firing up your grill to medium-high heat. Getting the grill nice and hot is key for achieving those gorgeous sear marks and locking in the chicken’s juices. While the grill heats up, you can get everything else prepped and ready to go.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—don’t skip this, as it helps the oil and seasoning stick! Rub each breast all over with olive oil. This not only helps prevent sticking but also keeps the chicken extra juicy while grilling.
Step 3: Mix & Apply the Cajun Seasoning
In a small bowl, stir together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this flavor bomb generously over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure every surface is well coated—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken directly on the grill grates. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping just once, until the outside is beautifully charred and the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). The aroma will have everyone lining up for dinner!
Step 5: Make the Alabama White Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy, then pop the sauce in the fridge to chill—it thickens up and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This keeps the juices inside, so every slice is tender and flavorful. Slice and serve with generous spoonfuls of Alabama white sauce on top, or keep the sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce with a touch of fresh parsley, chives, or thinly sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness. A tiny dusting of extra smoked paprika on top of the sauce takes the presentation from everyday to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like grilled corn on the cob, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crunchy coleslaw. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a bright arugula salad or a medley of grilled seasonal vegetables to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and tucking it into soft sandwich rolls with extra white sauce for a Southern-inspired sandwich, or chop it up and toss over a leafy green salad for an easy lunch. Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or tacos—just add crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, and the white sauce stays fresh and flavorful when chilled for the same amount of time.
Freezing
While the chicken itself freezes beautifully, the Alabama white sauce is best enjoyed fresh. To freeze, slice or leave the chicken breasts whole, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat the chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power. If you’ve stored the sauce separately, give it a good stir before serving and add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to freshen it up if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and tend to stay even juicier on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
How spicy is Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce?
The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning and the amount of horseradish in the sauce. For a milder version, use a mild Cajun blend and go easy on the horseradish. Craving more heat? Add extra black pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I prepare the Alabama white sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making the sauce a day ahead lets the flavors meld even more. Simply keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to know when the chicken is done?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The outside should be nicely charred, and the juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part.
Is Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your Cajun seasoning and other condiments don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that always gets rave reviews, whether you’re cooking for family or friends. The mix of spicy, smoky chicken and creamy, tangy sauce is irresistible. Give it a try and I promise, you’ll want to make this Southern classic again and again!
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Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce recipe combines spicy, smoky grilled chicken breasts with a tangy and creamy Southern-style white sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight grilling or a weekend barbecue, this dish offers bold flavors and a delicious twist on traditional grilled chicken, paired with a zesty, mayonnaise-based sauce that complements the bold Cajun spices beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Alabama White Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps in getting a good sear.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken develops nice char marks on the outside.
- Make the Alabama White Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken if desired, and serve with generous spoonfuls of Alabama white sauce on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- The Alabama white sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- For variation, try this recipe using chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts; adjust grilling time accordingly.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or classic Southern coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
