Get ready to fire up your grill and wow your taste buds with Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce. This Southern-inspired dish strikes the perfect balance between smoky, spicy chicken and a tangy, creamy sauce that’s a complete flavor twist from your usual barbecue routine. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want an easy weeknight dinner, the juicy grilled chicken meets a lusciously zippy sauce for a combo you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’re just a handful of ingredients away from greatness! Each one is simple, but totally essential to achieving the bold flavors, juicy texture, and striking color that define this dish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip on why each component matters.
- Chicken breasts: The star of the show – boneless and skinless so they cook up tender and juicy on the grill.
- Olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and makes the seasoning stick perfectly.
- Cajun seasoning: Provides the Cajun kick with a blend of spices that bring smoky, peppery flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory backbone to both the chicken and the sauce.
- Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and gives the chicken its appealing reddish color.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in both the meat and the sauce.
- Black pepper: Gives a touch of earthy heat for the perfect finish.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for Alabama White Sauce that makes it rich and dip-worthy.
- Apple cider vinegar: Delivers a tangy edge to balance the sauce’s richness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything and makes the sauce pop on your tongue.
- Prepared horseradish: Offers a unique, peppery zing in the white sauce (so good!).
- Dijon mustard: Brings depth and a subtle tang to the creamy sauce.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra heat in their Alabama White Sauce!
How to Make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Grill
Let’s kick things off by heating your grill to medium-high. A hot grill means you’ll get those gorgeous char marks and help seal in the juices, so your Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce will be ultra-tender and flavorful. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, preheat that too; you want it sizzling!
Step 2: Dry and Oil the Chicken
Pat each chicken breast dry with a paper towel, removing surface moisture for the best sear. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in—this isn’t just for flavor, it helps those spices stay put and promotes even browning on the grill.
Step 3: Season Generously
In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this blend liberally over all sides of the chicken breasts, giving them a gentle massage so every bite gets a flavor boost.
Step 4: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping only once, until deep grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The smokiness from the grill plus the bold Cajun flavor is what makes Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce unforgettable.
Step 5: Mix Up the Alabama White Sauce
While the chicken sizzles, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if you like it spicy). Aim for a smooth, creamy consistency—taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. This sauce is the real secret weapon!
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let your perfectly grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the meat juicy and lets flavors settle. Serve the chicken drizzled with generous spoonfuls of that Alabama White Sauce, or offer the sauce on the side for dipping and dunking. Get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the finished chicken for a shot of color and a burst of freshness. A little extra smoked paprika dusted on top adds a pop of color and hints at the smoky heat inside. Lemon wedges on the side are perfect for a final, bright spritz.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce truly shines next to summery sides like grilled veggies, corn on the cob brushed with butter, or a crisp coleslaw. Even a simple potato salad or some roasted sweet potatoes would be right at home. These sides round out the meal while keeping the spotlight on the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the grilled chicken and fanning it out on a platter, drizzling the sauce artfully for an irresistible display. Or, cut it into thick strips and serve taco-style inside grilled tortillas with slaw and sauce for a Southern-fusion twist. Individual plates with a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of herbs look elegant and inviting, whether you’re serving family or impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the sauce will stay fresh and zesty for the same amount of time. Toss leftover chicken onto salads, wraps, or grain bowls for easy lunches the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken for longer storage. Simply wrap each breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The Alabama White Sauce is best made fresh, as mayonnaise doesn’t always freeze well and can separate when thawed.
Reheating
To keep the chicken moist when reheating, use the oven or a covered skillet. Warm at 300°F until hot, or reheat in a pan with a splash of broth or water to help it stay juicy. Always reheat only what you’ll eat, and dollop fresh or chilled Alabama White Sauce on at the very end.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully—they’re juicy, a bit more forgiving on the grill, and soak up the Cajun flavors just as well as breasts. Just adjust your grilling time; thighs might take a few extra minutes to reach that juicy, perfect doneness.
Is the Alabama White Sauce very spicy?
The sauce is tangy and zesty, but not overly spicy. The horseradish offers some zip, and the optional cayenne pepper lets you control the heat level. If you’re spice-shy, just leave out the cayenne or add less horseradish to taste.
Can I make the Alabama White Sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, it gets even better after a few hours in the fridge. You can whisk it up to 3 days ahead—just cover and refrigerate. Give it a quick stir before serving to keep that creamy, smooth texture.
What grill should I use for the best results?
Any grill will work—gas, charcoal, or an indoor grill pan if the weather’s not cooperating. Charcoal brings extra smoky depth, but don’t worry if you only have a gas grill or stovetop pan; you’ll still get fantastic flavor and beautiful grill marks.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is perfect for parties and summer cookouts. Just double all ingredients and grill in batches as needed. The sauce also scales easily, so you’ll have plenty to drizzle or dip for everyone.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with the bold, Southern flavors of Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce. Once you try it, this dish just might become your new grilling go-to! Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and treat yourself to a meal that’s bursting with personality—and don’t forget that extra drizzle of sauce.
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Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Cajun Grilled Chicken served with a zesty Alabama White Sauce. Perfectly grilled chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices and topped with a creamy, tangy sauce – a true Southern American delight!
Ingredients
For Cajun Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry, rub with olive oil, season with Cajun spices.
- Grill the chicken: Cook chicken 6–8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make the White Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients, adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Let chicken rest, then drizzle with white sauce.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a light coleslaw.
- The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
