If you have ever craved that perfect blend of spicy, smoky, and creamy all in one bite, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices and beautifully charred on the grill, topped with a tangy, zesty Alabama white sauce that adds a luscious, cooling contrast. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weekend cookouts or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, playing their own part in building layers of flavor and texture. Each one is chosen to create that signature Cajun kick and creamy tang from the Alabama white sauce, making the dish light but satisfying.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide the lean, juicy base to soak up all the fabulous seasonings and keep the dish protein-packed.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices stick and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend delivering smoky, spicy heat and robust flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses aromatic warmth that works beautifully with Cajun flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory backbone without overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the Alabama white sauce, lending richness.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds the tangy sparkle that brightens the sauce wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish: Gives that kiss of heat and pungency unique to Alabama white sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a delicate sharpness that lifts the sauce’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complex depth.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A fresh note that balances the creaminess with a zesty punch.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt: These final seasonings pack a little extra punch and round out the sauce.
How to Make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high — you want it hot enough to give the chicken beautiful grill marks without burning the spices. Pat your chicken breasts dry to help the olive oil and Cajun seasoning adhere perfectly. Next, drizzle and rub the olive oil over each piece, ensuring even coverage. In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat both sides of each chicken breast with this vibrant seasoning mix, making sure every bit of chicken is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and let it work its magic for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Resist the urge to poke or move them too much; this waiting time allows the chicken to develop those gorgeous grill marks and locks in the juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature — once it hits 165°F, your chicken is cooked safely and perfectly tender. After grilling, set the chicken aside to rest for 5 minutes; this step ensures the juices inside redistribute, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Alabama White Sauce
While your chicken is on the grill, it’s time to whip up the legendary Alabama white sauce. Grab a bowl and vigorously whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt until everything is silky smooth. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and packs a bit of a spicy punch, making it the perfect partner to your Cajun-spiced grilled chicken.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cajun grilled chicken hot from the grill, generously drizzled with the Alabama white sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between smoky, spicy chicken and a refreshingly creamy sauce that’s simply addictive.
How to Serve Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and a subtle herbal note. A few lemon wedges on the side also add a lovely fresh zing if you want to brighten each bite even further. These simple touches elevate the presentation and invite your guests to customize to their taste.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements this dish quite like classic Southern sides. Cornbread, with its hint of sweetness, beautifully offsets the spicy heat, while a crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and creamy tang that echoes the sauce. For something lighter, grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a vibrant addition and keep the overall meal balanced and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the grilled chicken and serve it atop a crisp salad drizzled with extra Alabama white sauce for a hearty yet fresh meal. You can also assemble sandwiches using toasted buns, layering the spiced chicken with coleslaw and a generous spread of sauce. Whether plated elegantly or served picnic-style, this dish always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a happy problem to have), store the grilled chicken and Alabama white sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay tender and flavorful for up to three days, while the sauce keeps well for about a week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Cajun grilled chicken, but note that the sauce does not freeze well due to its mayonnaise base. Wrap the chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently in the oven at 325°F or warmed on the stove to avoid drying it out. Once warmed through, add a fresh drizzle or dollop of Alabama white sauce to bring back that creamy brightness. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can make the chicken rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts will work wonderfully and often provide even more flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to adjust grilling times accordingly to ensure they cook through properly.
Is Alabama white sauce spicy?
The Alabama white sauce has a gentle heat thanks to horseradish and cayenne, but it’s mostly tangy, creamy, and refreshing, balancing the spiciness of the Cajun chicken rather than overpowering it.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making the Alabama white sauce a day ahead actually lets the flavors meld and deepen. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and give it a quick whisk before serving.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this indoors?
No grill? No problem. You can cook the chicken on a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Just watch for proper browning and cook times should be similar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce don’t contain gluten additives. Always check labels to be certain.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe is a celebration on a plate—simple ingredients coming together to create something truly unforgettable. It’s perfect for those times when you want to wow without complexity, offering bold southern flavors with minimal fuss. So fire up your grill, whisk up that sauce, and enjoy a meal that feels like a joyful Southern welcome every time you take a bite.
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Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a robust Cajun spice blend and grilled to perfection. The unique Alabama white sauce—a tangy, creamy concoction made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, and spices—adds a spicy, zesty finish that complements the smoky grilled chicken beautifully. Perfect for a summer barbecue or any occasion where you crave bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Alabama White Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and a nice char on the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each breast with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and promote browning.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken breast evenly on both sides with the seasoning mixture.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Make the Alabama White Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken hot, either drizzled with Alabama white sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with classic Southern sides such as cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
- Leftover Alabama white sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
