Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a deliciously bold and savory dish that combines spicy, smoky chicken with a tangy, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for grilling season or when you’re craving something full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a backyard BBQ, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it offers the perfect balance of heat and richness. The Cajun-spiced chicken delivers a smoky, spicy kick, and the Alabama white sauce, with its creamy and tangy notes, creates an amazing contrast. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the combination of flavors is truly addictive. The chicken stays juicy and tender thanks to the quick marinating time, and the sauce takes just minutes to whip up. This recipe is versatile enough to pair with various sides like grilled vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Alabama White Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Cajun Grilled Chicken:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).

In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and coat them generously with the Cajun spice mixture. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken.

Let the chicken sit for 10-15 minutes to marinate.

Grill the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

Make the Alabama White Sauce:

While the chicken is grilling, prepare the Alabama white sauce by combining mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. For deeper flavor, refrigerate the sauce for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve:

Serve the Cajun grilled chicken with a generous drizzle of the Alabama white sauce on top or on the side for dipping.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in both the chicken rub and the Alabama white sauce.

Grill Alternatives: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily cook the chicken on a stovetop griddle or in the oven. For stovetop cooking, use medium-high heat and cook for 6-7 minutes per side. If baking, cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Sauce Variations: For a different twist on the Alabama white sauce, you could add a bit of honey for a sweet kick, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Add Herbs: Fresh thyme, oregano, or cilantro can be added to the chicken rub or the sauce for a fresh herbaceous flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Alabama white sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave, or for best results, reheat it on a stovetop over medium heat to maintain its juiciness. You can also reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Related Recipes:

• Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe Guide
• Alabama Fire Crackers
• Cajun Chicken Pasta

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will be longer. Bone-in chicken will take around 8-10 minutes per side on the grill, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Can I make the Alabama white sauce in advance?

Yes, the Alabama white sauce can be made ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes or overnight will allow the flavors to develop even more.

What if I don’t have a grill?

If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan, on a stovetop, or even bake it in the oven. The method may vary slightly, but the Cajun seasoning will still give it great flavor.

How do I adjust the heat in this recipe?

You can adjust the heat in both the Cajun seasoning and the Alabama white sauce by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper and the amount of Dijon mustard. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne.

Can I serve the sauce on the side instead of on top?

Absolutely! I often serve the Alabama white sauce on the side so that guests can dip the chicken to their liking.

Conclusion

This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in my grilling repertoire. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that’s packed with spices, complemented by the tangy sauce that makes every bite more delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a simple meal, this recipe will not disappoint.

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