If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances spicy kick with creamy tang, you need to try this Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe. The bold, smoky flavors of Cajun-seasoned chicken meet the unique, zesty charm of Alabama white sauce, creating a Southern-inspired masterpiece that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining friends on the weekend, this recipe will become your go-to for tasty, satisfying grilled chicken that’s packed with personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is simple yet crucial. Each component plays an important role, from building the robust Cajun flavor on the chicken to creating the creamy, tangy Alabama white sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that absorbs spices beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken juicy during grilling.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adds that essential Southern spicy flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that enhances the grilled taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides an aromatic depth to the seasoning blend.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and highlights all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Alabama white sauce that keeps things luscious.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a crisp, tangy bite to brighten the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Enhances freshness and a citrus zing to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish: Delivers a subtle heat and unique punch in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Contributes a sharp, tangy undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Echoes that savory flavor in the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice.
- Salt to taste: Perfectly balances the sauce’s flavor profile.
How to Make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
First thing’s first, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get that perfect sear. In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper—this seasoning blend is what gives the chicken its bold personality. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, which helps lock in moisture and makes the seasoning stick like a charm, then coat each piece evenly with your spice mix.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and let it work its magic for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it – you want a gorgeous charred exterior without drying out the meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy chicken. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Whip Up the Alabama White Sauce
While your chicken is grilling, it’s time to prepare the legendary Alabama white sauce. Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until silky smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – the sauce should taste tangy, a little sharp, and creamy all at once. This sauce is what gives this dish its special twist, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon a generous drizzle of the Alabama white sauce over your perfectly grilled Cajun chicken just before serving. The creamy tang perfectly cuts through the spice and smoky flavors, creating a mouthwatering harmony that’s impossible not to love.
How to Serve Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to your plate. These simple touches elevate the dish’s presentation while keeping the flavors bright and fresh.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides. Think creamy coleslaw to complement the tangy sauce, buttery cornbread that soaks up every drop, or grilled seasonal vegetables for a healthy, smoky finish. Each side adds texture and balances the spicy, rich notes of the chicken and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing the grilled chicken thinly and serving it on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato, turning this into a fantastic sandwich. You could also align thick slices alongside a crisp salad or use the chicken as a flavorful protein topping on buttery grits—options are endless when you’ve got a winning base like this!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Cajun grilled chicken and Alabama white sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the chicken’s juiciness and keeps the sauce fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate also ensures the chicken doesn’t get too soggy.
Freezing
This grilled chicken can be frozen, but for best results, do so before adding the Alabama white sauce. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying it out, then drizzle with fresh Alabama white sauce right before serving. Avoid microwaving with sauce on, as it may break the creamy texture. A gentle reheat preserves the juicy texture and ensures the sauce shines.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless breasts cook evenly and quickly, bone-in thighs or drumsticks work wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Is the Alabama white sauce spicy?
The Alabama white sauce isn’t usually spicy—its heat comes mainly from horseradish, which provides a sharp kick, but it’s more tangy and creamy than fiery. You can adjust the horseradish amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Alabama white sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Storing it in the fridge allows the flavors to meld even more deeply, which makes it taste even better when served.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist on the grill?
Using olive oil before applying the spice rub locks in moisture. Also, avoid flipping the chicken too often—grill each side fully to develop a good crust and cook evenly. Letting the meat rest after grilling is key to juicy results.
Can this recipe be made indoors?
Definitely! You can cook the chicken on a grill pan or in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The flavors will be just as vibrant, and you’ll still get that delicious charred edge if you keep the heat right.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe is a celebration of bold Southern flavors made simple and accessible. The spicy chicken paired with tangy, creamy sauce is a combo that never disappoints. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite that’s perfect for any occasion—weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce combines spicy, smoky grilled chicken breasts with a tangy, creamy white sauce from Alabama. The bold Cajun seasoning perfectly complements the cool and zesty homemade sauce, creating a delicious Southern-American main course that’s perfect for grilling season. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s ideal served alongside grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Ingredients
For the Cajun chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create your dry rub for the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere, then coat each breast thoroughly with the prepared spice blend.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s properly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken has a nice char on the outside. Avoid flipping frequently to ensure good grill marks and even cooking.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Make the Alabama white sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed for the perfect balance of tang and spice.
- Serve: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and serve with a generous drizzle of Alabama white sauce over the top. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Alabama white sauce is tangy and creamy, adding a perfect balance to the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun chicken.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, traditional coleslaw, or classic southern cornbread for a complete meal.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- For a dairy-free option, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern-American
