Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a mouthwatering dish that combines bold, smoky spices with a tangy, creamy sauce. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a robust, spicy kick, while the Alabama white sauce, made with mayonnaise and vinegar, balances the heat with its cool, tangy flavor. This pairing is a match made in grilling heaven, offering a versatile dish that’s perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or special gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Grilled 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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub olive oil over the chicken breasts, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Alabama White Sauce In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve Plate the grilled chicken and generously drizzle it with Alabama white sauce. Serve any extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Variations
- Bone-In Chicken: Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for a juicier alternative. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Spicy Sauce: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the white sauce for a spicier kick.
- Oven-Baked Option: If grilling isn’t an option, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until fully cooked.
Cooking Notes
- Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought Cajun seasoning works well, but you can make your own for a customized flavor profile.
- Sauce Consistency: Thin the Alabama white sauce with a splash of water if you prefer a drizzle-friendly texture.
- Resting Time: Always allow the chicken to rest after grilling to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce pairs beautifully with:
- Sides: Coleslaw, grilled corn, or roasted vegetables.
- Bread: Serve with cornbread or garlic toast.
- Salads: Top a bed of fresh greens with sliced chicken and extra sauce for a hearty salad.
Tips
- Char Marks: For attractive grill marks, avoid moving the chicken too often while it’s cooking.
- Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: The Alabama white sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Prep Time
15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 28g
FAQs
Q: Can I use other proteins? Absolutely! This recipe works well with pork chops, shrimp, or even tofu.
Q: How long does the sauce last? Alabama white sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container.
Q: Is this dish very spicy? The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Adjust to your taste preference.
Conclusion
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. The smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning complements the creamy, tangy Alabama white sauce to create a perfect balance of boldness and richness. This versatile recipe is ideal for grilling enthusiasts and those looking to elevate their weeknight meals. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish that everyone will love. Fire up the grill and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Ingredients
For the Cajun Grilled 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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub olive oil over the chicken breasts, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Alabama White Sauce In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve Plate the grilled chicken and generously drizzle it with Alabama white sauce. Serve any extra sauce on the side for dipping.