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There’s something magical about a perfectly grilled piece of chicken—smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. But when you coat it in a rich, tangy Alabama white sauce, you take it to a whole new level. This is the beauty of Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce—a dish that combines the bold heat of Cajun spices with the cool, creamy goodness of a legendary Southern sauce.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue or preparing a simple family dinner, this recipe delivers mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s spicy, smoky, tangy, and irresistibly delicious!
What is Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce?
This dish is a combination of two Southern favorites:
- Cajun Grilled Chicken: Chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with bold Cajun spices and grilled to perfection, creating a smoky and slightly spicy crust.
- Alabama White Sauce: A tangy, creamy mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce that originated in Northern Alabama. It’s packed with vinegar, horseradish, and black pepper, making it the perfect contrast to smoky, spicy chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Bold and Unique Flavors
- The spicy Cajun seasoning pairs beautifully with the cool, tangy white sauce.
2. Quick and Easy
- Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or summer grilling.
3. Versatile and Customizable
- Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even wings.
4. Healthy and Protein-Packed
- Grilled chicken is low in fat and high in protein, making this a great balanced meal.
Ingredients for Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Alabama White Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Chicken
- In a bowl, mix all the Cajun seasoning ingredients.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and rub with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the Cajun spice mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Alabama White Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together all the white sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Drizzle the Alabama white sauce over the grilled chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Serve with grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
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Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 410 kcal |
Protein | 38g |
Carbohydrates | 2g |
Fat | 28g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Sodium | 720mg |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 1g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Best Side Dishes for Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
1. Southern Classics
- Cornbread – Soft, buttery, and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Mac and Cheese – A creamy, cheesy complement to the smoky chicken.
2. Light and Fresh Options
- Grilled Asparagus – Adds a fresh, slightly charred flavor.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy, refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
3. Low-Carb Alternatives
- Cauliflower Rice – A healthy, low-carb side.
- Zucchini Noodles – Light and perfect with the white sauce.
Tips for the Best Cajun Grilled Chicken
1. Get the Perfect Grill Marks
- Avoid flipping the chicken too soon—let it sear properly before turning.
2. Let the Chicken Rest
- This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful before slicing.
3. Adjust the Spice Level
- Reduce cayenne pepper for milder heat, or add extra for a fiery kick.
4. Make It Ahead of Time
- The Alabama white sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance for easy meal prep.
FAQs About Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
1. Can I Cook This in the Oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. What Type of Mayonnaise Should I Use for the White Sauce?
Use real mayonnaise for the best creamy texture and flavor.
3. How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store chicken and sauce separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay even juicier and more flavorful.
5. Can I Use a Store-Bought Cajun Seasoning?
Yes! Just adjust the salt since some store-bought blends can be saltier.
6. Is Alabama White Sauce Spicy?
It has a slight kick, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat.
Conclusion: Try This Irresistible Southern Classic Tonight!
Now that you have the perfect Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce recipe, you can bring the bold, smoky flavors of the South right to your kitchen. This dish is easy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress at your next cookout or family dinner.
Fire up the grill and give it a try!
PrintSmoky Cajun Chicken with Homemade Alabama White Sauce – Must-Try!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is the perfect combination of bold, smoky, and tangy flavors. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken is grilled to perfection and then drizzled with a rich, creamy Alabama white sauce that adds the perfect kick. This dish is a Southern classic that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal meal for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Alabama White Sauce
-
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken dry and rub it with olive oil.
- Evenly coat the chicken with the Cajun spice blend.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
- Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Alabama White Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Drizzle the Alabama white sauce over the grilled chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Serve with grilled vegetables, cornbread, or coleslaw.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper in the spice mix.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.
- The Alabama white sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the chicken on low heat to maintain its moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern