If you love bold flavors and a down-home Southern charm on your plate, then this Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun rub that perfectly balances heat and depth, then grilled to juicy perfection. The magic really happens when you pair that fiery goodness with a tangy, creamy Alabama white sauce, a classic Southern condiment that refreshes every bite with a zesty vinegar punch and smooth mayonnaise base. This dish captures the soul of Southern grilling while being so approachable, you’ll want to make it on repeat for family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item plays a key role—from the smoky spices that bring big flavor, to the creamy white sauce that adds that signature tang and balance. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this dish come alive at the grill.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean, juicy canvas for all that Cajun flavor to soak into.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The heart of the spiced rub, delivering a blend of herbs and heat.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a deep smoky aroma and rich color to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and complexity to the spice mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste): Brings the fiery kick, which you can dial up or down.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with fresh acidity.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Alabama white sauce, lending luscious texture.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Gives the sauce its signature tangy zip.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle sharpness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Boosts brightness and freshness in the white sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle hint of garlic for the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Warms up the flavor profile in the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A touch of heat to complement the chicken’s spiciness.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Balances and sharpens every element in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, colorful touch to garnish and brighten the final dish.
How to Make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Rub and Chicken
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat—around 400°F is perfect for getting those nice grill marks and locking in juices. In a small bowl, mix your Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant and spicy blend. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil to ensure the spices stick well, then coat each breast generously in your seasoning mixture. Don’t forget to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken to add a hint of brightness that balances the bold spices.
Step 2: Marinate Briefly
Even though this recipe doesn’t call for a long marinating time, letting the chicken rest in that spice mixture for 10 to 15 minutes before grilling gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully. This quick flavor infusion boosts the taste right as the chicken hits the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place your marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. You want a nice char on the outside and juicy tenderness inside, so keep a close eye and flip once halfway through. Using a meat thermometer can be super helpful here—the internal temperature should hit 165°F to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in all those savory juices.
Step 4: Whip Up the Alabama White Sauce
While the chicken is resting, it’s time to mix up that iconic Alabama white sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Chill the sauce in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to let all those flavors marry and develop their full intensity.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe comes alive in this final step. Plate your juicy chicken breasts and either drizzle the cooling white sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you want a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. This dish is ready to impress and satisfy with every bite!
How to Serve Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful splash of green but also a gentle herbaceous freshness that complements the spice and creaminess. A lemon wedge on the side is a simple but effective touch to add a last-minute squeeze of citrus if desired.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe shines with classic Southern sides. Think buttery cornbread, smoky baked beans, or a crunchy coleslaw to add texture contrast. If you want to lighten things up, a crisp green salad or grilled seasonal veggies like asparagus or corn on the cob pairs perfectly and keeps the whole meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz up your presentation? Slice the grilled chicken thinly and serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes topped with a generous ladle of the Alabama white sauce. Another delicious idea is to make sandwiches with toasted buns, crisp lettuce, and sliced tomatoes, turning this Southern favorite into a fun handheld delight for gatherings or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled chicken and the Alabama white sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce fresh, preventing flavors from mixing prematurely and losing vibrancy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. The Alabama white sauce, however, does not freeze well due to its mayonnaise base and is best made fresh when you’re ready to serve again.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat the chicken in a low oven or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out. Add the chilled Alabama white sauce only after reheating to maintain its creamy texture and bright flavor. This ensures every serving is as delicious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will work well with this Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe, but keep in mind it may need a bit longer on the grill to reach the proper internal temperature.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a moderate heat level, thanks to the cayenne and Cajun seasoning. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Is Alabama white sauce similar to ranch dressing?
While both are creamy and herbaceous, Alabama white sauce has a more pronounced tanginess from apple cider vinegar and a thinner consistency, making it a perfect tangy counterpart to grilled meats unlike ranch’s milder, thicker texture.
Can I make the Alabama white sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing the Alabama white sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen, making it even more flavorful. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What can I serve instead of traditional sides?
For a lighter meal, pair this chicken with quinoa salad, grilled vegetables, or even a fresh fruit salsa to add a sweet and refreshing contrast to the spicy Cajun flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe is truly a celebration of vibrant Southern flavors that are surprisingly easy to achieve at home. The blend of smoky heat from the spice rub with the creamy, tangy sauce creates a balance that will have you coming back for seconds and eager to share it with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a cherished staple in your grilling rotation—give it a go and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
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: Southern American
Description
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce recipe combines perfectly spiced, juicy grilled chicken breasts with a creamy, tangy Southern white sauce. The chicken is marinated and coated with a mixture of Cajun spices and grilled to perfection, while the Alabama White Sauce made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and spices adds a zesty and flavorful complement. Ideal for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spice Rub
- 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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a balanced spice rub for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts all over with olive oil. Generously coat each piece with the prepared Cajun spice mixture, ensuring even coverage. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken for added brightness. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Set the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), to prepare for cooking the chicken breasts.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and moist.
- Make the Alabama White Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Plate the grilled Cajun chicken breasts and drizzle the Alabama white sauce over the top or serve it on the side as a dip. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness of both the chicken and the sauce.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling improves juiciness and texture.
- The Alabama White Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days for convenience.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or broil it in the oven, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Marinate the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) if time allows for deeper flavor penetration.
