If you love bold flavors with a smoky, spicy kick, Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is the perfect dish to try. This recipe combines the rich, zesty heat of Cajun seasoning with the tangy, creamy goodness of Alabama white sauce, a unique mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce from Northern Alabama.
The combination of well-seasoned grilled chicken and a cool, flavorful sauce creates an irresistible contrast that will have your guests asking for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a summer barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Packed with Flavor – A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. ✔ Easy to Prepare – Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep work. ✔ Great for Grilling – Ideal for summer cookouts or even indoor grilling. ✔ Versatile – Works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. ✔ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – The white sauce adds richness without the carbs.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (for balance)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Add lemon juice for a slight acidity boost that tenderizes the chicken.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Make the Alabama White Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Serve with Alabama White Sauce
- Drizzle the chicken with Alabama White Sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for extra color and flavor.
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Cooking Tips & Variations
✅ Use Bone-In Chicken – If using bone-in, skin-on chicken, increase cooking time to 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. ✅ Oven Alternative – Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked. ✅ Add Some Heat – Use extra cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce in the white sauce. ✅ Smoky Twist – Add a touch of liquid smoke to the marinade for an authentic BBQ flavor. ✅ Pair with Sides – Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, grilled vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Sandwich Style: Serve on a toasted bun with pickles and extra white sauce.
- Salad Bowl: Slice over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and avocado.
- Taco Twist: Shred and stuff into tortillas with slaw and white sauce drizzle.
FAQs
1. What is Alabama White Sauce?
Alabama White Sauce is a mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce popular in Northern Alabama. It has a tangy, creamy flavor with a hint of spice, making it perfect for grilled meats.
2. Can I Make This Recipe Without a Grill?
Yes! You can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan, in the oven, or even in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
3. How Spicy is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning has a mild to medium heat level. If you prefer it spicier, add extra cayenne pepper.
4. How Long Can I Store Alabama White Sauce?
It lasts up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container.
5. What Other Meats Can I Use with Alabama White Sauce?
It pairs well with grilled turkey, beef, and even seafood like shrimp.
Conclusion
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, smoky, and creamy flavors in one dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Fire up the grill and give this incredible dish a try—you won’t regret it!
Let me know how your Cajun Grilled Chicken turns out in the comments! 🔥🍗
Read more: Best Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe
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Best 1st Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is smoky, spicy, and perfectly juicy! Marinated in bold Cajun spices, the chicken is grilled to perfection and drizzled with a tangy, creamy Alabama white sauce. It’s a delicious Southern-inspired dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a bowl, mix together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, horseradish, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Drizzle the Alabama white sauce over the grilled chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Serve with grilled corn, coleslaw, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- For a smokier flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips.
- Adjust the spice level by adding extra cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun, BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
Keywords: Cajun Chicken, Alabama White Sauce, Grilled Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Spicy Grilled Chicken