If you crave bold, smoky flavors with a creamy, tangy punch, you are going to fall head over heels for Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce. This dish is a sizzling marriage of zesty spice and cool sauce, perfect for anyone seeking that unmistakable Southern kick. Tender, juicy chicken is coaxed to perfection over the grill, then finished with a drizzle of Alabama’s famous white sauce—a unique, peppery mayo-based delight that perfectly balances the spiciness of the Cajun rub. It’s little wonder this recipe makes its way onto our table all summer long!

Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This vibrant recipe lets simple, fresh ingredients do all the heavy lifting. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce irresistible, rich in flavor, and oh-so-colorful on your plate.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless for quick grilling and a lean, juicy base that lets all the other flavors shine.
Olive oil: Not only prevents sticking, but also helps the bold Cajun rub coat the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the show, bringing that signature heat and earthy depth; use your favorite blend or make your own!
Smoked paprika: Adds smoky aroma and deep red color, turning a simple grilled chicken into a showstopper.
Garlic powder: Offers a mellow, savory background note that pairs perfectly with Cajun spice.
Onion powder: Boosts umami and rounds out the seasoning with gentle sweetness.
Salt: Enhances and brings together all the flavors, both in the rub and the sauce.
Black pepper: Lends sharpness and bite, used both for seasoning the chicken and the white sauce.
Mayonnaise: The creamy heart of the Alabama white sauce—choose real mayo for best results.
Apple cider vinegar: Delivers zippy acidity and a touch of fruitiness to balance the richness of the sauce.
Prepared horseradish: For that undeniable savory heat and classic Alabama sauce flavor.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle piquancy and depth without overwhelming the sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami complexity, amping up every other flavor in the mix.
Lemon juice: Brightens and sharpens the sauce, lifting the entire dish.
Cayenne pepper: Packs just the right amount of added heat for spice lovers to swoon over.

How to Make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a quick sear that locks in the juices and creates gorgeous grill marks. If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to become ashy for an even cook. A properly heated grill is your secret to a beautifully charred but juicy Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels—this helps the spice blend stick and promotes browning. Rub each chicken breast all over with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice blend generously over both sides of the chicken, pressing lightly so it adheres.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, turning just once, until you see lovely grill lines and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe, juicy results. If your pieces are thick, move them to indirect heat after the first flip for the perfect finish. Let the chicken rest off the heat for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices.

Step 4: Whip Up the Alabama White Sauce

While your chicken is sizzling, make the Alabama white sauce in a medium bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt until silky smooth. The result is a punchy sauce with zip, tang, and just enough heat to complement the Cajun chicken. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your chicken has rested, serve it hot, generously drizzled with Alabama white sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. Each bite is an explosion of juicy, zesty, and creamy flavors—truly what makes Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce a standout dish you’ll want to make again and again.

How to Serve Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a little garnish to elevate your Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce. Freshly chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or even a tiny sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning over the top add color and an extra pop of flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side are another simple way to offer brightness.

Side Dishes

Classic Southern sides are the perfect match. Think buttery cornbread, creamy coleslaw, or vibrant grilled vegetables. The peppery tang of the Alabama white sauce is a dream when paired with sweet corn, roasted potatoes, or even a simple garden salad. This meal is flexible enough for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard feast with friends!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the grilled chicken and fanning it over a platter, drizzled generously with sauce and topped with thin rings of red onion or crisp pickles. Or cut it into strips for easy sliders and sandwiches. If you’re hosting, make bite-size skewers with chicken and veggies—just as delicious and even more fun for dipping in the Alabama white sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. The chicken will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, and the sauce keeps well for a week. This makes packing flavorful lunches a breeze!

Freezing

The chicken freezes beautifully—simply wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, hold back the Alabama white sauce, as the mayo base can separate after freezing. Whisk up a quick fresh batch when you’re ready to enjoy your chicken again.

Reheating

For juicy, tender results, reheat the chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, or in the microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Always serve the Alabama white sauce cold, spooning it over the hot chicken just before enjoying for that classic contrast.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic (and often juicier) alternative for Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as thighs may need a little longer to cook through.

Is Alabama white sauce very spicy?

This sauce has a touch of heat from horseradish and cayenne, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can dial back the cayenne or horseradish for a milder version, or kick it up for the heat seekers at your table.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan or even a cast iron skillet on your stovetop. Just make sure to get a good sear on both sides and check that the chicken is cooked through.

Can I make the Alabama white sauce ahead?

Yes! The sauce can absolutely be made a few days in advance. In fact, a little time in the fridge lets the flavors meld together, making your Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce even more irresistible.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It sure is. Every ingredient in this dish is naturally gluten-free, so it’s safe for most dietary needs. Always double-check your Cajun seasoning and condiments if allergies are a concern.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those dishes that brings people together and sparks conversation with every bite. If you’re ready to wow your friends or family, Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it once and you’ll find yourself coming back to this Southern classic all year long!

Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the bold flavors of the South with this Cajun Grilled Chicken dish featuring a zesty Alabama White Sauce. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Alabama White Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry and rub with olive oil. Mix Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken on both sides.
Grill the chicken: Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make the Alabama White Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne, and salt until smooth.
Rest and serve: Remove chicken from grill, let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, drizzled with Alabama white sauce or on the side for dipping.