Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce – A Southern Classic with a Kick
If you love bold spice and creamy tang, this Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce brings the best of both worlds to your plate. Juicy, smoky chicken breasts get a zesty rub and char-grilled finish, then are topped with the South’s best-kept barbecue secret—Alabama white sauce. It’s a dish that screams backyard flavor but comes together with pantry staples and a hot grill.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those “it tastes like summer” recipes. The Cajun seasoning delivers deep, smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat, while the Alabama white sauce cools things down with its creamy, tangy bite. It’s easy to prep ahead and quick to grill—just like my go-to Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo, but in grilled form.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
- 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
For the 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 chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat generously with the spice mix.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the seasoned chicken.
- Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken
- Place the chicken on the preheated grill.
- Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Make the Alabama White Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- For best flavor, chill for 15–20 minutes before serving.
4. Serve
- Drizzle Alabama white sauce generously over grilled chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Pound your chicken breasts for even thickness and faster grilling.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Make the sauce ahead—flavors develop more as it chills.
- Want more char? Add 1–2 minutes per side for those beautiful grill marks.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this juicy grilled chicken with:
- Grilled corn, asparagus, or zucchini
- Rice pilaf or mashed potatoes
- A crisp summer salad or coleslaw
- Or go all out with Sheet Pan Quesadillas or Dorito Casserole for an epic Southern-meets-Tex-Mex dinner
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken gently in the oven or microwave. Serve with cold or freshly whisked sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Slice grilled chicken and drizzle with sauce for easy salads or wraps all week long.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – bold and comforting
- Instant Pot Lasagna – fast and cheesy
- Chicken Enchiladas – saucy and freezer-friendly
- Dorito Casserole – loaded and fun for the whole family
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is everything you want in a summer dinner—spicy, smoky, creamy, and completely satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that earns instant repeat requests, and the white sauce? It’s the magic touch that turns backyard grilling into something unforgettable.
Tried it? Drop your feedback below, share your variations, and follow for more big-flavor dinners made simple!
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