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Introduction

Craving a bold, Southern-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for grilling season? Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is your go-to recipe! This dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning blend, grilled to perfection, and paired with a tangy, creamy Alabama white sauce that’s a game-changer. Ideal for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or meal prep, this recipe is beginner-friendly and packs a punch of smoky, zesty goodness. Curious about how to create this mouthwatering meal? Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’s sure to spice up your table!

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Overview: Why Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Is Special

Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce stands out for its vibrant contrast of flavors and textures: the smoky, spicy kick of Cajun-seasoned chicken meets the cool, tangy creaminess of Alabama white sauce. The sauce, a Southern staple, elevates the dish with its unique blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices, making it a perfect complement to the charred chicken. This recipe serves 4, comes together in about 35 minutes, and is versatile enough to pair with various sides or adapt to dietary needs. Its bold presentation, rich flavors, and grilling ease make it ideal for casual dinners or backyard cookouts.

Time Requirement:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Marinating: 10–15 minutes
- Cooking: 12–14 minutes
- Total: About 37–44 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy. Involves basic seasoning, grilling, and mixing, perfect for beginners.
Why It’s Special: This recipe serves 4, offers spicy-tangy Southern flavors, and is a healthy, grill-friendly meal. It’s budget-friendly, great for summer, and ideal for quick dinners or BBQs.

Essential Ingredients

This dish comes together with ingredients that create a flavorful, balanced meal. Here’s what you need and why each matters:

For the Cajun Grilled Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (4): Provide lean, tender protein that absorbs the Cajun spices well.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps spices adhere and promotes a golden, grilled exterior.
Cajun Seasoning (1 tbsp): Delivers bold, spicy, and smoky flavor with a Southern flair.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Adds extra smokiness and depth.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Infuses savory, aromatic notes.
Onion Powder (½ tsp): Contributes subtle, sweet oniony flavor.
Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp, adjust to taste): Brings adjustable heat to the spice blend.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Adds bright, tangy zest to balance the spices.

For the Alabama White Sauce

Mayonnaise (1 cup): Creates a creamy, rich base for the sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp): Provides tangy acidity to cut through the richness.
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds sharp, savory depth.
Lemon Juice (1 tsp): Contributes a touch of citrusy brightness.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Infuses savory flavor.
Onion Powder (½ tsp): Adds subtle sweetness.
Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp): Brings a mild heat to the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balance the sauce’s flavors.
Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped, optional): Offers a fresh, herbaceous garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Swap for chicken thighs (grill 7–8 minutes per side), drumsticks (10–12 minutes per side), or tofu for vegetarian (grill 4–5 minutes per side).
Cajun Seasoning: Use a homemade blend (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne) if store-bought is unavailable.
Mayonnaise: Replace with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice for similar tang.
Cayenne: Omit for milder flavor or increase to ½ tsp for extra heat.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure Cajun seasoning and mustard are gluten-free.
Add-Ins: Include 1 tsp horseradish in the sauce for a spicy kick or serve with grilled veggies for a complete meal.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce that’s smoky, juicy, and perfectly paired:

Prepare the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F or 200°C); lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Rub 4 chicken breasts with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat generously with the spice mixture. Squeeze 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the chicken, rubbing it in.
- Let the chicken marinate for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
- Beginner Tip: Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better spice adhesion; marinate in a resealable bag for even coating.
Grill the Chicken:
- Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the exterior is golden with grill marks.
- Remove from the grill, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Beginner Tip: Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness; avoid pressing the chicken to keep it juicy.
Make the Alabama White Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp lemon juice, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to meld flavors, stirring before serving.
- Beginner Tip: Whisk thoroughly for a creamy texture; adjust vinegar or salt to taste for balance.
Serve:
- Slice the rested chicken or serve whole. Drizzle with Alabama white sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) for a pop of color.
- Serve with sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or roasted potatoes.
- Beginner Tip: Slice chicken against the grain for tender bites; drizzle sauce sparingly to highlight the grilled flavor.

Cooking Tips

Chicken Prep: Trim excess fat from chicken for even cooking; pound to uniform thickness (about ¾-inch) for consistent grilling.
Grill Setup: Preheat thoroughly and oil grates to prevent sticking; clean grates after preheating for clear grill marks.
Spice Level: Adjust cayenne in both the rub and sauce to suit your heat preference; taste the spice mix before applying.
Sauce Consistency: If sauce is too thick, thin with 1–2 tsp water; if too thin, add 1 tbsp more mayonnaise.
Resting Chicken: Let chicken rest to redistribute juices, ensuring moist, flavorful meat.

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Assembly: Building the Perfect Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

This dish is all about bold Southern flavors and a vibrant presentation. Here’s how to make it shine:

Chicken Prep:
- Coat chicken evenly with spices for consistent flavor; press spices gently to adhere.
- Grill with confidence, flipping only once to achieve defined grill marks.
Sauce Prep:
- Whisk sauce until smooth and refrigerate to enhance flavor; serve cold for a cooling contrast to the hot chicken.
- Store extra sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days for other dishes (e.g., sandwiches or salads).
Presentation Tips:
- Serve on a rustic platter or individual plates, arranging sliced chicken to show grill marks.
- Drizzle sauce in a zigzag pattern or serve in a small bowl for dipping; garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.
- Pair with colorful sides like a green salad, sweet potato fries, or grilled zucchini for a complete, Southern-inspired meal.

Serving Suggestions

Main Dish: Serve as the star of a meal with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
Meal Prep: Slice chicken and store with sauce separately for 3–4 days; reheat chicken gently and serve with fresh sides.
BBQ Party: Offer with extra sauce and a variety of sides for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Variations: Add a sprinkle of chili powder on the chicken for extra heat or mix 1 tsp horseradish into the sauce for a bold twist.
Drinks: Pair with sweet tea, a cold lager, or a citrusy sparkling water for a refreshing complement.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is great for prep-ahead and stores well:

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; Alabama white sauce for up to 5 days. Reheat chicken in a skillet (3–5 minutes) or oven (350°F for 8–10 minutes).
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months; sauce is not freezer-friendly due to mayonnaise. Thaw chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken and prep sauce up to 1 day in advance; store separately in the fridge. Grill chicken fresh for best texture.
Serving Tip: Reheat chicken with a splash of broth to keep moist; serve sauce cold or at room temperature for optimal flavor.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cajun Chicken: Increase cayenne to ½ tsp in the rub and sauce for a fiery kick.
Vegetarian Cajun Grill: Swap chicken for portobello mushrooms or tofu; marinate and grill for 4–5 minutes per side.
Low-Fat White Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce; adjust vinegar for tang.
Herb-Infused Sauce: Add 1 tsp fresh dill or thyme to the Alabama white sauce for an herbal twist.
Gluten-Free Cajun Chicken: Naturally gluten-free; ensure Cajun seasoning and mustard are gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per Serving (1 of 4, with sauce):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific brands, sauce quantity, and ingredient amounts.

Conclusion

Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is the ultimate Southern-inspired dish, offering smoky, spicy chicken and a creamy, tangy sauce in every delicious bite. With its easy preparation, bold flavors, and grilling versatility, it’s a must-try for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or meal prep. This recipe is so vibrant and satisfying, you’ll want to make it a regular in your rotation. So fire up that grill, whisk that sauce, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s pure Southern bliss!

Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

Author: Alyssa

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