Description

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.

Ingredients

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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Instructions

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.