Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe

Zesty Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering cajun grilled chicken with alabama white sauce sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Southern spices dance across tender meat, promising bold flavors.

My grandmother’s traditions inspire this recipe’s zesty personality.

Smoky notes from the grill complement the tangy, creamy sauce perfectly.

Peppers and herbs create an irresistible blend of heat and richness.

Quick marinating techniques ensure maximum flavor absorption.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible dish.

What Makes Cajun Chicken with White Sauce Stand Out

  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Infuse bold Cajun spices and tangy Alabama white sauce for a mouthwatering taste explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.
  • Master Grilling Techniques: Learn simple grilling skills that guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with beautiful grill marks and a smoky, robust flavor profile.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Create a restaurant-quality meal that appeals to all ages, from kids to adults, making it ideal for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or casual weekend dinners.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in under an hour with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that don't compromise on taste or quality.

What Goes Into Cajun Grilled Chicken with White Sauce

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: The main star of the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the Cajun flavors.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Cajun Seasoning, Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices and oils that infuse the chicken with bold, zesty Cajun flavors and help keep the meat moist during grilling.
Alabama White Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice: A creamy and tangy base that creates a unique, zesty sauce with depth of flavor.
  • Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Seasonings that add heat, complexity, and balance to the white sauce.
Garnish:
  • Chopped Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Fresh herbs and citrus that add brightness and a pop of color to the finished dish.

Cooking Cajun Chicken with White Sauce the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Marinade

Mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly in the marinade. Let the chicken soak up flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy White Sauce

Combine ingredients for Alabama white sauce:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt

Whisk everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to medium-high temperature (375°F to 400°F). Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place marinated chicken on hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side. Flip and continue grilling for 5-6 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. The exterior should have beautiful golden-brown grill marks.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist. Slice chicken and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with Alabama white sauce. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra flavor punch.

Tips for Cajun Chicken and Alabama Sauce Perfection

  • Optimize Marination Time: Let chicken soak in Cajun spices for 2 hours to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
  • Control Grill Temperature: Monitor grill heat to prevent chicken from burning, keeping it between 375-400°F for perfect golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
  • Ensure Chicken Doneness: Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Balance Sauce Flavor: Adjust Alabama white sauce by tasting and adding more vinegar for tanginess or cayenne for extra kick according to personal preference.
  • Rest Meat After Grilling: Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

Fun Ways to Vary Cajun Chicken with White Sauce

  • Spicy Lime Marinade Variation: Replace olive oil with lime juice and add fresh cilantro to create a zesty, tangy Cajun chicken version with bright citrus notes.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap Cajun seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary, using Greek yogurt instead of Alabama white sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Eliminate onion powder from marinade, use sugar-free mayonnaise for white sauce, and serve with roasted cauliflower instead of traditional sides to maintain ketogenic requirements.
  • Dairy-Free Friendly Option: Substitute mayonnaise with cashew cream or avocado-based sauce, ensuring the recipe remains creamy while accommodating dairy sensitivities.

What to Eat with Cajun Chicken and White Sauce

  • Pair Perfectly Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that complements the zesty Alabama white sauce and cuts through the rich, spicy Cajun flavors.
  • Serve Southern-Style Coleslaw: Create a tangy, crunchy side dish with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing that balances the grilled chicken's bold Cajun seasoning and provides a cool contrast.
  • Match with Cornbread Muffins: Bake golden, slightly sweet cornbread muffins that soak up the Alabama white sauce and offer a traditional Southern accompaniment that enhances the chicken's spicy profile.

Storing Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama Sauce

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQ for Cajun Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

  • What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically contains a blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. These spices create a bold, zesty flavor profile that gives the chicken its signature kick.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier on the grill. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.

  • Is Alabama white sauce different from regular white sauce?

Yes, Alabama white sauce is unique. Unlike traditional white sauces, it’s tangy and zippy, made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and mustard. It originated in Alabama and is particularly popular with grilled chicken and barbecue.

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Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe

Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 42-43 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Cajun grilled chicken with Alabama white sauce delivers a mouthwatering fusion of Southern flavors that dances across your palate. Bold Cajun seasoning and creamy tangy sauce combine to create a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Alabama White Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken breasts with a robust Cajun seasoning blend, incorporating olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the marinade to penetrate the meat for 30-120 minutes in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
  2. Craft the signature Alabama white sauce by whisking mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt into a smooth, tangy condiment. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  3. Fire up the grill to a consistent 375°F-400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for perfectly charred chicken with crisp exterior and juicy interior.
  4. Transfer marinated chicken to the hot grill, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption. The chicken should develop beautiful grill marks and a golden-brown crust.
  5. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice chicken and plate, generously drizzling Alabama white sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and accompany with zesty lemon wedges for an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

  • Marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing chicken to absorb Cajun seasonings completely.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper levels to control heat intensity, making the dish mild or spicy based on personal preference.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise chicken doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
  • Create dairy-free sauce variation by substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives for dietary accommodations.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-13 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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