Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices and paired with a tangy Alabama white sauce, this recipe delivers an irresistible combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ, it’s a dish everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
- Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning brings a smoky heat, balanced beautifully by the creamy, tangy white sauce.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels and add your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Grill Master Approved: A fantastic recipe to show off your grilling skills at cookouts or family gatherings.
- Versatile: This chicken pairs well with salads, grilled veggies, or even in sandwiches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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 fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C).
- Combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and coat generously with the spice mixture. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the Alabama white sauce. Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce for 15-20 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Drizzle the Alabama white sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper in the spice rub and the sauce for extra heat.
- Herby Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to the spice blend for added depth.
- Keto-Friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb, but you can pair it with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice.
- Smoked Chicken: Use a smoker for added depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The Alabama white sauce should be stored separately and served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What is Alabama white sauce?
It’s a tangy, mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce that originates from Alabama, offering a unique contrast to smoky grilled meats.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Grill the chicken when ready to serve.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. The sauce is best made fresh.
7. What sides pair well with this dish?
Try coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or cornbread for a complete meal.
8. Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven.
9. Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the sauce?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.
10. How long should I marinate the chicken?
A quick 10-15 minutes is sufficient, but you can marinate it for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Conclusion
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a flavor-packed dish perfect for any occasion. With smoky, spicy chicken and a creamy tangy sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Print
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the bold flavors of Cajun grilled chicken paired with a tangy, creamy Alabama white sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers tender, spicy chicken breasts perfect for a weeknight dinner or summer BBQ.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). - Season the Chicken:
- Combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and generously coat with the spice mixture. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Refrigerate the sauce for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the Alabama white sauce over the grilled chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in both the chicken seasoning and the sauce for your preferred spice level.
- For an extra smoky flavor, use a grill pan or wood chips on your grill.
- This white sauce pairs well with grilled vegetables or as a salad dressing.
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