When it comes to summer grilling or any time you crave bold flavors, nothing quite satisfies like tender grilled chicken paired with a rich, tangy Alabama White Sauce. This Alabama White Sauce Recipe for Cajun Grilled Chicken Lovers combines the smoky heat of Cajun-seasoned chicken with the creamy, zesty punch of Alabama’s famous white barbecue sauce. It’s a pairing made in grilling heaven.

What makes this dish extra special is how simple it is to prepare while delivering restaurant-quality results. The Cajun marinade infuses the chicken with just the right amount of spice, while the Alabama White Sauce cools and balances those flavors with its creamy, tangy profile. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CAJUN GRILLED CHICKEN WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE

This dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, smoke, and creamy tang. Here’s why it works so well:

• The marinade is packed with Cajun spices that give the chicken a smoky, flavorful crust.
• Alabama White Sauce adds a cool, tangy contrast that enhances every bite.
• It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and weekend grilling.
• The recipe is highly customizable and works well with other proteins or sides.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Before we start cooking, let’s gather everything you need for both the chicken and the Alabama White Sauce.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alabama White Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

A FEW TIPS BEFORE YOU START

Make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Also, allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes — or even up to 4 hours — to help the flavors fully develop. The Alabama White Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

LET’S GET STARTED: THE FIRST STEPS

STEP 1: PREPARE THE MARINADE

In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir until the mixture forms a well-blended marinade.

STEP 2: MARINATE THE CHICKEN

Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Rub the marinade mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, marinating for up to 4 hours will give you even deeper flavor.

STEP 3: PREHEAT THE GRILL

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). This temperature will give the chicken a nice sear while keeping it juicy inside.

HOW TO GRILL THE CHICKEN AND MAKE THE ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE

With the chicken marinated and your grill preheated, it’s time to move on to cooking the chicken and preparing the signature Alabama White Sauce that makes this dish so memorable.

THE SECRET TO JUICY, FLAVORFUL GRILLED CHICKEN

The key to juicy grilled chicken is maintaining the right temperature and not overcooking. Using a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out and ensures that your chicken is perfectly cooked every time. The marinade also helps lock in moisture while adding tons of flavor.

LET’S CONTINUE: GRILLING THE CHICKEN AND MAKING THE SAUCE

STEP 4: GRILL THE CHICKEN

Place the marinated chicken breasts directly onto the preheated grill grates. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid drying out the meat.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent with foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

STEP 5: PREPARE THE ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE

While the chicken is resting, make the Alabama White Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The sauce should have a balanced, tangy flavor with a bit of heat from the cayenne and horseradish.

You can adjust the seasoning at this point to fit your taste. If you prefer more heat, add a little extra cayenne. For more tang, increase the vinegar slightly.

STEP 6: REST AND SERVE

Once the chicken has rested, slice it as desired and generously drizzle with the Alabama White Sauce. The creamy sauce will coat the warm, juicy chicken perfectly, creating a delicious contrast to the smoky, spicy seasoning.

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST CAJUN GRILLED CHICKEN WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE

• Marinate long enough: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors will penetrate.
• Don’t skip resting the chicken: Resting after grilling keeps the chicken juicy.
• Use a thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
• Make the sauce ahead: Alabama White Sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Double the sauce: It’s fantastic on grilled vegetables, sandwiches, and even as a dipping sauce for fries.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve your Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce alongside classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables. It’s also excellent with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes. This dish is versatile enough for casual cookouts or weeknight dinners alike.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE AND CAJUN GRILLED CHICKEN

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few common questions come up. Here are the answers to help you master this dish.

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe. They tend to stay even juicier on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

2. How spicy is the Alabama White Sauce?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat, thanks to the horseradish and cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less of these ingredients to suit your preference.

3. How long can I store Alabama White Sauce?

The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir it well before serving, as some separation may occur.

4. Can I make the marinade and sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare both the marinade and the Alabama White Sauce in advance. The flavors in the sauce actually deepen after a few hours in the fridge.

5. Can I cook the chicken on a stovetop or in the oven?

Yes. If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

6. What can I serve with Cajun Grilled Chicken and Alabama White Sauce?

This dish pairs well with coleslaw, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad. It also works great as a sandwich filling or wrapped in a tortilla for an easy meal.

7. Is Alabama White Sauce only for chicken?

While it’s traditionally served with grilled chicken, Alabama White Sauce is incredibly versatile. It works well with pork, seafood, grilled vegetables, or even as a tangy salad dressing.

CONCLUSION: THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF SPICE AND CREAMINESS

This Alabama White Sauce Recipe for Cajun Grilled Chicken Lovers is a perfect marriage of bold, smoky spices and cool, creamy sauce. The Cajun-marinated chicken delivers just the right amount of heat, while the Alabama White Sauce brings balance with its tangy richness. Whether you’re grilling for a summer cookout or preparing a flavorful family dinner, this recipe is simple, quick, and absolutely delicious.

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy how these bold Southern flavors come together. Feel free to share your favorite sides or any creative variations you add. This one’s sure to be a hit around your table.

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