Cajun Chicken Alabama Sauce

This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce brings together the bold flavors of southern cooking into one mouthwatering dish. The spicy kick of Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly with the cool, creamy tang of Alabama white sauce, creating a balance that makes every bite something special.

I first made this recipe during a summer cookout with friends, and it's become our go-to grilling recipe ever since. Even my spice-cautious relatives request this chicken whenever they visit, which speaks volumes about its universal appeal.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: perfect for even cooking and readily available at any grocery store
• Olive oil: helps the spices adhere to the chicken and prevents sticking on the grill
• Cajun seasoning: the star ingredient that provides authentic southern flavor
• Smoked paprika: adds depth and a subtle smokiness even before the chicken hits the grill
• Garlic powder and onion powder: provide aromatic base notes without the prep work of fresh aromatics
• Cayenne pepper: brings customizable heat level that you can adjust to your preference
• Fresh lemon juice: brightens all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat

• Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base that defines this regional sauce
• Apple cider vinegar: provides tang and cuts through the richness
• Dijon mustard: adds complexity and slight sharpness
• Lemon juice: brightens the sauce just as it does the chicken
• Seasonings: like garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne ensure the sauce stands up to the boldly flavored chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Combine all the dry spices in a small bowl, making sure they're evenly distributed. This ensures every bite has the perfect flavor balance. Take your time with this step as it forms the flavor foundation of the dish.

Marinate the Chicken:

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then massage the spice mixture thoroughly into all surfaces. The oil helps the spices adhere and promotes beautiful caramelization. Allow at least 10 minutes for the flavors to begin penetrating the meat, though longer is even better.

Preheat and Prepare the Grill:

Heat your grill to medium high heat around 400°F. Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for those perfect grill marks and easy flipping.

Grill the Chicken:

Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6 7 minutes per side. Look for nice char marks before flipping. Use an instant read thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. The chicken should be firm to the touch but still juicy.

Mix the Alabama White Sauce:

While the chicken cooks, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Refrigerate it while the chicken finishes cooking to allow the flavors to develop.

Rest and Serve:

Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Drizzle generously with the Alabama white sauce or serve it alongside for dipping.

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The Alabama white sauce is what truly transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. I stumbled upon this combination accidentally when trying to use up ingredients in my refrigerator, and now my family considers it my signature dish. The contrast between the spicy chicken and cool, creamy sauce creates a flavor experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Make Ahead Options

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, intensifying the flavor significantly. The Alabama white sauce actually improves when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld more completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a complete make ahead meal, grill the chicken, cool it completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Perfect Pairings

The bold flavors of this Cajun chicken call for complementary sides that can hold their own. Traditional southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or collard greens make excellent companions. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the sauce. Grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, zucchini, or bell peppers cooked alongside the chicken absorb some of that smoky flavor and round out the meal beautifully. For a starch component, consider southern classics like dirty rice or a potato salad with a mustard base.

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Regional Inspiration

This recipe brings together two beloved southern culinary traditions. Cajun seasoning originated in Louisiana, known for its bold, spicy profile typically featuring paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs. Alabama white sauce was created by pitmaster Bob Gibson in Decatur, Alabama, in the 1920s specifically for chicken. Unlike traditional red barbecue sauces, this mayonnaise based sauce was designed to keep chicken moist during the smoking process. By combining these regional specialties, this recipe creates a cross cultural southern experience that honors traditional flavors while creating something uniquely delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What is Alabama White Sauce?

Alabama White Sauce is a regional specialty sauce originating from northern Alabama. Unlike typical red barbecue sauces, it's mayonnaise-based with vinegar, mustard, and spices, creating a tangy, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, especially chicken. Its cooling properties make it an ideal complement to spicy dishes like Cajun chicken.

→ How spicy is this Cajun chicken dish?

This Cajun chicken has a medium heat level due to the cayenne pepper in both the rub and sauce. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper for a milder version or increasing it if you prefer more heat. The creamy Alabama white sauce helps balance the spiciness of the chicken.

→ Can I make this dish without a grill?

Absolutely! While grilling gives the chicken a wonderful smoky flavor, you can alternatively cook it on a stovetop griddle or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side. You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

→ How long can I store the Alabama White Sauce?

The Alabama White Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more fully. Just whisk it again before serving if any separation occurs.

→ What sides pair well with Cajun chicken?

This Cajun chicken pairs wonderfully with Southern-inspired sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it with dirty rice, collard greens, or a fresh green salad. The Alabama white sauce can also be drizzled over the vegetables for extra flavor.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work excellently with this recipe and often provide more moisture and flavor. When using thighs, you may need to adjust the grilling time slightly - they typically require 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) regardless of which cut you use.