Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

This Cajun Grilled Chicken is full of bold, spicy flavors from the Cajun seasoning, while the Alabama White Sauce, a creamy, tangy mayo-based sauce, adds a cool and refreshing contrast. Together, they make for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for marinating)

For the Alabama White Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Rub the chicken breasts (or thighs) with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken. You can also marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes to 1 hour for extra flavor (optional). Crack Chicken Tenders
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Grill the Chicken:

Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While grilling, you can baste the chicken with a little more olive oil or a mixture of Cajun seasoning and lemon juice for extra flavor.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

3. Prepare the Alabama White Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Adjust seasoning to taste and whisk until smooth.
Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving (optional but helps flavors to meld).

4. Serve:

Slice the grilled Cajun chicken into strips and drizzle with the Alabama White Sauce or serve the sauce on the side as a dip.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a spicy, smoky kick, and the cool, creamy Alabama White Sauce balances it out perfectly with its tangy richness.
Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and comes together quickly, with minimal prep time needed, especially if you marinate the chicken ahead of time.
Versatile: You can serve this Cajun Grilled Chicken with a variety of sides—such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad—and it’s perfect for cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Perfect for Grilling Season: Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, the smoky flavor and char from grilling add to the overall deliciousness of the dish.

Tips for the Best Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce:

Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the Cajun seasoning mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling.
Adjust Spice Level: If you like it spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper to the sauce or sprinkle some additional Cajun seasoning on the chicken before serving.
Grill Marks: To get nice grill marks, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat and avoid moving the chicken too much while it cooks.
Serve with Sides: Serve this dish with some grilled corn on the cob, a side of rice, or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Just make sure to adjust the grilling time to ensure they cook through.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use chicken with the skin on?

Yes! You can use skin-on chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to cook it for a little longer, as bone-in, skin-on chicken will take a few extra minutes on the grill.

Q: Can I make Alabama White Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the sauce tastes even better if it sits in the fridge for a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to develop. Olive Garden Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes! If you prefer to bake the chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).