Cajun Chicken Alabama Sauce

This hearty Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce brings together bold Southern flavors in one delicious dish. The smoky spiced chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy sauce for a meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and gourmet tastes.

I discovered this recipe during a summer cookout at my sister's place in Alabama. After one bite, I immediately asked for the recipe and have been perfecting it ever since. The combination of the Cajun spice rub and that unique Alabama white sauce makes this dish a standout at any gathering.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: form the foundation of this dish providing a lean protein that absorbs the Cajun flavors beautifully
• Cajun seasoning: brings authentic Louisiana flavor with its blend of paprika, garlic, and herbs
• Smoked paprika: adds a deep smoky dimension that mimics long slow cooking over wood
• Mayonnaise: serves as the rich creamy base for the Alabama white sauce giving it body and luxury
• Apple cider vinegar: cuts through the richness with bright acidity that tenderizes the meat
• Dijon mustard: adds complexity and subtle heat to the sauce while helping it emulsify properly
• Fresh lemon juice: brightens all the flavors and helps tenderize the chicken
• Cayenne pepper: allows you to customize the heat level according to your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Combine all the spices in a small bowl to ensure even distribution. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil which helps the seasonings adhere and prevents sticking. Apply the spice mixture generously using your hands to work it into all surfaces of the meat. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but begins to tenderize the protein fibers. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can penetrate.

Prepare the Grill:

Heat your grill to medium high heat around 400°F. Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking. This temperature gives you the perfect balance between cooking the chicken through and achieving those beautiful grill marks.

Grill the Chicken:

Place the chicken on the preheated grill with space between each piece for even cooking. Resist the urge to move or flip the chicken too early—wait until it naturally releases from the grates after about 6 minutes. After flipping once, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. The resting period after grilling is crucial as it allows juices to redistribute.

Make the Alabama White Sauce:

Whisk all sauce ingredients thoroughly until completely smooth. The brief refrigeration period allows the flavors to meld together and develop complexity. The sauce should have a pourable but not runny consistency.

Plate and Serve:

Arrange the chicken on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle with the white sauce or serve it alongside for dipping. The optional parsley adds a fresh color contrast and herbaceous note.

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The first time I made this for my family, even my sauce skeptical teenagers went back for seconds and asked for the white sauce to be served with other meals. The smoked paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe—I always use the Spanish variety for its deep rich flavor profile.

Sauce Variations

The Alabama White Sauce in this recipe follows traditional methods, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. For a tangier version, increase the apple cider vinegar by a tablespoon. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt. For herb lovers, fresh dill or chives make excellent additions to the base recipe. This versatile sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, so consider making a double batch to enjoy with other proteins or as a salad dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

While this recipe comes together quickly, you can prepare components ahead of time for even faster weeknight cooking. The spice mixture can be combined and stored in an airtight container for up to three months. The Alabama White Sauce actually improves after 24 hours in the refrigerator as the flavors meld more deeply. For meal prep, you can even marinate the chicken in a sealed container for up to 24 hours before grilling, which intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat further.

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun grilled chicken pairs beautifully with traditional Southern sides. Serve it alongside creamy coleslaw, corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it over dirty rice or with buttermilk biscuits to soak up extra sauce. The white sauce also makes an excellent dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or a flavorful drizzle for a simple green salad. For a fun presentation at gatherings, slice the chicken and serve it on small brioche buns as sliders with the sauce and some pickle slices.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What makes Alabama white sauce different?

Alabama white sauce is a unique, mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce originating from northern Alabama. Unlike traditional tomato-based BBQ sauces, it uses mayonnaise, vinegar, and mustard as its base, creating a tangy, creamy condiment that pairs particularly well with chicken. The sauce's creamy texture and tangy flavor profile provide a perfect contrast to spicy grilled meats.

→ Can I make this dish in the oven?

Yes! If you don't have a grill, you can bake the Cajun-seasoned chicken in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For a similar charred effect, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate with the specified amount of cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the cayenne in both the chicken rub and white sauce. For a milder version, cut the cayenne in half or omit it completely. For extra heat, double the cayenne or add hot sauce to the Alabama white sauce.

→ Can I make the Alabama white sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the Alabama white sauce benefits from being made ahead as it allows the flavors to meld. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving with your freshly grilled Cajun chicken.

→ What sides pair well with Cajun grilled chicken?

This Cajun grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with Southern-inspired sides. Consider serving it with coleslaw, corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, potato salad, or dirty rice. A side of cornbread would also complement the meal nicely. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of the chicken and sauce.

→ Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the white sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of Alabama white sauce. You may need to adjust the vinegar slightly as Greek yogurt is already tangy. Another alternative is using half mayonnaise and half sour cream for a different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture that complements the Cajun spices.