Spicy Chicken with White Sauce

This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce combines two Southern favorites for an explosion of flavors that will transform your dinner routine. The smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning creates a perfect crust on the chicken while the creamy Alabama white sauce cools things down with its tangy richness.

I discovered this combination during a road trip through the Deep South years ago. After tasting authentic Alabama white sauce at a roadside BBQ joint, I became obsessed with recreating it at home and pairing it with my favorite Cajun chicken recipe.

Ingredients

For the Cajun Grilled Chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: create the perfect canvas for the bold Cajun flavors
• Olive oil: helps the spices adhere and keeps the chicken moist during grilling
• Cajun seasoning: brings authentic Louisiana flavor with its blend of paprika, herbs and spices
• Smoked paprika: adds depth and a subtle smokiness even if you are cooking indoors
• Garlic powder: provides savory notes without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has
• Onion powder: adds a sweet aromatic quality that balances the heat
• Cayenne pepper: brings the signature Cajun heat adjust according to your preference
• Fresh lemon juice: brightens the flavors and helps tenderize the meat

For the Alabama White Sauce

• Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base choose a quality brand for best results
• Apple cider vinegar: provides the tangy backbone look for unfiltered varieties
• Dijon mustard: adds complexity and helps emulsify the sauce
• Lemon juice: brightens the rich sauce with fresh acidity
• Garlic and onion powders: create depth without overwhelming the sauce
• Cayenne pepper: brings a subtle heat that builds with each bite
• Fresh parsley: adds color and a fresh herbaceous finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Step 1:

Combine your Cajun spice blend in a small bowl mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices. The reddish hue from the paprika should be consistent throughout. Take time to pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels before applying oil which helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes better browning on the grill.

Season Generously

Step 2:

Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in to coat evenly. Apply the Cajun seasoning mixture liberally pressing it into the meat to create a flavorful crust. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes which allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat and takes the chill off for more even cooking.

Master the Grill

Step 3:

Preheat your grill thoroughly to medium high heat around 400°F. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place chicken on the hottest part of the grill and resist the urge to move it for at least 5 minutes which allows beautiful grill marks to form. Flip only once during cooking using tongs rather than a fork to avoid losing precious juices.

Create the White Sauce

Step 4:

While the chicken cooks whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl until completely smooth. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes which allows the flavors to meld together. This sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated.

Rest and Serve

Step 5:

Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes which redistributes the juices throughout the meat. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the Alabama white sauce or serve it alongside for dipping.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the unexpected way the tangy white sauce complements the spicy Cajun seasoning. The first time I served this at a family gathering my brother in law who claims to hate mayonnaise went back for seconds of the sauce alone.

Make Ahead Options

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility for busy schedules. The Alabama white sauce actually improves when made a day or two in advance as the flavors have more time to develop in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving. You can also prepare the Cajun spice mixture up to a month in advance and store it in a sealed jar which makes weeknight cooking much faster.

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Perfect Pairings

This Cajun grilled chicken works beautifully alongside traditional Southern sides. Buttery corn on the cob grilled alongside the chicken picks up smoky flavors from the grill. Creamy coleslaw provides a cool contrast to the spicy chicken while classic potato salad rounds out the meal perfectly. For a lighter option consider serving the sliced chicken over a mixed green salad with the Alabama white sauce thinned slightly with extra vinegar to create a creamy dressing.

Regional Variations

Alabama white sauce originated in Northern Alabama at Big Bob Gibsons Bar B Q in Decatur where it was traditionally served with smoked chicken. Unlike traditional tomato based barbecue sauces this mayonnaise based sauce offers a completely different flavor profile. While purists might insist on using it only with chicken my version pairs beautifully with pork or even grilled fish. Some regional variations include adding horseradish for extra bite or a touch of sugar to balance the tanginess.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is Alabama white sauce?

Alabama white sauce is a tangy, mayo-based condiment originating from Northern Alabama. Unlike traditional red BBQ sauces, it features mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices for a creamy texture with a peppery kick. It's particularly good with grilled chicken and other poultry.

→ How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning typically has moderate heat from cayenne and black pepper. In this dish, the spice level can be easily adjusted by reducing the cayenne pepper amount in both the chicken rub and the white sauce to suit milder preferences.

→ Can I make this dish without a grill?

Absolutely! While grilling imparts wonderful smoky flavor, you can also prepare this chicken using a stovetop griddle pan or by baking in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

→ How far in advance can I make the Alabama white sauce?

The Alabama white sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to develop more fully, resulting in an even tastier sauce.

→ What sides pair well with Cajun grilled chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with Southern-inspired sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, or grilled vegetables. The creamy white sauce also makes it excellent alongside lighter sides like a fresh green salad or steamed rice to balance the bold flavors.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and often remain juicier on the grill. Boneless, skinless thighs will need a similar cooking time, while bone-in thighs will require an additional 5-8 minutes. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.