Few things hit the spot quite like tender grilled chicken infused with bold Cajun spices—especially when paired with a creamy, tangy Alabama white sauce. This dish brings a mouthwatering Southern twist to your plate, combining smoky heat from the seasoning with a rich, zesty sauce that balances everything perfectly. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a summer evening or looking to liven up a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor without a complicated process.
The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and olive oil, which helps it stay juicy and full of taste, while the white sauce offers a creamy contrast with notes of horseradish, vinegar, and mustard. It’s a great choice for casual cookouts, family meals, or even meal prepping for the week—just grill the chicken in advance and keep the sauce ready in the fridge. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables, over rice, or with a simple salad for a well-rounded meal. It’s customizable too—adjust the cayenne to control the heat level, or use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. This recipe is all about celebrating bold, comforting flavors with a slight kick and a cool finish.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Cajun Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Alabama White Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
To make the sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, horseradish, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and sugar in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
Preheat a grill to medium-high (about 375°F–400°F). Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the grilled chicken with a generous drizzle of Alabama white sauce, and keep extra on the side for dipping. Great with grilled vegetables, cornbread, or a green salad.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This dish is high in protein from the grilled chicken and contains healthy fats from olive oil and mayonnaise. The seasoning mix offers anti-inflammatory spices like paprika and garlic. It’s gluten-free when using appropriate condiments and can be made dairy-free, as the sauce relies on mayonnaise instead of cream. Adjust the heat level to suit your preference.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Tried this recipe and loved it? Share it with friends or family who appreciate bold, smoky flavors! Leaving a comment below not only helps others, but also inspires more delicious creations. Whether you made it spicier or gave it your own twist, we’d love to hear how it turned out!