When life hands you a grill and some chicken, make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce! Seriously, this smoky, spicy, and creamy combo is like a backyard BBQ and a Southern cookout had a flavor-packed baby. Whether you’re wrangling kids, hosting neighbors, or just want a no-fuss dinner that actually tastes like effort, this one’s got your back.
This Cajun grilled chicken is juicy, fiery (but you can tame the heat!), and the Alabama white sauce? Whew. Tangy, creamy, and just unexpected enough to make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s the kind of meal you’ll make once and then crave forever.
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Why You’ll Love This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
First of all, let’s talk flavor. Cajun grilled chicken brings that beautiful smoky heat, while the Alabama white sauce swoops in with creamy coolness and a little tangy zip. It’s the ultimate yin-yang of sauces—Southern style.
Second, it’s easy. No fancy ingredients. No ten-step marinade ritual. Just real-deal deliciousness in under 30 minutes (minus a little chill time for the sauce). This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend grilling sessions, or even meal prep when you’re trying to stay on track without eating plain chicken for the fifth day in a row.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make It : Step By Step
1. Prep the Cajun Chicken
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). While that’s heating up, whisk together the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic and onion powders, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then massage those bold spices all over. Squeeze a little lemon juice for that fresh citrusy edge.
Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes—just enough time to mix the sauce and sip something cold.
2. Grill to Perfection
Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side. You’re looking for that juicy center (165°F internal temp is the sweet spot) and those gorgeous grill marks. Once it’s done, let it rest a few minutes so the juices stay put.
3. Whip Up That Alabama White Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes so all those tangy, spicy, creamy flavors can get cozy together.
4. Serve It Up
Spoon that dreamy Alabama white sauce over the grilled Cajun chicken—or serve it on the side if you like to dip (guilty!). Sprinkle on a little fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Cooking Tips for Success
- No grill? No problem! A stovetop grill pan or even your oven’s broiler can get the job done in a pinch.
- Spice shy? Dial down the cayenne in both the chicken and sauce. It’ll still be flavorful without the fire.
- Make ahead tip: The white sauce gets even better after chilling overnight. Great for leftovers, too!
- Serving idea: Slice the grilled chicken and stuff it in wraps or salads for a next-day lunch that’s anything but boring.
A Little Backstory…
This dish became an unexpected hit at one of my casual Sunday cookouts. I was trying something new (Alabama white sauce with spicy grilled chicken? Why not!) and didn’t expect everyone to fall so in love with it. My youngest called it “magic chicken,” and honestly… I didn’t argue. Since then, it’s been a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, and even picky eaters.

FAQs About Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Can I substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are super juicy and take well to the Cajun spices. Just adjust cook time—about 5-6 minutes per side if boneless.
Is Alabama white sauce spicy?
It has a little kick thanks to the cayenne, but it’s mostly tangy and creamy. If you want to mellow it out, cut the cayenne in half or skip it altogether.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the chicken and sauce in separate containers in the fridge. Chicken lasts about 3-4 days; the sauce stays good for up to a week.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Sure! Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temp hits 165°F. You’ll miss out on grill marks, but the flavor stays fabulous.
Can I serve the sauce on the side instead of on top?
Of course! In fact, it makes a great dipping sauce. Perfect for folks who want to control their sauciness level—or for the ones who like to double dip without judgment.
Can I make the Alabama white sauce in advance?
Yes, and you should! The flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge. You can make it up to 3-4 days ahead and keep it chilled in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is more than just a dinner—it’s a Southern-inspired flavor explosion that’s weeknight easy and weekend wow-worthy. The smoky-spicy chicken paired with that tangy white sauce? Chef’s kiss. It’s a dish that brings the magic to your table, one juicy bite at a time.
So fire up the grill, pass the sauce, and let’s make dinner feel a little more special tonight. 💛
🔗 Discover More Flavorful Chicken Favorites
If you loved this Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce and you’re craving even more bold, saucy, or smoky chicken magic, I’ve got some juicy links you don’t want to miss. These recipes are not just delicious—they’re crowd-pleasers, weeknight warriors, and meal prep champs all rolled into one. Whether you’re looking for more grilling ideas or something saucy with a kick, these hand-picked dishes will keep the flavor train rolling!
- Craving more heat and skewered goodness? Try these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers—they’re sweet, spicy, and completely addictive.
- For a sweet-savory twist on grilled chicken, this Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired hit that’s perfect for summer nights.
- If Cajun flavors are your jam, don’t miss out on these Smoked Chicken Thighs—smoky, juicy, and made to impress.
- And for a Mediterranean spin on grill season, you’ll love this Peruvian Grilled Chicken that brings bold spices and juicy flavor to the plate.
Explore these flavorful favorites next time you’re firing up the grill or just want to switch up your chicken game. Your taste buds will thank you. 🔥🍗
Print
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a bold, flavor-packed dish with smoky grilled chicken breasts and a creamy, tangy Southern-style sauce. Quick to make and perfect for cookouts or weeknight dinners
Ingredients
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Alabama White Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and coat them with the spice mix. Add lemon juice.
Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
To make the Alabama white sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
Place chicken on the grill and cook 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Remove from grill and let rest a few minutes.
Serve chicken drizzled with Alabama white sauce or with sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Want less heat? Cut the cayenne pepper in half in both the chicken and the sauce.
No grill? A grill pan or oven broiler works great as an alternative.
This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies, corn on the cob, or even a simple green salad.
The Alabama white sauce can be made up to 3–4 days in advance for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg