This tasty Cajun grilled chicken is packed with flavor! It’s spicy with a hint of smokiness, and it gets even better with a creamy Alabama white sauce that adds a zesty kick.
I love firing up the grill for this dish. The chicken gets those lovely grill marks while the sauce brings everything together. Perfect for summer nights—just grab a fork! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling as they cook evenly. You can also use thighs if you prefer darker meat, which tends to be juicier!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the seasoning stick. If you’re out, you could use vegetable oil or avocado oil instead.
Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend is key for flavor. Making your own with paprika, cayenne, and herbs can give you complete control over the heat level! If you need a milder flavor, try a Cajun spice with less cayenne or substitute with Italian seasoning.
Mayonnaise: The base of the Alabama white sauce. Full-fat mayo is creamy and rich, but you could use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or vegan mayo for a dairy-free choice.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives the sauce its tang. You could substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice if necessary.
How Can You Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can sometimes be tricky, but here are some tips to help you get it right:
- **Preheat Your Grill:** Ensure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it, which helps create a nice sear.
- **Don’t Move It Too Much:** Once the chicken is on the grill, let it sit without flipping too often. This allows for nice grill marks and even cooking.
- **Check the Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s safe to eat and juicy.
- **Let It Rest:** After grilling, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have beautifully grilled Cajun chicken that pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce!
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Tangy Alabama White Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper)
For the Tangy Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 15 minutes to grill. So, you should expect to spend around 30 minutes total from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This gets the grill ready for those perfect sear marks on the chicken!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Rub olive oil all over each piece of chicken to keep them moist and flavorful.
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Your goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating, while also achieving nicely charred grill marks.
5. Make the Alabama White Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, it’s time to whip up the sauce! In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, mustard, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
6. Serve the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done grilling, transfer the juicy pieces to a serving platter. Drizzle or spoon the Alabama white sauce generously over the hot grilled chicken—this adds that amazing tangy flavor!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Top off your dish with freshly chopped parsley for some color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Enjoy the smoky, spicy grilled chicken enhanced by the creamy, tangy Alabama white sauce! It’s sure to be a hit at your table!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe as they tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a couple more minutes to reach the desired internal temperature.
How Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?
If you’re looking for more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the Alabama white sauce. Adjust the amount based on your personal spice preference!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Alabama white sauce a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will actually taste even better as the flavors meld together overnight!
What Are the Best Sides to Serve with this Dish?
This Cajun grilled chicken pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
