– **Title**: Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Cajun Grilled Chicken**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lime
– **For the Alabama White Sauce**:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prep the Chicken**: In a bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly with the mixture. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
2. **Make the Alabama White Sauce**: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until serving.
3. **Preheat the Grill**: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Grease the grates with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
4. **Grill the Chicken**: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
5. **Serve**: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with a generous drizzle of Alabama white sauce over the grilled chicken, and enjoy with your choice of sides.
This dish features a zesty and smoky flavor profile thanks to the Cajun seasoning, perfectly complemented by the creamy, tangy white sauce typical of Alabama cuisine.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more moisture or even switch to turkey breast for a lighter option.
Cajun Seasoning: This is the star for flavor. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Feel free to adjust the spice level according to your taste!
Mayonnaise: Classic for the Alabama white sauce! For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute. It adds creaminess with fewer calories!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tang. If you run out, white vinegar or lemon juice can step in nicely. Both will give that needed tartness.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it! First, make sure your grill is preheated – this helps prevent sticking and gives those lovely grill marks.
- Rub the spice mixture well into the chicken. This ensures it’s flavorful all through.
- Cook the chicken without moving it for those first 6-7 minutes to get great grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – 165°F (75°C) is the sweet spot!
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes is crucial. It helps keep the juices in, making it tender.
How to Make Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to grill the chicken. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to have a delicious meal ready to serve. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to get those nice grill marks on your chicken and to cook it evenly.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once combined, rub this delicious mixture all over the chicken breasts. Make sure every inch is covered! This is where the flavor really comes in.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You know the chicken is done when it has nice grill marks, looks golden, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Make the Alabama White Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, let’s make the tasty Alabama white sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once your chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy.
6. Serve with Sauce:
Slice the grilled chicken and drizzle the Alabama white sauce generously over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a little extra color and flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your warm Cajun grilled chicken with Alabama white sauce alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. They are juicier than breasts and can handle the heat of the grill well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach the appropriate internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make the Alabama White Sauce Healthier?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the Alabama white sauce. This swap will cut down on calories and fat while still keeping that creamy texture. You can also add a touch more lemon juice for extra zing!
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make a substitute by combining 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference). This should give you a similar flavor profile. Feel free to customize it based on your taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken and Sauce?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The Alabama white sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week! Just remember to reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving to maintain its juiciness.
