Description
This recipe features juicy Cajun grilled chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with a perfect blend of spices and complemented by a tangy Alabama white sauce made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, and mustard. It’s a flavorful Southern-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare in about 45 minutes, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Alabama White Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil and season evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken rest for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken has a nice charred exterior.
- Make the Alabama white sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne pepper if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve: Slice the grilled Cajun chicken and drizzle generously with the chilled Alabama white sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for an extra burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For best results, let the chicken marinate for the full 30 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
- The cayenne pepper in the sauce can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat preference.
- The Alabama white sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast iron skillet works well for stovetop cooking.
