Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce offers a flavorful alternative to the usual tomato-based BBQ sauces, with a creamy and tangy twist. This easy recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, quick family dinners, or even as an appetizer. The rich, creamy sauce balances the smoky grilled chicken, making it an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re craving a healthier BBQ option or simply want to try something new, this dish brings bold flavors without the heaviness of traditional BBQ sauces. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe.
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Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile. The combination of grilled chicken and creamy, zesty Alabama White Sauce will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s a fantastic alternative to the traditional sticky BBQ sauce, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or preparing a simple dinner for your family. With only a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
For the chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and a perfect base for grilling.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds a flavorful kick and a little heat to the chicken.
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives the sauce its rich texture.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy, sharp flavor that balances the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to thin out the sauce for smooth consistency.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor of the sauce and provides a slight tang.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings a tart contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Horseradish: A key ingredient that gives the sauce a subtle heat and a sharp bite.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness to complement the grilled chicken.
- Garlic powder: Brings depth to the sauce’s flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay moist during grilling.
- Vegan Mayo: For a dairy-free version of the Alabama White Sauce, use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo.
- Gluten-Free Cajun Seasoning: If you are gluten-sensitive, check the Cajun seasoning for gluten, or use a gluten-free alternative.
- White Wine Vinegar: If apple cider vinegar isn’t on hand, white wine vinegar provides a similar acidity and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Alabama White Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry together.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts or strips. The seasoning will add a wonderful flavor boost to the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to 400°F or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping once. Brush the chicken with Alabama White Sauce halfway through the cooking time and continue grilling for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill. Serve the grilled chicken with the Alabama White Sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top.

Tips & Tricks for Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
- Check the Chicken’s Temperature: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in its juices.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the amount of horseradish in the Alabama White Sauce to suit your desired level of spiciness. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the horseradish or omit it altogether.
- Make Extra Sauce: If you love the sauce, make extra to serve with sides like French fries, roasted vegetables, or even pork.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or corn on the cob for a well-rounded meal. For a more filling option, pair it with grilled vegetables or a creamy potato salad.
If you want to take it a step further, consider making a spicy version of the Alabama White Sauce by adding a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This adds a zesty kick that works well with the grilled chicken.
A Perfect Choice for Your Summer Cookouts
Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is the perfect dish for your summer cookouts or backyard gatherings. The rich, creamy sauce and tender grilled chicken will impress your guests, and the recipe is simple enough for a weekday dinner. Whether you’re a fan of traditional BBQ or looking for a fresh twist, this dish offers everything you love in one delicious bite.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a standout recipe that offers a unique and flavorful twist on traditional BBQ dishes. The creamy, tangy Alabama White Sauce perfectly complements the smoky grilled chicken, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a summer cookout, this recipe is easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. By following the simple steps, you can enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal that’s full of bold flavors without the heaviness of traditional BBQ sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Alabama White Sauce?
Alabama White Sauce is a tangy, creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, horseradish, and other seasonings. It originated in Decatur, Alabama, and is known for its unique and zesty flavor, making it a popular choice for grilling chicken, pork, or even dipping fries.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! You can easily substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, making them a great choice for grilling. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat to the Alabama White Sauce, simply increase the amount of horseradish or add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture. This will elevate the sauce’s spiciness, providing a bolder flavor to pair with the grilled chicken.
Can I make Alabama White Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Alabama White Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, allowing the sauce to sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) helps the flavors develop even more, making it the perfect make-ahead recipe.
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Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce is a unique, creamy, and tangy BBQ alternative. Perfect for summer cookouts, this easy recipe features juicy grilled chicken coated with a flavorful homemade white sauce made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and horseradish.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or strips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp horseradish
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts or strips with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping once.
- Brush the chicken with the prepared Alabama White Sauce and continue grilling for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve the grilled chicken with the remaining Alabama White Sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the chicken.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of horseradish or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- For a more juicy and tender result, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Make the Alabama White Sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 422 kcal
- Sugar: 0.29g
- Sodium: 1154.53mg
- Fat: 34.66g
- Saturated Fat: 5.08g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27.06g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 1.36g
- Fiber: 0.31g
- Protein: 25.81g
- Cholesterol: 82.78mg