Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken (2024)

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This Alabama white bbq sauce chicken is a tangy, creamy riff on classic barbecue chicken. Classic barbecue sauce gets an unconventional twist, with creamy mayo, zesty horseradish, and loads of savoury goodness. Brushed on seasoned grilled chicken, you may never look to regular barbecue sauce again! The best part is, the sauce requires no cooking!

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken (1)
Jump to:
  • What Is Alabama White BBQ Sauce?
  • 👩🏽‍🍳Why This Recipe Works
  • 🥘Ingredients
  • 📖Substitutions
  • 🔪Variations
  • ⏲️Step-by-Step Instructions
  • 💭Expert Tip
  • ⭐Recipe FAQs
  • 📝More Chicken Recipes
  • Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken
  • 💬 Comments

What Is Alabama White BBQ Sauce?

Alabama white sauce is a regional barbecue sauce, that unlike traditional barbecue sauce, is mayonnaise-based.

White barbecue sauce gets its iconic taste from good quality mayo, and a punch of horseradish and vinegar. The end result is a deliciously balanced sauce, that is used as a finisher on grilled or smoked chicken.

👩🏽‍🍳Why This Recipe Works

No slow cooking required! Traditional barbecue sauces develop flavour through slow simmering and cooking. This barbecue sauce does not require any cooking, and is still full of flavour!

The sauce is versatile! Not only does this sauce taste delicious on grilled chicken, but it works great as a dipping sauce and a sandwich spread too! This makes leftovers easy to use.

Simple ingredients! Barbecue sauces in general turn pantry ingredients into something delicious. This Alabama white sauce is no different! You likely already have everything you need.

🥘Ingredients

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken (2)
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: I like to use bone-in and skin-on chicken breasts because both the bone and skin add extra flavour, fat, and moisture to the chicken breasts.
  • Spice rub: You will need garlic powder, onion powder, salt, mustard powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. If you prefer to make larger batches of all purpose chicken seasoning, you can follow this recipe.
  • Mayonnaise: This barbecue sauce is mayonnaise-based. For that reason, I recommend using a good quality, full fat mayonnaise, that you know and love.
  • Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a delicious, savoury and tangy flavour to the sauce. I recommend dijon mustard over plain yellow mustard, as yellow mustard is more overwhelming.
  • Prepared horseradish: You can use regular prepared horseradish, or extra spicy horseradish depending on how hot you like your horseradish.

A full list of ingredients with measurements is located on therecipe card, below.

📖Substitutions

  • Chicken breasts: Feel free to use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken broken down for a variety.
  • Dijon mustard: You can use grainy mustard, or brown mustard, in place of dijon. They both are packed with a similar tang and bite.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Plain white vinegar will also work instead.
  • Chicken rub: If you have a preferred BBQ chicken rub, feel free to use it in place of a homemade chicken rub.

🔪Variations

  • Mild: Feel free to omit the horseradish from the sauce, if you prefer a milder version.
  • Smoked: If you have a smoker at home, feel free to smoke the chicken for a varied flavour. If you don't have a smoker but like smokey flavours, season the chicken with a dash of liquid smoke before adding the spice rub.

⏲️Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Work Before Cooking

Collecting all your ingredients -This will make cookingsomuch easier. Gather all the spices you will need, and keep them nearby.

Pat the chicken dry - Using a paper towel, pat the chicken breasts dry on both sides. This will help the spice rub adhere, and will allow the skin to crisp up.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken (3)

Whisk together the spice rub mixture in a small mixing bowl. Set aside. [photo 1]

In another medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the Alabama white sauce. Keep covered and refrigerated until you are ready to serve. [photo 2]

Liberally sprinkle the chicken breasts with the mixed spice rub, on both sides. Rub the spice mix into the chicken with your hands. [photo 3]

Preheat your grill to 425°F, or a grill pan on medium-high heat. Spray the grill or grill pan with cooking spray.

Sear the chicken, skin-side down, for approximately 20 minutes on each side. If using a barbecue, you can keep the heat lower on one side of the barbecue, and transfer the chicken breasts to the cooler side to continue cooking. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant read thermometer. [photo 4]

Finish the chicken by brushing with the white bbq sauce onto the hot chicken.

💭Expert Tip

Let the spice rub sit on the chicken for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the spice rub to stick nicely to the chicken, instead of staying dry on top.

🍽Make Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead Instructions

You can make this BBQ sauce 4-5 days in advance. It can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container, until you are ready to use it.

In addition, the spice rub can be mixed together and stored in an airtight jar for up to 4 months.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container, in the fridge. The chicken will keep well for 2-3 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and heat in the oven, or the air fryer.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken (4)

⭐Recipe FAQs

Why is it called Alabama white BBQ sauce?

Alabama white bbq sauce gets its name, as it originates from Northern Alabama. Big Bob Gibson BBQ made this iconic sauce famous, slathering a peppery version on their chicken.

Can you freeze white bbq sauce?

You should not freeze Alabama white sauce. Because it is a mayonnaise-based sauce, the mayonnaise will likely separate when it thaws. It is best to make the sauce fresh, when you are ready to use it.

What can I use Alabama white sauce on?

Alabama white sauce is delicious on chicken, pork, or even as a dressing for a homemade potato salad. You can also use this sauce as a dipping sauce, or a sandwich spread too.

📝More Chicken Recipes

  • Blackened Creole Chicken (Cactus Club Copycat)
  • Grilled Lebanese Shish Tawook Skewers
  • Authentic Spicy Chicken Pad Thai
  • Grilled Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts

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Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken

Author: The Sassy Foodie

This Alabama white bbq sauce chicken is a tangy, creamy riff on classic barbecue chicken. Classic barbecue sauce gets an unconventional twist, with creamy mayo, zesty horseradish, and loads of savoury goodness. Brushed on seasoned grilled chicken, you may never look to regular barbecue sauce again! The best part is, the sauce requires no cooking!

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 502 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 Chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)

For Chicken Spice Rub

For the White Barbecue Sauce

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Prepared horseradish
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 2 teaspoon Sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Dry the chicken: Pat both sides of the chicken breasts dry, with a paper towel.

  • Prepare the spice rub: Whisk together the spice rub mixture in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.

    1 ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 ½ teaspoon Onion powder, 1 tablespoon Mustard powder, 2 tablespoon Brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon Sea salt

  • Prepare the sauce: In another medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the Alabama white sauce. Keep covered and refrigerated until you are ready to serve.

    ½ cup Mayonnaise, 2 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Prepared horseradish, ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, 2 teaspoon Sugar, Salt and pepper to taste

  • Season the chicken: Liberally sprinkle the chicken breasts with the mixed spice rub, on both sides. Rub the spice mix into the chicken with your hands.

    4 Chicken breasts

  • Preheat: Preheat your grill to 425°F, or a grill pan on medium-high heat. Spray the grill or grill pan with cooking spray.

  • Grill: Sear the chicken, skin-side down, for approximately 20 minutes on each side. If using a barbecue, you can keep the heat lower on one side of the barbecue, and transfer the chicken breasts to the cooler side to continue cooking. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant read thermometer.

  • Brush with sauce: Finish the chicken by brushing with the white bbq sauce onto the hot chicken.

Video

Notes

  • Let the spice rub sit on the chicken for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the spice rub to stick nicely to the chicken, instead of staying dry on top.

Estimated Nutrition

Calories: 502kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 1074mg | Potassium: 935mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 543IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

Have you Tried This Recipe?Don't forget to leave a comment and a star rating letting us know how it was!

Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken (2024)

FAQs

What does Alabama White barbecue sauce taste like? ›

The homemade white bbq sauce is white with a mayo base, but unlike the dressing you would use on classic coleslaw or broccoli salad, it is not sweet. It has a more robust savory flavor thanks to the vinegar's tang and the black pepper and horseradish's mild heat.

Why is it called Alabama white sauce? ›

The creation of white barbecue sauce, often called “Alabama White,” is credited to Robert “Big Bob'” Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q restaurant, in Decatur, Ala., in 1925.

What is the difference between white BBQ sauce and regular BBQ sauce? ›

It's won several awards over the years and this is how it got the name “Alabama White Sauce”. This sauce is different than traditional BBQ sauce because it's more peppery and tangy, and less sweet. It's made with a creamy mayonnaise base, instead of the traditional tomato base found in a classic red bbq sauce.

Does Alabama white sauce taste like ranch? ›

Classically white sauce drizzled over smoked chicken, but you can also use it on grilled or barbecued meats, wings, vegetables, pizza, burgers, and more. Does Alabama white sauce taste like ranch? No, Alabama white sauce is tangy with notes of vinegar and black pepper.

What does Alabama White taste like? ›

At first taste, Alabama white sauce has a slightly cool, neutral flavor thanks to the mayonnaise, with the tang of the vinegar to offset any spice. Before long, you start to pick up the exciting flavors from the spice blend, making you want to take another bite ASAP.

Is Alabama white sauce good? ›

I love homemade barbecue sauces, and my Alabama White Sauce is a delicious alternative to ketchup-based BBQ sauce. This tangy, creamy white BBQ sauce recipe will kick up the flavor on all your favorite grilled meats and fish. It also makes a delicious dipping sauce for chicken wings, chicken tenders, and french fries.

What is Alabama White BBQ sauce made of? ›

What is white BBQ sauce made of? Alabama white sauce starts with a base of mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Many variations exist but typical flavorings include mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar or honey, garlic and/or onion powder, and lots of black pepper.

Who made the original Alabama white sauce? ›

A staple of Northern Alabama barbecue, this sauce is primarily a mixture of mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. It was invented by Robert Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q in Decatur, AL, where freshly smoked chickens are pulled from the pit and then "baptized" in a pool of the sauce.

Who makes Alabama White BBQ sauce? ›

Visit Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Ala., and you'll find a barbecue sauce unlike any on the planet. Created by a railroad worker-turned-pit master in the 1920s, this piquant mixture of mayonnaise, vinegar and black pepper has accompanied barbecued chicken for five generations of pit masters.

How old is Alabama White Sauce? ›

Alabama white sauce

It is believed to have been invented by Bob Gibson at the Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur in 1925. The sauce's popularity was mainly confined to northern Alabama until 1994 when it began to be bottled and sold commercially.

What is a fancy name for white sauce? ›

Another name for bechamel — or béchamel — is "white sauce." Making a bechamel is a very basic technique in French cooking which begins with a roux, a cooked mixture of flour and butter, and after slowly whisking in milk, ends in a creamy sauce.

What makes Texas BBQ sauce different? ›

There are a few key ingredients that make Texas BBQ sauce unique. It has a deeper, smokier flavour, and often includes cumin and chilli powder, which give the sauce a bit of a kick. Texas BBQ sauces are usually made with vinegar or the addition of another acidic ingredient rather than ketchup or tomato paste.

What is Mission BBQ Alabama white sauce? ›

Alabama white BBQ sauce is a mayonnaise-based dressing that also includes horseradish and cayenne pepper for a good amount of heat. Two packed tablespoons of brown sugar add some sweetness to the mix, while apple cider vinegar and lemon juice provide some flavorful acidity.

How does Gordon Ramsay make BBQ sauce? ›

For the BBQ sauce:
  1. 350g ketchup.
  2. 1 medium white onion diced.
  3. 70ml water.
  4. 80g soft brown sugar.
  5. 50g smoked paprika.
  6. 80g cider vinegar.
  7. 30g strong coffee (espresso is preferable)
  8. Splash of olive oil.

What is white sauce good for? ›

Has to be good old macaroni cheese.
  • White sauce. ...
  • Corned beef, cabbage and white onion sauce. ...
  • Cheesy eggplant and lentil bake. ...
  • Seafood crepes. ...
  • Creamy chicken and vegetable pot pies. ...
  • Corned beef with mustard sauce.
Jan 29, 2023

What is white sauce vs alfredo sauce? ›

White sauce – also known as béchamel – is made with flour, milk, and butter. It's a basic sauce that can be used as a base for other sauces or as a topping for dishes like lasagna. Alfredo sauce, on the other hand, is made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, and has a much richer flavour than white sauce.

What is the difference between white sauce and cheese sauce? ›

There is no difference between Bechamel and white sauce. Bechamel sauce is also called white sauce, which is made from all-purpose flour, butter, and milk. But Béchamel sauce is different from cheese sauce, as grated cheese is added to the Béchamel sauce to make the cheese sauce. Check out my Parmesan Cheese Sauce.

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