Save This Southern-style sandwich features juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, then chopped and coated in Alabama's famous white BBQ sauce. The creamy, tangy sauce—made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, and Dijon mustard—creates a uniquely flavorful twist on traditional BBQ. Piled high onto toasted buns with crisp coleslaw and optional pickles, these hearty sandwiches come together in under an hour. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a satisfying meal with sweet tea.
The first time I encountered white BBQ sauce, I was at a roadside stand outside Birmingham and legitimately thought they'd made a mistake. Who puts mayonnaise on barbecue? Then I took that first bite and suddenly everything I knew about Southern cooking tilted on its axis. Now I make this Alabama-style chopped chicken sandwich whenever I need to remind myself that the best discoveries often come from things that initially seem wrong.
My uncle hosted a July 4th cookout last year and served these alongside traditional red BBQ. Within twenty minutes, the white sauce sandwiches had vanished while the regular ones sat neglected on the platter. People kept wandering over to ask what was in that sauce, looking genuinely puzzled by how something so simple could taste so completely addictive.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts: These grill up beautifully and stay juicy when you rest them properly before chopping
- Smoked paprika: This is what gives the chicken that subtle smoky depth even if you are cooking on a stovetop
- Mayonnaise: The foundation of Alabama white sauce, use a good quality brand for the best flavor
- Apple cider vinegar: Essential for cutting through the richness and adding that characteristic tang
- Prepared horseradish: The secret ingredient that gives the sauce its gentle heat and complexity
- Soft buns: These soak up all that glorious sauce without falling apart
- Coleslaw: The crunch and vinegar balance out the creamy chicken perfectly
Instructions
- Fire up the grill:
- Get your grill or grill pan screaming hot over medium-high heat so you get those gorgeous char marks
- Season the chicken generously:
- Rub those breasts with olive oil and all the spices, making sure every surface is coated
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temp hits 165 degrees, then let them rest for 5 minutes
- Whisk up the magic sauce:
- Combine all the sauce ingredients until smooth, tasting and adjusting the salt and vinegar to your liking
- Chop and toss:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and tumble it in a bowl with that white sauce until every piece is coated
- Build your masterpiece:
- Pile the sauced chicken onto toasted buns, crown with coleslaw and pickles, and watch faces light up
Save These sandwiches have become my go-to for feeding a crowd because they are impossible to eat without stopping conversation and fully concentrating on the mess. There is something about that combination of tangy cream and charred meat that makes people close their eyes and just savor every bite.
Making It Your Own
Swap chicken thighs for the breasts if you want even more flavor and juiciness. The dark meat holds up beautifully to the bold sauce and grilling, and honestly it might be my preferred way to make these now.
Perfect Pairings
Cold sweet tea is non-negotiable here, that sweetness against the tangy sauce is what Southern dreams are made of. A crisp lager or even a light pilsner works beautifully if you prefer beer with your barbecue.
Sauce Secrets
This white sauce is endlessly versatile and honestly worth making a double batch. Toss it with roasted vegetables, use it as a fry dip, or drizzle it over grilled fish for an unexpected twist.
- Let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors
- A pinch more cayenne than you think you need transforms the whole dish
- Store extra sauce in a Mason jar in the fridge for up to two weeks
Save There is something genuinely joyful about introducing people to white BBQ sauce for the first time. Watching skepticism turn to wonder with that first bite never gets old.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What makes Alabama white BBQ sauce different?
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Alabama white BBQ sauce is a mayonnaise-based sauce unlike traditional tomato-based BBQ sauces. It features apple cider vinegar, horseradish, mustard, and spices for a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.
- → Can I make the white BBQ sauce ahead of time?
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Yes, the white BBQ sauce actually benefits from chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together. Store it in an airtight container for up to one week.
- → What's the best way to serve these chopped sandwiches?
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Serve these sandwiches immediately after assembly while the buns are still slightly warm and the chicken is coated in sauce. They pair excellently with Southern sides like potato salad, baked beans, or sweet potato fries.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are actually juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Grill them for slightly longer—about 8-10 minutes per side—until they reach 165°F internally.
- → How do I store leftover chopped BBQ chicken?
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Store leftover chopped chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken gently and assemble fresh sandwiches to avoid soggy buns.
- → What can I substitute for horseradish in the sauce?
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If you don't have prepared horseradish, you can use a small amount of Dijon mustard or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. The flavor profile will change slightly but still remain delicious.
