The White Barbecue Chicken Recipe brings the magic of Alabama’s best-loved BBQ right to your own grill — juicy, smoky chicken paired with a creamy, tangy sauce that will turn any ordinary meal into a summer backyard celebration. This dish is all about contrasts: tender grilled chicken meets a bold, peppery white barbecue sauce, making every bite a revelation. Whether you’re new to white BBQ or a loyal devotee, this recipe belongs in your go-to dinner rotation and is sure to become a new craving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Barbecue Chicken Recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, yet each one plays an essential role — combining to create a wonderful harmony of zest, creaminess, and smokiness! Here’s exactly what you’ll need for unforgettable flavor.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1 1/2 lbs): For ultra-juicy, tender results, boneless skinless pieces work best; thighs give extra succulence, while breasts are leaner but still delicious.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy base for that signature Southern white barbecue sauce, adding richness to every bite.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Gives the sauce its signature tang and brightness, perfectly balancing the creamy mayo.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Just a dash adds fresh acidity that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Prepared horseradish (1 tablespoon): Offers a peppery kick and distinctive depth to the sauce; adjust to your taste for more punch.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle heat and a complex, savory note that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Full of umami and subtle sweetness, it rounds out the sauce for a restaurant-worthy finish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the marinade and sauce with aromatic savory flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together and enhancing every element from chicken to sauce.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds the right touch of heat and peppery warmth.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle in if you’re craving a little extra fire.
How to Make White Barbecue Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the White Barbecue Sauce
Start by combining the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a medium bowl. Whisk until you have a smooth, velvety sauce with absolutely no lumps! The sauce should taste tangy, peppery, and a little rich — give it a taste so you know what awaits.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Scoop out 1/2 cup of the sauce and set it aside for later — this will be your magic drizzle or dipping sauce! Place your chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the remaining sauce over them. Turn to coat every piece nice and evenly. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, though if you have time, 4 to 6 hours will give you the juiciest, most flavorful results.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to make sure nothing sticks, and get excited — you’re about to transform marinated chicken into pure Southern BBQ bliss! Remove the chicken from the marinade (let the excess drip off), and discard any leftover marinade from the bag or dish.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the outside is nicely charred and the meat is cooked through with clear juices running (165°F on an instant-read thermometer if you want to be precise). If you like, baste the chicken with some of the reserved sauce during the last couple of minutes for even more flavor and gloss.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes (this helps lock in all the juicy goodness), then slice or serve whole. Either drizzle with the reserved white barbecue sauce or set the sauce on the side for dipping — however you prefer! Gather around the table and get ready for raves over this unforgettable White Barbecue Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve White Barbecue Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For the ultimate Alabama-style finish, scatter freshly chopped parsley or chives over your platter of White Barbecue Chicken Recipe. A sprinkle of sliced scallions or even a bit of thinly sliced fresh jalapeño also adds a vibrant color pop and fresh bite, making every plate feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Total comfort food pairing is what this dish is all about! Think fluffy buttermilk biscuits, sweet and tangy coleslaw, buttery grilled corn, or potato salad with a hint of dill. For a lighter touch, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad or roasted vegetables make beautifully refreshing accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn leftovers into amazing sandwiches by layering the White Barbecue Chicken Recipe on toasted buns with extra sauce, lettuce, and pickled onions. You could slice it over fresh greens for a summer salad, or serve it family-style on a big wooden platter with lemon wedges and bowls of sauce for dipping. The sauce is so versatile, you’ll want to drizzle it on anything grilled!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Barbecue Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge. Store the chicken and any sauce separately in airtight containers to keep the flavors and textures fresh. It’s ideal for make-ahead lunches or quick dinners on busy nights.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cooked chicken, cool it completely first. Wrap tightly or seal in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. For the sauce, it’s best stored in the fridge, as mayo-based sauces can separate when frozen; whisk it back together if needed before serving.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds. Add a splash of water or broth if the chicken seems dry, and always wait to add the sauce until just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
What makes white barbecue sauce different from regular barbecue sauce?
White barbecue sauce is totally unique — it’s mayonnaise-based rather than tomato-based, so it’s creamy, tangy, and peppery instead of sweet and sticky. It originated in Alabama and is especially perfect for grilled chicken or pork!
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, bake the marinated chicken on a wire rack set over a sheet pan at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and just golden. Broil briefly if you want extra color.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce has a gentle peppery kick from horseradish, black pepper, and the optional cayenne — but the heat is very approachable. If you love spice, feel free to add extra horseradish or cayenne!
Can I use chicken wings or drumsticks?
Yes, the White Barbecue Chicken Recipe works great with any cut! Just adjust grilling time as drumsticks and wings may need a little longer to cook through. Their higher fat content makes them extra succulent with this sauce.
What else can I use the white barbecue sauce for?
The sauce is incredibly versatile! Use it as a dip for fries, drizzled over grilled fish or pork, as a sandwich spread, or even as a tangy salad dressing. You’ll want to make extra every time!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something new for your summer table or simply want to wow your friends with a dish that’s both fun and full of flavor, the White Barbecue Chicken Recipe is your answer. Try it soon and join the ranks of those who can’t get enough of this Southern BBQ classic!
Print
White Barbecue Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tangy and creamy goodness of this White Barbecue Chicken recipe, featuring succulent grilled chicken coated in a flavorful mayo-based sauce with a hint of spice. Perfect for a Southern-inspired BBQ feast!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
White Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the White Barbecue Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of the sauce for serving.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining sauce over it. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–6 hours.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–6 minutes per side or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with reserved white barbecue sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
Notes
- This Alabama-style white barbecue sauce is tangy and creamy with a kick.
- It also pairs well with grilled pork or turkey.
- For extra flavor, baste the chicken with reserved sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
