Alabama White Sauce Chicken (Best Tangy Chicken BBQ Recipe from the South)
Alabama White Sauce Chicken is a unique and flavorful dish that originates from Alabama. This sauce is mayonnaise-based with a tangy kick from vinegar and a hint of heat from black pepper and other spices. When paired with grilled or smoked chicken, it creates a deliciously creamy and zesty flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2-4 hours (optional)
- Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes
Number of Servings
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Create the Alabama white sauce: Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Cover the sauce and let it chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish
- Pour half of the Alabama white sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
- Cover the chicken breasts and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F / 190-200°C).
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Alabama white sauce chicken breasts hot off the grill, drizzled with the reserved white sauce and garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Historical and Cultural Significance
Alabama has a barbecue-rich culture and White Sauce Chicken is a dish you will see in many backyard cookouts. The sauce’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was created by local barbecue pit masters seeking to add a creamy and tangy twist to their grilled and smoked meats.
Special Tips
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper and horseradish
- To achieve a deeper flavor, grill the chicken breasts over wood chips or charcoal for a smoky taste
- Serve any leftover Alabama white sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over grilled vegetables or baked potatoes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Alabama white sauce chicken breasts with classic barbecue sides such as baked beans, cornbread, potato salad, and grilled vegetables.
Download the printable recipe card
Alabama White Sauce Chicken
This sauce is mayonnaise-based with a tangy kick from vinegar and a hint of heat from black pepper and other spices. When paired with grilled or smoked chicken, it creates a deliciously creamy and zesty flavor.
Ingredients
•4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
•1 cup mayonnaise
•1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
•2 tablespoons lemon juice
•1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
•1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
•1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
•1 tablespoon black pepper
•1 teaspoon garlic powder
•1 teaspoon onion powder
•Salt to taste
•Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Create the Alabama white sauce: Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Cover the sauce and let it chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish
- Pour half of the Alabama white sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
- Cover the chicken breasts and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F / 190-200°C).
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- 10. Serve the Alabama white sauce chicken breasts hot off the grill, drizzled with the reserved white sauce, and garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Special Tips
-For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper and horseradish
-To achieve a deeper flavor, grill the chicken breasts over wood chips or charcoal for a smoky taste
-Serve any leftover Alabama white sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over grilled vegetables or baked potatoes - Serving Suggestions
-Serve the Alabama white sauce chicken breasts with classic barbecue sides such as baked beans, cornbread, potato salad, and grilled vegetables.
-Offer condiments on the side, including extra Alabama white sauce, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce.
