If you are craving something uniquely tangy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish reinvents traditional barbecue chicken with a luscious white sauce that combines mayo, zesty horseradish, and a hint of vinegar, all brushed over perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken breasts. The sauce’s cool creaminess works beautifully with the smoky grilled meat, creating a harmony of flavors that will have you reaching for second helpings before you know it. What makes this Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken Recipe truly special is that the sauce requires no cooking, making it as effortless as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass jar filled with creamy white sauce dotted with small black pepper specks, the jar placed in the center of the image on a wooden surface; in the background, grilled brown and golden food pieces are drizzled with the same white sauce on a wooden board; to the right, a white spoon also holds some of the creamy sauce, all set on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing something unique to the table. From the smoky spice rub to the creamy white sauce, every component plays a crucial part in delivering that signature flavor and enticing texture.

Chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on): The perfect canvas for the rich sauce and spices, helping to keep the meat juicy during grilling.
Garlic Powder: Adds warm, aromatic depth to both the rub and the sauce.
Onion Powder: Provides a subtle sweetness enhancing the overall flavor.
Mustard Powder: Brings a gentle heat and tang that wakes up the rub.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness balancing the spices.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses the chicken with that unmistakable smoky aroma.
Cayenne Pepper: Offers a kick of heat to elevate the flavor profile.
Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Alabama white sauce, lending rich texture.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the creaminess.
Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a savory, umami depth.
Dijon Mustard: Brings subtle spiciness and complexity to the sauce.
Prepared Horseradish: Provides a zingy element that’s signature to the Alabama white sauce.
Sugar: Balances acidity and heat for smooth harmony in the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Fine-tunes the seasoning to perfection.

How to Make Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Dry the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures that the skin can crisp up beautifully on the grill, giving you that irresistible texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, whisk together garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. This fragrant mix is what gives the chicken its deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor.

Step 3: Make the Alabama White BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, prepared horseradish, garlic powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy, tangy sauce needs no cooking—just mix and chill until you’re ready to serve.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Generously sprinkle your spice rub over both sides of the chicken breasts. Take your time rubbing the mix in with your hands, ensuring every inch is coated to pack in as much flavor as possible.

Step 5: Preheat Your Grill

Heat your grill to about 425°F or warm up a grill pan on medium-high. A lightly greased surface prevents sticking and helps achieve gorgeous grill marks.

Step 6: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken skin side down and sear for about 20 minutes. Then flip and grill the other side for another 20 minutes. If using a two-zone barbeque, you can move chicken to the cooler side after searing to finish cooking without burning. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.

Step 7: Brush with Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Once the chicken is piping hot and grilled to perfection, brush it generously with that luscious Alabama white sauce. The warmth of the chicken slightly melts the sauce’s edges, creating a delightful coating packed with creamy, tangy flavor.

How to Serve Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken Recipe

The image shows six thick slices of grilled chicken stacked closely together, each slice with a golden-brown outer surface marked by charred black spots and a glossy shine from sauce or glaze. The chicken inside is white and looks tender, contrasting with the crispy, richly colored outside. The slices are arranged vertically on a light surface with a soft, white marbled texture barely visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to your dish. You can also add a few thin slices of red onion for a bit of crunch and sharp contrast that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like tangy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or smoky baked beans. For a lighter option, try a crisp garden salad or roasted seasonal vegetables, which balance the richness of the white BBQ sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a bit fancy, serve your chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside fluffy rice to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce. For an informal twist, slice the grilled chicken and pile it high on soft sandwich buns with extra sauce for a finger-licking BBQ chicken sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain its creamy texture; the chicken will stay juicy and flavorful for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

If you want to save this for later, freeze the cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. The white BBQ sauce is best prepared fresh but can be frozen in small portions for about a month if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Add a fresh brush of Alabama white BBQ sauce just before serving to keep that tangy creaminess alive and irresistible.

FAQs

What makes Alabama white BBQ sauce different from traditional BBQ sauces?

Alabama white BBQ sauce is mayonnaise-based with vinegar and horseradish, giving it a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy profile. Unlike sweet tomato-based sauces, it offers a refreshing twist that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken.

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well and may reduce cooking time slightly, but bone-in with skin gives more flavor and juiciness, which enhances the overall dish.

Is horseradish necessary in the Alabama white BBQ sauce?

Horseradish is key to authentic flavor, adding the signature zing and depth. However, if you’re not a fan, you can reduce the amount or substitute with a small amount of prepared mustard for a milder kick.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on the stove or baking in the oven and finishing broiler time can both deliver delicious results. Just ensure you achieve a nice sear and finish cooking thoroughly to keep the chicken juicy.

How long does the Alabama white BBQ sauce last once prepared?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce stays fresh for up to one week. Give it a quick stir before serving if it separates slightly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Alabama White BBQ Sauce Chicken Recipe that makes it a standout at any meal. Its creamy, tangy sauce paired with perfectly grilled chicken brings a unique and delicious twist to your BBQ repertoire. I encourage you to give it a go—you might just discover a new favorite dish to share with family and friends that everyone will rave about!