Authentic Alabama White Chicken
This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken coated in a tangy, zesty Alabama white sauce. Perfect for grilling, it offers a unique twist on classic BBQ chicken.
Equipment
- medium bowl
- whisk
- large resealable bag or non-reactive dish
- grill (charcoal or gas)
Ingredients
Main
- 2-3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Alabama White Sauce
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (good quality, full-fat recommended)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, if you like a kick)
- black pepper Pinch of
- salt Pinch of
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all white sauce ingredients until smooth; adjust seasonings to taste.
- Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, then marinate with ½ cup of the white sauce for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (350-375°F/175-190°C), setting up for indirect cooking.
- Grill chicken skin-side down over direct heat for 5-7 minutes for a sear, then move to indirect heat and baste frequently with reserved sauce.
- Continue grilling for 30-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C); baste generously in the last 10-15 minutes.
Serving
- Remove chicken from grill, let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve with extra Alabama white sauce.
Notes
For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for the full 4 hours. If using a charcoal grill, consider adding a few wood chips for extra smoky flavor. Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.