White Barbecue Chicken

White Barbecue Chicken

by
Pin1
Share
Tweet
1 Shares

This White Barbecue Chicken recipe is a flavorful twist on the traditional barbecue. The chicken is marinated in a tangy, creamy white barbecue sauce (also known as Alabama White BBQ Sauce), which gives it a unique zesty taste. Grilled to perfection, the chicken becomes juicy, tender, and beautifully caramelized. It’s the ideal dish for your next summer cookout or family dinner, especially if you’re looking for something different than the usual red barbecue sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 4 cups White Barbecue Sauce (recipe linked in the original post)

  • 4 large skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Make a double batch of White Barbecue Sauce (linked in the recipe). Use 2 cups as the marinade for the chicken, and reserve the remaining 2 cups for cooking and serving.

  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a gallon zip-lock bag with 2 cups of the White Barbecue Sauce. Marinate for 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

  3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat.

  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discard the marinade, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

  5. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken skin-side down on the hot grill for 2-3 minutes to give it grill marks. Brush the back side with the remaining oil, flip the chicken, and cook for another 2 minutes.

  6. Cook the Chicken: Move the chicken to a cooler side of the grill or an upper rack, skin-side up. Reduce the grill temperature to medium (around 425°F or 218°C). Brush the chicken with a small amount of the reserved White Barbecue Sauce. Cover the grill and cook for 5 minutes, then repeat this process two more times, brushing the chicken with sauce and closing the grill lid.

  7. Finish Cooking: After the third sauce layer, cover the grill and cook the chicken for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-162°F (71-72°C). The temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) as it rests.

  8. Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill, brush with the remaining White Barbecue Sauce, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Nutrients (per serving)

  • Calories: 738 kcal

  • Fat: 61g

    • Saturated Fat: 11g

  • Carbohydrates: 11g

    • Fiber: 3g

    • Sugar: 3g

  • Protein: 37g

  • Sodium: 1550mg

  • Cholesterol: 196mg

  • Potassium: 743mg

  • Calcium: 96mg

  • Iron: 3mg

Why White Barbecue Chicken Is So Special

White Barbecue Chicken stands out because of the distinct and creamy Alabama White BBQ Sauce that coats the chicken, offering a bold, tangy flavor that’s less sweet than typical red barbecue sauces. The white sauce’s base—often made with mayonnaise or buttermilk—adds richness while the vinegar and spices give it the perfect balance of acidity and flavor. The chicken, marinated for hours or overnight, soaks up the sauce, making it juicy and flavorful, while grilling adds that perfect smoky char and caramelization.

This dish offers a refreshing alternative to the standard barbecue flavors and is perfect for those looking for something new and exciting for their next cookout or dinner.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

  • White Barbecue Sauce: The star of this dish, the Alabama White BBQ Sauce, provides the tangy, creamy base that flavors the chicken. The sauce is usually made with mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices, creating a sharp, refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

  • Chicken Breasts: Skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts are used for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during grilling. The skin also helps to keep the chicken moist, while the bone adds additional flavor.

  • Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to brush the chicken before grilling. It helps create a crispy exterior and ensures the chicken doesn’t stick to the grill.

  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings are used to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. They balance out the richness of the sauce and ensure the chicken is well-seasoned.

  • White Barbecue Sauce for Serving: The remaining white barbecue sauce is reserved for brushing the chicken during grilling and for serving as a condiment on the side. It adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to each bite.

How to Make the Perfect White Barbecue Chicken

This recipe may take some time due to marinating, but it’s simple and quick to grill. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish:

  1. Prepare the Marinade: First, make a double batch of the White Barbecue Sauce as linked in the original recipe. Use 2 cups of the sauce to marinate the chicken, and reserve the remaining 2 cups for cooking and serving.

  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a gallon zip-lock bag or shallow dish, and pour in the 2 cups of White Barbecue Sauce. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor absorption.

  3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450°F or 232°C). This ensures that the chicken will sear nicely and get crispy on the outside.

  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken skin-side down on the hot grill and sear for 2-3 minutes to develop grill marks. Brush the back of the chicken with oil, flip it, and cook for another 2 minutes.

  5. Cook the Chicken: Move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill (or an upper rack if using a two-level grill) and reduce the heat to medium (around 425°F or 218°C). Brush the chicken with a small amount of the reserved White Barbecue Sauce. Cover the grill and cook for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the chicken and brush it with more sauce. Repeat this process of basting and flipping two more times.

  6. Finish Cooking: After the third layer of sauce, cover the grill and cook the chicken for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). As the chicken rests, the temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C).

  7. Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and brush it with the remaining White Barbecue Sauce. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect White Barbecue Chicken

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor, but if you’re short on time, even 4 hours will work. The longer it marinates, the more flavor the chicken will absorb.

  • Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken on high heat before reducing the temperature ensures that the skin becomes crispy and golden while locking in the juices. Don’t skip this step!

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.

  • Avoid Overcooking: When grilling, it’s important not to overcook the chicken. Once it reaches 160°F (71°C), remove it from the grill and let it rest. The temperature will rise as it rests.

  • Reserve Sauce for Serving: Always reserve some sauce for serving. This allows you to refresh the chicken with additional sauce once it’s grilled and gives your guests a chance to add more sauce to their liking.

Serving Suggestions for White Barbecue Chicken

White Barbecue Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides:

  • Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or even a seasoned rice pilaf to absorb the sauce.

  • Grilled Vegetables: Pair it with grilled vegetables such as corn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a colorful and healthy side.

  • Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy flavors of coleslaw make an excellent pairing with the rich, zesty chicken.

  • Cornbread: Serve alongside cornbread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

  • Salads: A fresh side salad with greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the barbecue chicken beautifully.

Nutritional Information for White Barbecue Chicken

Each serving of White Barbecue Chicken contains approximately 738 calories, with 61 grams of fat, including 11 grams of saturated fat. It provides 11 grams of carbohydrates, including 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of sugar. The chicken is a great source of protein, offering 37 grams per serving. It’s also relatively high in sodium (1550 mg), so be mindful if you’re watching your salt intake. The dish also provides 3 mg of iron and 743 mg of potassium.

Conclusion

White Barbecue Chicken is a perfect dish for those looking for a new twist on classic barbecue. The creamy, tangy Alabama White BBQ Sauce gives the chicken a rich flavor that’s both unique and refreshing. Grilled to juicy perfection with a crispy skin and topped with a savory sauce, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or preparing a weeknight dinner, this flavorful chicken will impress everyone at the table. It’s quick, delicious, and packed with bold flavors—making it a go-to recipe for your next meal.

Pin1
Share
Tweet
1 Shares

Leave a Comment