When it comes to comfort food that delivers big flavor, these White BBQ Chicken Subs are an absolute game-changer. Inspired by the tangy, creamy white barbecue sauce that’s famous in Alabama, these hearty sandwiches combine tender shredded chicken with a zesty mayo-based sauce that’s miles away from your typical tomato BBQ.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or game day spreads, these subs strike that perfect balance between indulgent and easy-to-make. The combination of the creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and soft sub rolls creates a sandwich experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick comfort food – Ready in about 45 minutes with minimal hands-on time
- Crowd-pleaser – The creamy, tangy sauce appeals to both kids and adults
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance for even faster assembly
- Customizable – Easily adapt with your favorite toppings and heat level
- Something different – A refreshing change from traditional red BBQ sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon freshly cracked white pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon Creole mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 14 ounces chicken tenders (about 6-8 tenders)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 French bread sub rolls (about a 10-inch length each)
- Extra white BBQ sauce for drizzling and dipping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all the white BBQ sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, white vinegar, white pepper, Creole mustard, salt, sugar, pressed garlic, horseradish, lemon juice, and paprika. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides. Add them to the hot pan and cook for about 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip and cook for about 3 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- When you flip the chicken, add the sliced shallots to the pan. Stir them around occasionally so they cook evenly alongside the chicken. They should become soft and slightly caramelized by the time the chicken is done.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it cool slightly until you can handle it without burning yourself. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl. Add the cooked shallots, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, and about 1/2 cup of the white BBQ sauce. Mix everything together until well combined and all the chicken pieces are coated with sauce.
- Turn on your oven’s broiler to preheat. Slice the French bread rolls horizontally down the middle, but don’t cut all the way through – leave a hinge so the subs stay together. You want to create a pocket for the filling. Open the rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the two sub rolls, stuffing it into the pocket you created. Really pack it in there – these are meant to be hearty sandwiches! Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top of both sandwiches.
- Place the baking sheet with the assembled subs under the broiler. Watch them carefully – they only need about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are toasted. Don’t walk away during this step as broilers can burn food quickly!
- Remove the hot subs from the oven and drizzle a little more white BBQ sauce over the top. Cut each sub in half crosswise to make four servings. Serve immediately while hot and gooey, with extra white BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Time-saver: Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own for an even quicker meal.
- Make it spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for extra heat.
- Veggie boost: Try adding sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or coleslaw for extra texture and flavor.
- Make ahead: The white BBQ sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Serving option: For a lower-carb version, serve the chicken mixture over a bed of greens instead of in a roll.
- Cheese alternatives: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty subs pair perfectly with crispy potato chips, a simple side salad, or some tangy coleslaw. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside sweet potato fries or a cold pasta salad with a vinaigrette dressing to complement the creamy sauce.
For beverages, consider serving with a cold craft beer, sweet tea, or lemonade to balance the tangy, creamy flavors of the white BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The white BBQ sauce will thicken slightly when refrigerated; bring to room temperature before using leftovers.
- For meal prep, store the sauce, chicken, and toppings separately and assemble just before serving.
- This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker with ½ cup of chicken broth and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Shred and proceed with the recipe as directed.
What makes white BBQ sauce different from regular BBQ sauce?
White BBQ sauce is mayonnaise-based rather than tomato-based, giving it a creamy texture with tangy notes from vinegar and horseradish. It originated in Alabama and offers a refreshing alternative to traditional red BBQ sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in even juicier meat. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a vegan mayonnaise for the white BBQ sauce and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sandwich will still be delicious!
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