Smoked Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

If you asked any of my friends or family to describe me with one word, they would probably say BBQ. Cooking and eating BBQ are two of my favorite things. When I’m not doing either of those I love learning about BBQ. From different regions, different countries, different cultures I try to soak up as much as I can. One of the more interesting and unique styles is smoked chicken with Alabama white sauce.

White BBQ Sauce?

White BBQ Sauce? Yep. It’s a tangy mayo and vinegar-based sauce that is amazing on chicken. Besides chicken, it’s fantastic on just about anything you would want to use Ranch dressing on. I’m especially partial to using it on grilled carrots.

The Legend of Alabama White Smoked Chicken

Alabama White Sauce was made famous at the legendary Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ in Decatur, Alabama. Big Bob Gibson created his smoked chicken with Alabama white sauce way back in 1925. Since then, his small bbq operation has grown into a world-famous institution. Since 2000, the crew from Big Bob Gibson’s, lead by pitmaster Chris Lilly, have been crowned Grand Champion 5 times at the Memphis in May World Championships. Needless to say, they know BBQ.

Alabama White Smoked Chicken and Mainstream Attention

In recent years the white sauce has risen to fame in many areas outside the state of Alabama. Today, BBQ restaurants from all over the country offer their version of smoked chicken with Alabama white sauce. As I said before I consider myself a student of the art of BBQ. I couldn’t help but tinker with my own version. After several different iterations, I’ve come up with a sauce that I think pays tribute to the original but is different enough to call my own.

In this particular recipe, I’ve made the decision to use chicken leg quarters because I had some leftover from butchering whole chickens. The truth is, its great on all the different parts of the chicken. It would go just as good on Whole Spatchcock Chickens or even as a substitute on these Sweet and Spicy Wings. As always if you make the recipe hit me up on social media @ilovemeatdotcom . If you make your own twist to this recipe I’d love to hear about that too. Enjoy the video!

Print

Smoked Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 3-4 Chicken Leg Quarters
• 1 cup Mayo
• 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4 cup horseradish
• 1/4 cup Classic BBQ Rub
• 1 TBS Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 TBS Hot Sauce
• 1/2 TBS kosher salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp msg optional

Instructions

1. Season both sides of the leg quarters with Classic BBQ Rub

2. Combine all other ingredients into a mixing both and incorporate thoroughly.

3. Smoke chicken @ 275 for 45-60 minutes. Chicken is done when the thermometer reads 165 when placed near the leg and thigh joint.

4. Dunk the chicken pieces in the sauce and coat evenly. It may seem like a lot of sauce but it absorbs quickly and does not overpower the flavor of the chicken.

5. Enjoy and be sure and tag me on social media with your cook. @ilovemeatdotcom

Andrew Armstrong