Go Back
Grilled chicken coated in Alabama white chicken sauce

Classic Alabama White Chicken

A flavorful and tangy grilled or baked chicken recipe featuring a unique Alabama white sauce. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a comforting weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 3782
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Alabama White Sauce
  • 1 ½ cups good quality mayonnaise (Duke's or Hellmann's are great) (Estimated 1200 calories, 132g fat, 12g carbs, 0g protein)
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar (Estimated 15 calories, 0g fat, 4g carbs, 0g protein)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (Estimated 5 calories, 0g fat, 1g carbs, 0g protein)
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional, but adds a wonderful zing) - (Estimated 7 calories, 0g fat, 2g carbs, 0g protein)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (Estimated 5 calories, 0g fat, 1g carbs, 0g protein)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (Estimated 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, if you like heat) - (Estimated 1 calorie, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (Estimated 5 calories, 0g fat, 1g carbs, 0g protein)
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder (Estimated 2 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein)
For the Chicken
  • 3-4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix are excellent) (Estimated 2400 calories, 160g fat, 0g carbs, 220g protein)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (Estimated 120 calories, 14g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (Estimated 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (Estimated 2 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (Estimated 5 calories, 0g fat, 1g carbs, 0g protein)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (Estimated 2 calories, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein)

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large bowl
  • Grill or oven
  • Instant-read thermometer or baking sheet

Method
 

Prepare the White Sauce
  1. Combine all white sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring even coating.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste generously with white sauce during the last 5-10 minutes.
  2. Alternatively, bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 35-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush generously with white sauce during the last 10 minutes.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove cooked chicken from the grill or oven and serve immediately with extra white sauce for dipping, or submerge each piece in the remaining sauce before serving.

Notes

The white sauce can be made a day or two in advance. For the best flavor, allow the sauce to meld in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).