Give your next cookout a Southern twist with Grilled Chicken with White BBQ Sauce. Instead of the usual tomato-based barbecue glaze, this recipe pairs smoky grilled chicken with Alabama-style white barbecue sauce, a creamy, tangy condiment traditionally made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings. The contrast between the charred chicken and the cool, zesty sauce makes this a delicious change of pace for summer dinners and backyard gatherings.
Grilling chicken is a straightforward way to create a satisfying meal, but a few simple techniques make a big difference. Preheat the grill before adding the chicken, and avoid moving the pieces too often so they have time to develop flavorful grill marks. Turn the chicken as needed for even cooking, and use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F. This helps you serve chicken that’s safely cooked without drying it out.
The white barbecue sauce is what makes this dish distinctive. Its creamy texture and vinegar-forward tang complement the savory flavor of grilled chicken, while black pepper and other seasonings can add a little kick. Rather than relying on a thick, sweet glaze, the sauce delivers brightness and richness in every bite. Serve some alongside the chicken for dipping, or drizzle it over the top just before bringing the platter to the table.
A reliable instant-read meat thermometer is a useful tool for grilled chicken because outdoor heat, piece size, and grill temperature can all affect cooking time. Check each larger piece near the end of cooking, and let the chicken rest briefly before serving so the juices settle.
Pair this grilled chicken with classic cookout sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, grilled corn, or baked beans. Whether you’re feeding family on a weeknight or planning a casual barbecue with friends, grilled chicken and white BBQ sauce offer a fresh, tangy alternative to traditional barbecue flavors.
Serve this Grilled Chicken with Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes or Garlic Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Also pairs well with Garlicky Roasted Broccoli or Parmesan Asparagus.
PrintGrilled Chicken with White BBQ Sauce
- Total Time: :30
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 4 lb. assorted chicken parts (thighs, drumsticks, wings)
- 1 recipe White BBQ Sauce
- Parsley leaves, for garnish
White BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise
- 1/4 c. cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp. horseradish, drained
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp. sugar
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne (ground red) pepper
Instructions
- Heat grill on medium-low. Season chicken all over with 11/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Grill chicken, covered, 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- While chicken grills, make White BBQ Sauce. Whisk together all ingredients, along with 3⁄4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, until smooth. Makes about 1 3/4 cups.
- Place 3⁄4 cup White BBQ Sauce in bowl. Uncover chicken; generously brush with sauce. Turn chicken pieces over. Cook, brushing and turning chicken 2 more times, 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (160°F). Garnish with parsley; serve with remaining sauce.
- Prep Time: :05
- Cook Time: :25
- Category: Entree
- Method: Grilled
