Simple White BBQ Chicken Subs Recipe

Sizzling White BBQ Chicken Subs Recipe to Wow Your Crowd

Crafting a mouthwatering white BBQ chicken subs sandwich promises an adventure in culinary creativity.

Southern-style flavors dance across your plate with unexpected zest.

Tender chicken meets creamy white sauce in a delightful collision of textures.

Crisp vegetables add crunch and vibrant color to this hearty meal.

Perfectly balanced ingredients create a symphony of taste that surprises and delights.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these subs will become your new favorite comfort food.

Let’s dive into a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

FAQs

  • What is white BBQ sauce made of?

The sauce combines mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, black pepper, mustard powder, and salt for a tangy, creamy condiment that’s different from traditional red BBQ sauce.

  • Can I make white BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the white BBQ sauce up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop and become more complex over time.

  • Is white BBQ sauce a Southern recipe?

Yes, white BBQ sauce originated in Alabama and is particularly popular in the northern part of the state, especially around Decatur. It’s a signature sauce in Alabama barbecue cuisine.

White BBQ Chicken Subs With Bold Flavor

  • Customize with Ease: Personalize the subs by adding your favorite toppings or swapping ingredients to match your taste preferences.
  • Quick Grilling Delight: Prepare a mouthwatering meal in minimal time with simple grilling techniques and a zesty homemade white BBQ sauce.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine tangy sauce, juicy grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables for a crowd-winning sandwich that satisfies diverse palates.
  • No-Fuss Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or spontaneous lunch cravings with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients For White BBQ Chicken Subs

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean protein that serves as the primary component of the sub sandwich.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Create a tangy and creamy white BBQ sauce base with bright, zesty flavors.
  • Horseradish, Mustard Powder, Black Pepper: Add a spicy and sharp kick to enhance the sauce's complexity.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Sandwich Components:
  • Sub Rolls: Soft bread that provides a perfect vessel for the grilled chicken and sauce.
  • Lettuce, Tomatoes, Red Onions: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, juiciness, and a crisp layer of texture to the sandwich.
Seasoning Group:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide a depth of savory flavor to the chicken before grilling.

How To Make White BBQ Chicken Subs

Step 1: Season the Protein

Sprinkle chicken breasts with a blend of:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Rub the spices thoroughly into the meat to ensure deep flavor penetration.

Step 2: Whip Up Tangy Sauce

Create a creamy white barbecue sauce by mixing:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Horseradish
  • Ground black pepper
  • Mustard powder
  • Salt

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Taste and adjust seasonings for perfect balance.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature.

Cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Allow meat to rest briefly after cooking.

Step 4: Build Mouthwatering Subs

Slice grilled chicken into strips.

Generously coat with prepared white barbecue sauce. Layer onto toasted sub rolls.

Top with:
  • Crisp lettuce
  • Juicy tomato slices
  • Thinly sliced red onions

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Plate the subs immediately while warm and enjoy the explosion of tangy, creamy flavors.

Tips To Perfect White BBQ Chicken Subs

  • Marinate chicken thoroughly to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness.
  • Adjust white BBQ sauce consistency by adding more mayonnaise or vinegar for perfect tang and creaminess that suits your taste preference.
  • Use instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture.
  • Choose fresh, soft sub rolls and toast them lightly for extra crunch and warmth, preventing soggy sandwich bottoms.
  • Experiment with additional toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or crispy bacon to personalize your white BBQ chicken sub and add exciting layers of flavor.

Alternative Versions Of White BBQ Chicken Subs

  • Spicy Cajun Chicken Subs: Replace seasonings with Cajun spice blend for a zesty, southern-style kick.
  • Greek-Inspired Version: Swap white BBQ sauce with tzatziki, add feta cheese, and use Mediterranean herbs.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip sub rolls and wrap grilled chicken in large lettuce leaves for a carb-free alternative.
  • Vegetarian Portobello Substitute: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms, using same marinade and white BBQ sauce for plant-based eaters.

Serving Ideas For White BBQ Chicken Subs

  • Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange subs on a large wooden board with extra sauce, pickles, and crisp chips for a casual gathering that feels like a summer celebration.
  • Tailgate Touchdown Meal: Wrap individual subs in parchment paper, pack in a cooler with extra sauce on the side for easy transport to game day festivities.
  • Backyard Burger Bar Twist: Set out grilled chicken, white BBQ sauce, and various toppings so guests can customize their own subs with favorite ingredients like jalapeños or bacon.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Slice chicken and store separately from rolls, keeping sauce in a sealed container for quick lunch assembly during busy weekdays.

Storing White BBQ Chicken Subs The Right Way

  • Refrigerate leftover white BBQ chicken subs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Separate chicken, sauce, and bread to prevent soggy texture and maintain freshness.
  • Store chicken and sauce together in a sealed container in the refrigerator for optimal taste preservation.
  • Keep vegetables separate to prevent wilting and maintain crispness.
Print
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Simple White BBQ Chicken Subs Recipe

Simple White BBQ Chicken Subs Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Southern-style white BBQ chicken subs bring tangy Alabama sauce and grilled chicken together in a satisfying sandwich. Crisp ingredients and zesty flavors create a memorable meal perfect for casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 sub rolls, toasted

White BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) mustard powder
  • 2 teaspoons (10 grams) black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Serving Ingredients:

  • Lettuce, sliced
  • Tomatoes, sliced
  • Red onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken breasts with a robust blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, allowing the seasonings to penetrate while preparing the signature sauce.
  2. Craft the white BBQ sauce by vigorously whisking mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, zesty lemon juice, pungent horseradish, cracked black pepper, mustard powder, and salt until smoothly combined, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  3. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating perfect searing conditions around 375-400°F. Cook chicken breasts for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F for thorough cooking.
  4. After resting chicken for 2-3 minutes, slice against the grain to maintain tenderness and maximize sauce absorption.
  5. Generously coat sliced chicken with the tangy white BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor profile.
  6. Toast sub rolls until golden and crisp, creating a sturdy foundation for the juicy chicken.
  7. Layer sliced chicken onto prepared rolls, garnishing with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onions for added texture and freshness.
  8. Serve immediately while chicken remains warm and sauce glistens, delivering a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and promote even grilling.
  • Use fresh, high-quality mayonnaise for the white BBQ sauce to achieve a smoother, more vibrant flavor profile.
  • For a lower-carb option, replace sub rolls with large lettuce leaves or serve over a crisp salad base for a lighter meal.
  • Experiment with different protein options like turkey or grilled portobello mushrooms to create versatile variations of this delicious recipe.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 630 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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