Name: White BBQ Chicken Subs-Tangy & Delicious Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
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; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 large shallots, thinly sliced; 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded

White BBQ Chicken Subs are more than just a sandwich; they’re a taste of pure, unadulterated summer joy, captured between two perfectly toasted buns. Forget everything you thought you knew about barbecue sauce – this is its creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible cousin. We’re talking about tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a luscious, mayonnaise-based sauce with a delightful kick of vinegar and spices. It’s the kind of dish that makes picnics legendary and backyard barbecues unforgettable. People absolutely adore White BBQ Chicken Subs because they offer a refreshing departure from the usual red sauce, delivering a complex yet approachable flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. What makes them truly special is the perfect balance of creamy richness and bright acidity, creating a harmony that dances on your palate with every single bite. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!

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

Making the Alabama White Sauce

The heart of our White BBQ Chicken Subs lies in the distinctive Alabama white sauce. This tangy, creamy concoction sets these subs apart from their tomato-based counterparts. To start, in a medium bowl, combine the real mayonnaise, white vinegar, and freshly cracked white pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smoothly incorporated. Next, add the Creole mustard, salt, and sugar to the bowl. Stir vigorously until the sugar has dissolved completely and you have a well-emulsified sauce. Now, it’s time to bring in the aromatics and a touch of heat. Add the pressed or finely minced garlic cloves, prepared horseradish, and fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice provides a bright acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise. Finally, sprinkle in the paprika. This not only adds a subtle flavor but also a beautiful, faint color to the sauce. Stir everything together one last time. Once combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Alabama white sauce for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more complex and satisfying sauce. You can make this sauce a day in advance for even better flavor.

Preparing and Cooking the Chicken

While the white sauce is chilling and its flavors are marrying, let’s turn our attention to the chicken. Pat the chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing them from steaming in the pan. Season the chicken generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot enough that the chicken sizzles immediately upon contact. Carefully add the seasoned chicken tenders to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and set them aside on a clean plate or cutting board. Let them rest for a few minutes before proceeding. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more tender and moist.

Sautéing the Shallots

The sweet, mild flavor of sautéed shallots adds another layer of deliciousness to our White BBQ Chicken Subs. In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wash it – the little bits of chicken fat add extra flavor!), add the thinly sliced large shallots. If the pan seems dry, you can add a tiny bit more vegetable oil or a splash of water. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the shallots, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and have a beautiful golden-brown caramelization. Be careful not to burn them. The gentle cooking process brings out their natural sweetness. Once the shallots are tender and slightly sweet, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. They’ll be a fantastic addition to our sub assembly.

Shredding and Assembling the Subs

Now for the fun part: assembling our White BBQ Chicken Subs! First, let’s get the chicken ready for its starring role. Using two forks, shred the rested chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces. You want them to be manageable and easy to eat in a sandwich. In a medium bowl, add the shredded chicken and about half of the prepared Alabama white sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. You want a good amount of sauce clinging to the chicken, but not so much that it becomes soupy. Next, take your favorite sub rolls or hoagie rolls. Slice them lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a “hinge” so they can be filled. Generously spread a little more of the Alabama white sauce inside each roll. Then, pile the sauced shredded chicken into the rolls. Top the chicken with a generous portion of the sautéed shallots.

Melting the Monterey Jack Cheese

The final touch that makes these White BBQ Chicken Subs truly irresistible is the melted cheese. Sprinkle the freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chicken and shallots in each sub. The Monterey Jack cheese is a great choice here because it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that complements the white BBQ sauce without overpowering it. You have a couple of options for melting the cheese. If you have a broiler, you can place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and broil them for 1-2 minutes, keeping a very close eye on them, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Alternatively, you can place the subs back into the skillet (if it’s oven-safe) or onto a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey. Once the cheese is perfectly melted, carefully remove the subs from the oven or broiler. Let them rest for just a moment before serving.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to creating the most delicious White BBQ Chicken Subs! We’ve walked through each step, from tenderizing the chicken to crafting that signature tangy and creamy white BBQ sauce. These subs are a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next barbecue. The combination of savory, shredded chicken, the unique white sauce, and your favorite toppings creates a flavor explosion that’s truly unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings; the possibilities are endless!

For serving suggestions, consider a side of crunchy coleslaw or a fresh, vibrant green salad to balance the richness of the subs. These White BBQ Chicken Subs are also excellent served with a basket of sweet potato fries or some crispy onion rings. When it comes to variations, feel free to experiment with different spices in your chicken rub, perhaps a pinch of smoked paprika or a touch of cayenne for a little heat. You could also try adding pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra zest.

I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring these amazing White BBQ Chicken Subs. They are a personal favorite, and I’m confident they’ll become one of yours too. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the white BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The white BBQ sauce can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld even further, making it even more delicious.

What kind of chicken is best for these subs?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended for their tenderness and flavor. However, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, just be mindful not to overcook them to prevent dryness.