Zesty White BBQ Chicken Subs Recipe for Flavor Fanatics

Crafting a mouthwatering white BBQ chicken sub brings unexpected flavor to your weekend meal.

Juicy shredded chicken mingles with tangy Alabama-style sauce for an unforgettable sandwich experience.

Southern comfort meets casual dining in this quick and satisfying recipe.

Summer picnics and backyard gatherings demand something special that breaks from traditional sandwich routines.

Creamy white barbecue sauce adds a zesty twist that surprises and delights hungry guests.

Crisp vegetables and tender chicken create perfect layers of texture and taste.

We guarantee this recipe will become your new go-to sandwich that impresses everyone at the table.

FAQs

  • What makes white BBQ sauce different from traditional BBQ sauce?

White BBQ sauce originates from Alabama and uses mayonnaise as a base, creating a tangy, creamy condiment that’s lighter and more zesty compared to red tomato-based BBQ sauces.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with the white BBQ sauce for a quick and easy meal preparation.

  • How long can I store the white BBQ sauce?

The homemade white BBQ sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Always check for freshness and discard if it shows any signs of spoilage.

What Makes White Bbq Chicken Subs Shine

  • Master Caramelization Magic: Unlock the secret of transforming simple onions into rich, golden flavor bombs that elevate this pasta from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Streamline Your Cooking: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time during busy weeknights.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Experience a decadent blend of classic French onion soup and creamy pasta that delivers ultimate satisfaction for the whole family.
  • Gourmet Meets Simple: Create a restaurant-quality dish with basic ingredients and straightforward techniques that even novice cooks can confidently execute.

What You Need For White Bbq Chicken Subs

For the Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that serves as the primary filling for the subs, providing a tender and flavorful base for the sandwich.
For the Sauce Components:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates the signature white BBQ sauce with a rich and tangy texture.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor that brightens the sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a zesty and slightly spicy undertone to the white BBQ sauce.
  • Horseradish: Introduces a bold and spicy kick to enhance the sauce's complexity.
For the Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic background notes to the sauce.
  • Smoked Paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky flavor and warm color to the sauce.
  • Sugar: Balances the tangy and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that round out and amplify the overall flavor profile.
For the Sub Components:
  • Sub Rolls: Soft bread that serves as the foundation for the chicken sandwich.
  • Lettuce, Tomato Slices, Pickles: Optional fresh toppings that add crunch, freshness, and additional flavor layers.

How To Cook White Bbq Chicken Subs

Step 1: Craft Creamy White Barbecue Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, horseradish, and these seasonings:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend until the sauce becomes smooth and tangy with a perfect zesty kick.

Step 2: Toss Chicken in Flavorful Sauce

Take shredded chicken and pour half of the white barbecue sauce over it.

Mix thoroughly so every strand of chicken gets coated with delicious flavor.

Step 3: Warm Sub Rolls

Lightly toast sub rolls until they become golden and slightly crispy around the edges.

This will help them hold up better with the juicy chicken filling.

Step 4: Assemble Mouth-Watering Subs

Layer the saucy chicken onto each toasted roll.

Top with fresh ingredients:
  • Crisp lettuce
  • Ripe tomato slices
  • Tangy pickles (optional)

Step 5: Finish with Extra Sauce

Drizzle remaining white barbecue sauce generously over the assembled subs to enhance the flavor and add extra moisture.

Serve immediately and enjoy these zesty chicken subs!

Handy Insights For White Bbq Chicken Subs

  • Customize the white BBQ sauce by adjusting the heat level with more or less horseradish.
  • Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient meal prep option.
  • Enhance the sub's flavor profile by adding crispy bacon bits or sliced jalapeños for extra crunch and spice.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free sub rolls or lettuce wraps as an alternative base.
  • Prepare the white BBQ sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

Taste Tweaks For White Bbq Chicken Subs

  • Smoky Pulled Pork Subs: Replace chicken with slow-cooked pulled pork for a rich, tender alternative that absorbs the tangy white BBQ sauce perfectly.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Subs: Swap chicken for grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, creating a vegetarian version with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
  • Spicy Cajun Chicken Subs: Add cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to the white BBQ sauce for a fiery kick that transforms the original recipe's mild profile.
  • Seafood Sensation Subs: Use flaked grilled shrimp or crab meat instead of chicken, bringing a coastal touch to the classic white BBQ sandwich.

Best Pairings With White Bbq Chicken Subs

  • Southern Summer Picnic Platter: Arrange the subs on a rustic wooden board with fresh corn chips, crisp cucumber spears, and tangy coleslaw. Perfect for outdoor gatherings with friends and family.
  • Lunch Box Champion: Pack the chicken subs in aluminum foil with a small container of extra sauce on the side. Wrap in parchment paper for a delightful midday meal that stays fresh and delicious.
  • Game Day Slider Transformation: Cut the subs into smaller bite-sized portions. Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking during sports events or casual parties. Sprinkle extra herbs like chives or parsley for added color and flavor.

Keeping White Bbq Chicken Subs Fresh Longer

  • Store leftover white BBQ chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the sauce and chicken separate to maintain freshness.
  • Pack the cooked chicken without lettuce or tomatoes in a freezer-safe container, which can be stored for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Keep extra white BBQ sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.
  • Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, storing components separately, then assemble subs just before serving to prevent bread from becoming soggy.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

White Bbq Chicken Subs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent white BBQ chicken subs showcase Alabama’s signature tangy white sauce, blending creamy and zesty flavors. Crisp ingredients and hearty bread create a satisfying sandwich experience you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Lettuce (optional)
  • Tomato slices (optional)
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a tangy white BBQ sauce by blending mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, horseradish, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Shred the chicken and thoroughly coat it with approximately half of the prepared white BBQ sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  3. Gently toast the sub rolls until they achieve a light golden-brown color and develop a slight crispness, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Layer the sauce-coated chicken generously onto the toasted sub rolls, creating a hearty base for the sandwich.
  5. Enhance the sub’s texture and freshness by adding crisp lettuce leaves, ripe tomato slices, and optional tangy pickles on top of the chicken.
  6. Elevate the flavor profile by drizzling the remaining white BBQ sauce over the assembled subs, allowing the sauce to cascade down the ingredients and provide an extra burst of zesty goodness.
  7. Serve immediately while the rolls are still warm and the ingredients are fresh, ensuring maximum taste and enjoyment.

Notes

  • Customize the heat by adjusting horseradish amount for a milder or spicier kick.
  • Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate for deeper flavor development, letting ingredients meld together overnight.
  • Swap shredded chicken with pulled pork or tofu for alternative protein options that work beautifully with white BBQ sauce.
  • Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free rolls to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Toasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 475 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star