Alabama BBQ Chicken Chopped Sandwich (Printable)
Tender chopped chicken smothered in tangy white BBQ sauce with crisp coleslaw on a toasted bun.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Chicken
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ For the Alabama White BBQ Sauce
08 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
09 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
11 - 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
12 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
13 - 1 tsp sugar
14 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
15 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
16 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
17 - Salt to taste
→ For Assembly
18 - 4 soft sandwich buns
19 - 1 cup coleslaw (prepared or homemade)
20 - 1/4 cup sliced pickles (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
02 - Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
03 - Place seasoned chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before chopping.
04 - While chicken rests, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust salt and vinegar as needed.
05 - Using a sharp knife, chop the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a mixing bowl and toss generously with the prepared Alabama white BBQ sauce, reserving a small amount for drizzling if desired.
06 - Lightly toast the sandwich buns on the grill or in a toaster for added texture and to prevent sogginess.
07 - Pile the sauced chopped BBQ chicken onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top each sandwich with a generous spoonful of coleslaw and sliced pickles if using.
08 - Drizzle any reserved white BBQ sauce over the toppings, close with the bun tops, and serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy white sauce creates this incredible tangy kick that cuts through rich grilled chicken like nothing else
- Chopping the chicken means every single bite gets coated in that dreamy sauce instead of it all dripping out the first bite
02 -
- Letting the chicken rest before chopping keeps all those juices inside instead of running onto your cutting board
- The white sauce tastes even better after it sits for 30 minutes, so make it first if you can plan ahead
03 -
- Use real apple cider vinegar, not white vinegar, for that authentic Alabama flavor
- The horseradish mellows slightly as the sauce sits, so taste and adjust before serving