White BBQ Chicken Subs Recipe
Ever wondered how Southern BBQ transforms a simple chicken sub into a mouthwatering masterpiece? White BBQ chicken subs aren't your average sandwich – they're a culinary journey that'll challenge everything you thought you knew about barbecue. You'll discover a tangy, creamy sauce that breaks traditional BBQ rules, combining mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar into a surprisingly addictive condiment. Curious about how these flavor-packed subs come together? Stick around, and you'll unlock the secrets to a truly unique sandwich experience that'll impress your friends and tantalize your taste buds.
Recipe Highlights
- Create a tangy white BBQ sauce by mixing mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar for a distinctive Alabama-style chicken sandwich flavor.
- Grill chicken breasts to 165°F, ensuring golden-brown edges and proper internal temperature for a juicy, flavorful sub sandwich.
- Season chicken with salt and black pepper, then slice against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat sandwich strips.
- Toast submarine rolls before layering with white BBQ sauce-coated chicken and optional toppings like lettuce, pickles, or herbs.
- Chill the sauce for at least one hour before serving to enhance the creamy, tangy flavor profile of the sandwich.
History
While Alabama's culinary landscape might seem dominated by traditional red barbecue sauces, white BBQ sauce emerged as a unique regional innovation that transformed outdoor cooking traditions.
Developed in the 1920s by Big Bob Gibson, a Decatur, Alabama restaurateur, this mayo-based sauce quickly became a staple in Southern barbecue culture. You'll find its origins rooted in German and European immigrant cooking techniques that emphasized tangy, creamy condiments.
The sauce originally accompanied smoked chicken, revolutionizing how pitmasters prepared and served their dishes. Its white color and vinegar-based profile distinguished it from conventional tomato-red sauces, creating a distinctive regional identity.
Gradually, white BBQ sauce spread beyond Alabama, becoming a celebrated culinary technique that reflected the South's innovative cooking spirit.
Recipe
White BBQ Chicken Subs represent a delightful twist on traditional sandwich fare, originating from the heart of Alabama's culinary landscape.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that combines smoky grilled chicken with a tangy, creamy white BBQ sauce.
The key to these exceptional subs lies in the balance between the juicy, perfectly grilled chicken and the zesty mayonnaise-based sauce. Each bite promises a harmonious blend of flavors that elevates the humble submarine sandwich to a gourmet experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 submarine rolls
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with black pepper and a pinch of salt.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring a consistent cooking temperature. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is fully cooked with beautiful grill marks.
While the chicken rests, prepare the white BBQ sauce by whisking together mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined.
Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips, then carefully arrange them inside lightly toasted submarine rolls.
Generously drizzle the white BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each bite is coated with the tangy, creamy mixture.
For the best results, allow the white BBQ sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Consider making the sauce a day ahead to enhance its depth of flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the white BBQ sauce, and feel free to experiment with additional toppings like pickled onions or fresh herbs to customize your subs.
Cooking Steps
You'll want to start by seasoning those chicken breasts generously with black pepper, creating a flavorful base for your white BBQ chicken subs.
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until it's fully cooked, looking for those beautiful golden-brown grill marks and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Once the chicken is perfectly grilled, slice it into tender strips and prepare to assemble your mouthwatering submarine sandwiches with that tangy white BBQ sauce.
Step 1. Season Chicken Generously
Because perfectly seasoned chicken elevates any sandwich, start by generously sprinkling black pepper across both sides of your chicken breasts.
Focus on creating an even coating that'll enhance the meat's natural flavor profile.
Key seasoning tips include:
- Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum taste
- Apply pepper from a height to distribute evenly
- Press the seasoning gently into the chicken's surface
- Ensure both sides receive equal attention
Don't be shy with the pepper—you'll want a robust layer that complements the white BBQ sauce's tangy base.
The goal is creating a well-seasoned foundation that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering sandwich experience.
Step 2. Grill Chicken Until Cooked
After expertly seasoning your chicken breasts, fire up the grill to medium-high heat, preparing for perfect protein preparation.
Position the chicken directly on clean, oiled grates, ensuring even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, using visual and temperature cues to gauge doneness. Look for:
- Exterior turning golden brown
- Internal temperature reaching 165°F
- No pink remaining in center
- Juices running clear when pierced
Resist the urge to constantly flip the chicken; instead, let it develop a nice sear.
Use tongs to gently turn once, creating those coveted crosshatch grill marks. Check the thickest part of the breast with a meat thermometer to confirm complete cooking.
Once done, transfer chicken to a clean plate and let rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Step 3. Prepare White BBQ Sauce
Two essential ingredients stand ready to transform your white BBQ sauce from simple to sublime: mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar.
You'll want to whisk these components together in a medium bowl, ensuring they're thoroughly combined. Start with one cup of mayonnaise, then slowly incorporate two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
Key preparation tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality mayonnaise
- Whisk vigorously to prevent separation
- Taste and adjust vinegar levels for desired tanginess
For enhanced flavor development, cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
This resting period allows the ingredients to meld, creating a more complex and balanced white BBQ sauce that'll elevate your chicken subs from good to exceptional.
Step 4. Slice Chicken Into Strips
Once your white BBQ sauce has rested and developed its tangy flavor profile, you'll want to prepare the star of the sandwich: the chicken.
Let the grilled chicken cool for 3-5 minutes on a cutting board, allowing juices to redistribute and preventing moisture loss during slicing.
Use a sharp serrated knife or chef's knife, making clean, diagonal cuts across the chicken breast. Aim for uniform strips approximately 1/2-inch thick, which will ensure even sauce distribution and consistent bite texture.
Slice against the grain to maximize tenderness, creating strips that are roughly 2-3 inches long. This technique not only improves mouthfeel but also helps the chicken absorb the white BBQ sauce more effectively.
Arrange the strips neatly on your prepared submarine rolls, ready for the final sauce application.
Step 5. Assemble and Serve Sandwiches
When your chicken is perfectly sliced and your white BBQ sauce is ready, you'll want to transform those submarine rolls into mouthwatering sandwiches. Lightly toast each roll for added crunch and warmth, which will enhance the overall texture and flavor profile.
Arrange the sliced chicken strips evenly across the rolls, ensuring consistent coverage. Drizzle the tangy white BBQ sauce generously over the chicken, allowing it to coat each strip thoroughly. Use a spoon or brush to spread the sauce if needed, creating an even layer that'll guarantee flavor in every bite.
Pro tips:
- Serve immediately for optimal temperature
- Pair with crisp pickles or coleslaw
- Add extra black pepper for heat
- Use fresh, high-quality rolls for best results
Final Thoughts
Because white BBQ chicken subs represent a delightful twist on traditional sandwiches, you'll want to master this simple yet flavorful recipe. The key to success lies in balancing your ingredients and paying attention to preparation details. When grilling the chicken, watch for golden-brown edges and ensure it's cooked thoroughly without drying out.
Your white BBQ sauce's tanginess depends on the quality of apple cider vinegar and precise mayonnaise ratio.
Consider these pro tips for elevating your sandwich:
- Use fresh submarine rolls
- Toast rolls for added texture
- Allow sauce to chill before serving
- Slice chicken against the grain
- Experiment with additional seasonings
With practice, you'll transform this straightforward recipe into a crowd-pleasing meal that impresses family and friends alike.
