Alabama White Sauce Chicken Salad

Tangy and peppery, Alabama White Sauce Chicken Salad packs a hearty punch. Pickles and onions add a bite to this Southern twist on a basic chicken salad recipe.

Mayonnaise might not be the first thing you think of when I say “backyard barbecue.” That didn’t stop Big Bob Gibson! Smoked chicken is an Alabama BBQ favorite, but smoking can dry out the already less fatty chicken. Bob Gibson, a backyard BBQ enthusiast, whipped up a sauce with fatty mayonnaise to counterbalance that problem. Sharp with vinegar, biting with pepper, the resulting sauce is a favorite in North Alabama. I’m bringing it to you today in a summer picnic staple: the chicken salad sandwich.

Ingredients for Alabama White Sauce

There are several variations of this classic sauce. This is my favorite, crowd-pleasing version.

• Mayonnaise: stay away from the sweet stuff like Miracle Whip! Either make your own (use my recipe here) or opt for Duke’s or Bama Mayonnaise.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: this is the traditional choice and adds an undertone of fruitiness to the sauce.
• Brown mustard: this adds richness and depth of flavor without being too spicy.
• Lemon juice: just like the vinegar, this punches up the flavor.
• Paprika: a little smokiness goes a long way!
• Black pepper: adjust how much to your preference.

Step by Step Instructions

First, you make the sauce. Next, you will combine the sauce with the other ingredients to make the salad.

• Step 1: Add all the sauce ingredients into a mixing bowl and thoroughly whisk to completely combine.
• Step 2: Add the chicken, pickles, and onions to a separate bowl. Add 1 cup of the sauce to this bowl and stir to combine. You may want to adjust the amount of sauce to other ingredients to make your chicken salad more or less saucy.
• Step 3: Chill at least an hour in the refrigerator or until you are ready to serve.

That’s it! In three steps you have a creamy, cool, smoky chicken salad perfect for sandwiches or a salad plate!

FAQ

What kind of chicken should I use?

You can use breast or thigh meat. Your chicken could be from a rotisserie, smoked on the grill, pan fried, or even boiled. Use whatever leftover chicken you have, or cook the chicken in your favorite way.

Can I add horseradish?

Absolutely! For a more pungent kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of prepared horseradish to your sauce.

What else I can serve with this sauce?

This BBQ sauce is an excellent addition to pulled pork. You can marinade your meats prior to grilling or use it as a salad dressing! This makes a great dipping sauce for French fries, too!

Can I store any extra sauce?

Yes! You can double the sauce recipe, adding just what you need for chicken salad, and save the rest. The sauce on its own will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for Making Alabama White Sauce Chicken Salad

Be patient! This chicken salad is best when it chills in the refrigerator for at least an hour prior to serving. This lets the sauce meld with the chicken flavor and allows the sauce to set up a bit.

For a thinner sauce, add more apple cider vinegar. For a thicker sauce, add more mayonnaise.

To add some spice, whisk in 1/2 teaspoon of prepared horseradish or 1 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your liking!

Making Ahead and Storing

This chicken salad is best when it is made ahead of time and chilled. You can store Alabama white sauce chicken salad for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Serve it chilled on a sandwich or a salad plate.

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