Total Time: 30 minutes | Yield: Serves 2 people
Last summer, during a visit to my cousin’s place in Alabama, I discovered the magic of white BBQ sauce for the first time. Unlike the traditional tomato-based sauces I grew up with, this tangy, creamy concoction completely transformed my understanding of barbecue flavors. When I returned home, I knew I had to recreate that experience, and these White BBQ Chicken Subs became my delicious solution.
These aren’t your ordinary sandwiches – they’re a celebration of bold flavors wrapped in crusty French bread. The combination of tender chicken, melted Monterrey Jack cheese, and that distinctive white BBQ sauce creates a symphony of tastes that’s both familiar and refreshingly different.
Why This Recipe Will Win Your Heart
Quick Weeknight Wonder: In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that rivals anything you’d order out. Moreover, most of the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Flavor Explosion: The homemade white BBQ sauce is the star of the show, delivering a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy notes. This Alabama-inspired sauce brings a unique twist to traditional chicken sandwiches.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re feeding teenagers after a game or hosting friends for a casual dinner, these subs satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Additionally, they’re easily scalable for larger gatherings.
Interactive Dining: The messy, hands-on nature of eating these subs makes mealtime fun and engaging for the whole family.
Essential Ingredients
For the Chicken and Assembly
- 14 oz chicken tenders
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large shallots, sliced
- 1½ cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
- 2 French bread sub rolls
For the Signature White BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- ½ Tbsp fresh cracked white pepper
- ½ Tbsp Creole mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 large garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
Serving Accompaniments
Consider pairing these subs with crispy potato chips, coleslaw, or pickle spears for a complete meal experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating the White BBQ Sauce
- Mix the magic: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, white pepper, Creole mustard, salt, sugar, pressed garlic, horseradish, lemon juice, and paprika until completely smooth. The sauce should have a creamy consistency with visible speckles of pepper and paprika.
- Chill for best flavor: Refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the chicken. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Preparing the Chicken
- Heat and season: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, season both sides of the chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook to perfection: Add the seasoned chicken tenders to the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. During the last few minutes, add the sliced shallots to the pan, allowing them to soften and caramelize slightly.
Assembly Process
- Prep the protein: Remove the chicken from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooked shallots, and about ½ cup of the prepared white BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Prepare the bread: Slice each French bread sub lengthwise, cutting about ¾ of the way through (leave them hinged so they don’t fall apart). Lightly toast the opened subs if desired for extra texture.
Final Assembly and Serving
- Fill generously: Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the two sub rolls, mounding it high for maximum satisfaction. Top each sub with additional shredded Monterrey Jack cheese.
- Melt to perfection: Place the loaded subs on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
Creative Serving Ideas
Transform your meal into a memorable dining experience by serving these subs alongside classic Southern sides. Creamy coleslaw provides a cool contrast to the tangy sauce, while crispy sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
For a lighter option, serve half a sub with a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The acidity in the dressing will echo the tangy notes in the white BBQ sauce.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Heat Version
Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the white BBQ sauce for those who enjoy extra heat with their comfort food.
Veggie-Loaded Option
Include thinly sliced red onion, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomato slices after broiling for added crunch and freshness.
Bacon Lover’s Dream
Crumble 4-5 strips of cooked bacon into the chicken mixture for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Different Cheese Adventures
Experiment with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone cheese for unique flavor profiles while maintaining the same melty goodness.
Make-Ahead Strategies
The white BBQ sauce actually improves with time, so prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify.
You can also cook the chicken and shallots earlier in the day, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently, mix with the sauce and cheese, then proceed with assembly.
For meal prep enthusiasts, portion out the chicken mixture into containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and assemble fresh subs as needed.
Professional Tips
Temperature matters: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Using a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking.
Sauce consistency: If your white BBQ sauce seems too thick, thin it with an additional tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Conversely, if it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more mayonnaise.
Bread selection: Choose sub rolls with a sturdy crust that won’t get soggy from the sauce. Fresh bakery bread works best, but store-bought options are perfectly acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular yellow mustard instead of Creole mustard? Absolutely! While Creole mustard adds a unique flavor complexity, regular yellow mustard or even Dijon mustard work well as substitutes. Each will create a slightly different taste profile.
How long does the white BBQ sauce keep? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce stays fresh for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to meld together.
Can I make this with rotisserie chicken? Definitely! Use about 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Skip the cooking step and simply sauté the shallots alone, then mix everything together with the sauce and proceed with assembly.
What if I can’t find shallots? Yellow onion makes an excellent substitute. Use about ½ of a medium onion, sliced thin. The flavor will be slightly more pronounced but equally delicious.
Can I prepare these subs ahead of time? While best served immediately after broiling, you can assemble the subs up to 2 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Broil just before serving for optimal cheese melt and bread texture.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe? For a healthier option, use light mayonnaise in the sauce, reduce the cheese by half, and serve on whole wheat sub rolls. You can also add extra vegetables like lettuce and tomato for bulk without calories.
Nutritional Information (Per Sub):
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 990mg
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Method: Skillet & Broiling | Cuisine: Southern American