If you are craving a soulful, tangy, and utterly comforting meal, then the Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish takes tender, juicy chicken breasts and bathes them in a rich, creamy white barbecue sauce that bursts with zest and a little bit of spice, all slowly cooked to perfection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors meld together, creating a meal that feels both hearty and refreshing, perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the authentic flavor of this dish. Each ingredient is straightforward but essential, combining to create a perfectly balanced taste and texture that makes this recipe shine.
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide the tender, juicy base that soaks up the Alabama white sauce beautifully.
- 1 (16-oz) bottle White BBQ Sauce: The star of the show, this sauce offers a tangy, creamy, and slightly peppery flavor that defines the dish.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts right into your 6-quart slow cooker. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken to build flavor right from the start. This simple step ensures each bite of the chicken carries a perfect savory note.
Step 2: Add the Creamy White BBQ Sauce and Slow Cook
Pour the entire bottle of white barbecue sauce over the seasoned chicken. This sauce is what gives the dish its distinctive tangy and creamy character, allowing the flavors to slowly infuse into the meat. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for about 6 hours, letting the chicken reach an internal temperature of 165ºF. The slow cooking process is what turns the chicken succulent and ready to shred effortlessly.
Step 3: Shred and Mix
Once the chicken is cooked perfectly, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. This shredding creates those perfect bite-sized pieces that soak up even more of the delicious sauce. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and give it a good stir to mix the meat thoroughly with the sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in creamy goodness.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already spectacular dish, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. Some crispy fried onions or a dash of smoked paprika can also add a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or roasted sweet potatoes. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans complement the richness of the Alabama white sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual lunch, pile the shredded chicken onto soft hamburger buns for delicious BBQ sandwiches. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. You can even use it as a filling for tacos or wraps for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the shredded Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion out the chicken with sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it properly in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture and flavors intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems a little dry. Microwaving is also fine—just cover and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe, offering even more juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might cook a bit quicker or slower depending on size.
What makes Alabama white sauce different from other BBQ sauces?
Alabama white sauce is mayonnaise-based with vinegar, lemon juice, and seasonings, giving it a tangy, creamy profile that contrasts with the sweeter, tomato-based BBQ sauces more common elsewhere. It’s unique, bold, and perfect for chicken.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken on low for 6 hours?
Cooking on low for 6 hours allows the chicken to become tender and fully infused with the sauce’s flavor. If you’re short on time, you could try cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours, but low and slow is best for optimal texture.
Can I make Alabama white sauce from scratch?
Yes! If you want to make your own, it typically includes mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, black pepper, and other spices. Homemade sauce allows you to adjust flavors just how you like them.
What are some vegetarian alternatives to this dish?
For a vegetarian twist, try using jackfruit or cauliflower as the base and cook it in the Alabama white sauce to mimic the texture and absorb those delicious flavors. The slow cooker style works well here too.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines ease, flavor, and comfort in one delicious package. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a recipe that invites everyone to gather around the table and savor the tangy, creamy delight of Alabama white sauce paired with tender chicken. Give it a try—you might just be making this one on repeat!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce recipe offers a flavorful and tender chicken dish slow-cooked to perfection in a tangy, creamy white barbecue sauce. Perfect for a hands-off meal, this southern-inspired recipe is simple to prepare and yields juicy shredded chicken ideal for sandwiches or as a main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 (16-oz) bottle White BBQ Sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season and prepare chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a 6-quart slow cooker. Season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Add white BBQ sauce and cook: Pour the entire bottle of white barbecue sauce over the chicken, then cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat setting for 6 hours, or until the chicken registers an internal temperature of 165ºF, ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred the meat using two forks until you have fine, pulled pieces.
- Mix shredded chicken back in sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine it thoroughly with the white BBQ sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use kosher salt for best flavor and seasoning control.
- For variation, add a dash of hot sauce to the white BBQ sauce for extra heat.
- Cook time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for safe consumption.
- This recipe pairs well with coleslaw or on sandwich buns.
