BBQ Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
American SouthernMain CourseGluten-Free

BBQ Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
40 minutes
Total
1 hour
Serves
6
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Ingredients

Units
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), cut into 8 pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp prepared horseradish
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub chicken with olive oil, then season generously with the spice mixture on all sides. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Alabama white sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, sugar, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

  3. 3

    Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F) for two-zone cooking, with coals or burners on one side only. Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.

  4. 4

    Place chicken pieces skin-side down over indirect heat (cooler side). Close the lid and cook for 20 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 155°F.

  5. 5

    Move chicken to direct heat, skin-side down, and grill for 3-4 minutes per side to crisp the skin and develop char marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs.

  6. 6

    Transfer chicken to a cutting board and immediately brush generously with Alabama white sauce. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra sauce on the side for dipping.