Short Description
White BBQ Chicken Subs offer a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, featuring tender chicken coated in a tangy, creamy Alabama-style white barbecue sauce. Served on toasted sub rolls and topped with melted cheese, these subs provide a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unique Flavor Profile: The white BBQ sauce, with its tangy and creamy notes, offers a refreshing change from traditional tomato-based sauces.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite cheeses and toppings.
Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and children alike.
Perfect for Gatherings: Easily doubled to serve a crowd at parties or game-day events.
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Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the White BBQ Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ tablespoon Creole mustard
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
½ teaspoon paprika
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For the Sandwiches:
14 ounces chicken tenders (about 6–8 tenders)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large shallots, thinly sliced
1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 French bread sub rolls (about 10 inches each)
Extra white BBQ sauce for drizzling and dipping
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Directions
Prepare the White BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Creole mustard, salt, sugar, minced garlic, horseradish, and paprika. Whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until cooked through.
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Add Shallots: When flipping the chicken, add sliced shallots to the skillet. Stir occasionally, allowing them to soften and caramelize slightly.
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Prepare the Filling: Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it cool slightly. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl. Add cooked shallots, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and about ½ cup of the white BBQ sauce. Mix until well combined.
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Assemble the Subs: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Slice the French bread rolls horizontally, leaving one side intact to create a hinge. Open the rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the rolls, stuffing it into the pocket. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top.
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Broil the Subs: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are toasted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle additional white BBQ sauce over the top. Cut each sub in half and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
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Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Variations
Cheese Options: Substitute Monterey Jack with provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Bread Choices: Use hoagie rolls, ciabatta, or baguettes instead of French bread.
Protein Alternatives: Replace chicken tenders with shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts.
Add Veggies: Include sliced pickles, lettuce, or tomato for added freshness and crunch.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the white BBQ sauce for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover chicken mixture and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble the subs and broil as directed.
FAQs
What is white BBQ sauce?
White BBQ sauce is a mayonnaise-based sauce originating from Alabama. It’s tangy, creamy, and often includes vinegar, lemon juice, and spices.
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Can I make the white BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
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Is there a substitute for Creole mustard?
Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard can be used as substitutes for Creole mustard.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Feel free to use your preferred cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella.
What sides pair well with these subs?
Coleslaw, potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad complement these subs nicely.
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Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes, grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the white BBQ sauce.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Lightly toasting the inside of the bread before adding the filling can help prevent sogginess.
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Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild heat. To increase spiciness, add hot sauce or extra horseradish to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free bread and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I store leftover white BBQ sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
White BBQ Chicken Subs are a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings a taste of Southern cuisine to your table. With their tangy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, these subs are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or a special gathering, they offer a delicious and unique alternative to traditional sandwiches.

White BBQ Chicken Subs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Assemble + Toast
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White BBQ Chicken Subs deliver bold Southern flavor with tender grilled chicken, zesty Alabama-style white BBQ sauce, and crisp toppings all tucked into a toasty sub roll – the ultimate sandwich with a tangy twist.
Ingredients
For the White BBQ Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons white vinegar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional for extra kick)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken Subs:
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1 lb cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or sliced
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4 sub rolls or hoagie buns, toasted
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)
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Lettuce, shredded (optional)
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Sliced tomatoes (optional)
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Pickles (optional)
Instructions
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Make the white BBQ sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and horseradish if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to use.
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Prepare the chicken: Toss cooked chicken with half the white BBQ sauce until coated. Reserve the rest for drizzling.
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Toast the buns: Lightly brush sub rolls with olive oil or butter. Toast in a skillet or oven until golden and crisp.
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Assemble the subs: Layer lettuce (if using), sauced chicken, tomato slices, and pickles in each toasted bun. Drizzle extra white BBQ sauce over top.
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Serve: Serve warm with your favorite Southern-style sides like coleslaw, chips, or baked beans.
Notes
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Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
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Great way to use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken.
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For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ mix.
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