Alabama Chicken

Smoky, tangy, and utterly irresistible, Alabama Chicken brings Southern barbecue tradition to your backyard with succulent grilled chicken thighs and a zesty Alabama white barbecue sauce. Marinated in a robust blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, the chicken is perfectly charred on the grill and infused with optional smoky wood chips for an added depth of flavor. The real star of the dish, however, is the creamy, tangy sauce—a bold mixture of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, and a touch of cayenne pepper—that’s brushed over the chicken or served on the side for dipping. Ready in under an hour and perfect for summer cookouts, this recipe pairs beautifully with coleslaw, cornbread, or a crisp green salad for a complete Southern-inspired feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon horseradish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup smoked wood chips (optional, for grilling)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400°F) or prepare a charcoal grill for indirect cooking with wood chips for added smokiness if desired.

Step 2

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 4

If using wood chips, soak them in water for 30 minutes, then add them to the grill for smoky flavor.

Step 5

Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 6

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Alabama white barbecue sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 7

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 8

Serve the chicken hot, either brushed or drizzled with the Alabama white barbecue sauce, with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Step 9

Pair with coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1779.8 grams (1779.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4545

Total Fat 334.10g	428%
Saturated Fat 58.50g	293%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 1363mg	454%
Sodium 2307mg	100%
Total Carbohydrate 57.30g	21%
Dietary Fiber 2.10g	8%
Total Sugars 5.80g
Protein 312.90g	626%

Vitamin D 84IU	420%
Calcium 163mg	13%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 3027mg	64%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.0%

Protein: 27.9%

Carbs: 5.1%