If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort food with a tangy, creamy twist, then this Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. The slow-cooked chicken absorbes that famously zesty and velvety white barbecue sauce, resulting in tender, flavorful bites that practically melt in your mouth. It’s an effortless recipe that brings Southern charm straight to your kitchen, perfect for a hearty family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component is essential to building layers of flavor and the right texture that makes this dish so memorable.
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide a lean, tender protein base that soaks up the sauce deliciously.
- 1 (16-oz) bottle White BBQ Sauce: The star of the recipe, this sauce adds tang, creaminess, and a unique Southern BBQ twist.
- Salt: A crucial seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance out the richness of the white sauce.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your 6-quart slow cooker. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This step is key in layering the flavors, ensuring the meat isn’t bland once slow-cooked. Pour the creamy white BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece well. Then, cover the crock pot with the lid and set the heat to LOW. Let the magic happen over 6 hours as the chicken gently cooks through, becoming tender enough to shred effortlessly.
Step 2: Shredding and Combining
Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, remove it from the slow cooker carefully. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, which will blend so well with the sauce. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it through the white BBQ sauce so every bit is deliciously coated. This final mixing melds the flavors together perfectly while keeping the chicken juicy and saucy.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish from great to unforgettable. Consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh bite. A dash of smoked paprika on top adds a subtle smoky aroma, enhancing the BBQ essence further. These garnishes are simple but add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Creamy coleslaw is a refreshing contrast to the tangy chicken. You can also serve it alongside buttery cornbread or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal. Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables are comforting choices that soak up the sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond serving it straight from the crock pot, try turning your Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe into sandwiches or wraps for a casual meal or picnic. Slather the creamy chicken on toasted buns for a hearty sandwich, or spoon it into warm tortillas with some crunchy slaw for a delicious twist. You could even use it as a topping for baked potatoes, turning an ordinary spud into a flavor explosion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Just be sure to reheat it gently to keep the chicken moist and tender.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready for another Southern-inspired meal, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or extra white BBQ sauce can help restore moisture and keep the creamy, tangy sauce luscious. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving in slow cooking because they are fattier and stay moist. This swap will add an extra layer of juiciness to your Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe.
Where can I find white BBQ sauce?
White BBQ sauce is most commonly found in Southern grocery stores or specialty food shops. You can also find it online, or make a simple version at home using mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices if you want to personalize the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a perfect candidate for meal prep! The chicken keeps well and can be portioned to take for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. The rich sauce helps maintain moisture even after reheating.
How spicy is the dish?
The recipe is mild with just a touch of black pepper heat, making it suitable for most palates. You can always adjust the spiciness by adding cayenne or hot sauce to the white BBQ sauce if you like a little kick.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
You can, by using the pressure cook function. Cook the seasoned chicken with the sauce on high pressure for about 15 minutes, then shred and stir as usual. Just be mindful of the sauce thickness as it might differ slightly from slow cooking.
Final Thoughts
Here’s your invitation to bring some Southern hospitality into your home with this beloved Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce Recipe. It’s so simple to make and wonderfully comforting to eat — a true hands-off wonder that delivers big on flavor. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing it eagerly with everyone you love.
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 Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Crock Pot Chicken in Alabama White Sauce is a simple and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts simmered in a tangy, creamy white BBQ sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or casual gatherings, the chicken becomes juicy and flavorful, enriched by the unique Alabama white sauce which combines mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices for a distinct Southern twist.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- 1 (16-oz) bottle White BBQ Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart slow cooker. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Add the Sauce and Cook: Pour the entire 16-ounce bottle of Alabama white barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW heat for approximately 6 hours (360 minutes). The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF, indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and place them on a large plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it is tender and well shredded.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to coat all the pieces in the Alabama white sauce. This step allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve hot, as a main dish or over sandwiches, rice, or salad.
Notes
- The Alabama white sauce can be homemade with mayonnaise, vinegar, horseradish, and seasonings if a store-bought option is unavailable.
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the white sauce before cooking.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can make the dish juicier and more flavorful.
- The slow cooker keeps the chicken moist and tender, but you can also use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
