Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with Alabama White BBQ Sauce

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Tender, smoky pulled chicken smothered in tangy, creamy Alabama white BBQ sauce—perfect for sandwiches or wraps!

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food with a Southern twist, few dishes are as satisfying as Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with Alabama White BBQ Sauce. This dish brings together the smoky, tender texture of slow-cooked chicken with the tangy, creamy goodness of a unique, mayo-based barbecue sauce that’s native to Alabama. Whether you’re serving it on fluffy buns, wrapping it up in tortillas, or spooning it onto a fresh salad, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your household.

In this detailed guide, we will cover every step from ingredient selection to preparation and serving ideas. You’ll also get cooking tips, nutrition facts, and expert advice to ensure your pulled chicken turns out perfect every time.

 Ingredients (Serves 5)

For the Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp liquid smoke

For the Alabama White Sauce:

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • â…› tsp cayenne pepper

 Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Start by removing the skin from the chicken breasts.
  • Place the skinless, bone-in chicken in your slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle the chopped onion evenly over the chicken.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, vegetable oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and liquid smoke.
  • Pour this seasoned mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
  • Cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
  • The chicken is done when it is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.

Step 3: Make the Alabama White Sauce

  • While the chicken is cooking, combine the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
  • Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it on a plate or cutting board.
  • Discard all but ¼ cup of the cooking liquid.
  • Carefully shred the chicken using two forks, discarding the bones.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the reserved cooking liquid.

Step 5: Add Sauce

  • Mix in about â…“ cup of the Alabama white BBQ sauce into the shredded chicken.
  • Stir to combine thoroughly.
  • Leave the slow cooker on WARM to keep the dish heated until serving time.

Step 6: Serve

  • Serve the pulled chicken on sandwich buns, in wraps, over salads, or even stuffed in baked potatoes.
  • Offer extra Alabama white BBQ sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

 Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (on LOW)
  • Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes

 Calories

  • Approx. 325 kcal per serving (varies depending on portion size and extra sauce used)

 Tips

1. Choose Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken breasts give you more flavor and moisture during slow cooking. If you only have boneless, reduce the cook time slightly.

2. Layer the Flavors: Letting the cooked chicken soak in the cooking juices before adding the white sauce ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.

3. Make Ahead for Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Simply store the shredded chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently before serving.

4. Sauce Customization: Feel free to adjust the Alabama white BBQ sauce to your taste. Like it spicier? Add more cayenne. Prefer it tangier? Add an extra splash of vinegar.

5. Serving Suggestions:

  • Pulled chicken sliders
  • Loaded baked potatoes
  • Chicken BBQ tacos
  • Salads with a Southern twist

6. Storing Leftovers: Store leftover pulled chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.

7. Freeze for Later: Cool the chicken completely and transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

 Pairing Ideas

  • Coleslaw: Classic Southern-style coleslaw makes a crunchy, tangy side.
  • Mac and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy pasta is a perfect complement.
  • Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread helps mop up the flavorful sauce.
  • Grilled Veggies: Balance the richness with a mix of grilled seasonal vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with Alabama White BBQ Sauce is the epitome of Southern comfort made easy. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a hearty, satisfying dinner, this dish delivers flavor in every bite. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and the Alabama white sauce adds a signature zing that makes it memorable.

Enjoy this versatile recipe as a staple for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s bound to become a family favorite!

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