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Flavorful Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe with Easy Alabama White Sauce

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Smoky, tender pulled chicken combined with a zesty, tangy Alabama white sauce creates a delicious and comforting sandwich perfect for family gatherings or quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (prefer thighs for juiciness)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (recommend Duke’s for creaminess)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Sandwich buns or rolls (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
  • Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter)
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and rub evenly over the chicken.
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
  3. Place chicken in slow cooker and pour chicken broth around it. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until fork-tender. If using Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes then natural release.
  4. While chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, lemon juice, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl and shred finely with two forks while warm.
  6. Pour about half of the Alabama white sauce over shredded chicken and mix gently to coat. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.
  7. Toast sandwich buns lightly. Pile pulled chicken on bottom bun, add pickles and coleslaw if desired, drizzle more sauce on top, and cover with bun lid.
  8. Serve immediately warm with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional. Keep sauce and chicken separate if storing leftovers to avoid soggy sandwiches. Adjust sauce seasoning gradually for best balance. Use brioche or potato buns for best texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, use dairy-free mayo and lime juice instead of lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled chicken, Alabama white sauce, chicken sandwich, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, BBQ chicken, southern recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/flavorful-pulled-chicken-sandwiches-recipe-with-easy-alabama-white-sauce/