Go Back

Alabama-Style White Barbecue Sauce for Grilled Chicken

Shruthi
Alabama-Style White Barbecue Sauce is a creamy, tangy, peppery sauce made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings.It is especially famous as a sauce for smoked or grilled chicken.Unlike traditional barbecue sauces, it has no tomato base and offers a lighter-looking but boldly flavored alternative.The texture is smooth and pourable, making it ideal for dipping, brushing, and drizzling.Homemade white barbecue sauce is quick to prepare and easy to customize with more heat or tang.It is a distinctive Southern condiment that adds bright, rich flavor to many grilled and roasted dishes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Condiments, sauces
Cuisine southern american
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey

Instructions
 

  • Add mayonnaise to a medium mixing bowl.
  • Pour in the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
  • Add prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and sugar or honey.
  • Whisk everything together until completely smooth and creamy.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the vinegar, pepper, or sweetness if needed.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend better.
  • Stir again before serving.
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Mayonnaise forms the creamy base and gives the sauce its signature texture.
  • Apple cider vinegar provides the sharp tang that balances the richness.
  • Black pepper is a key flavor in traditional white barbecue sauce.
  • Horseradish adds subtle heat and depth without overpowering the sauce.
  • The sauce is best chilled before serving for fuller flavor.
  • It pairs especially well with smoked chicken, turkey, and grilled pork.
  • Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best taste and texture.
  • The sauce usually keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

 

Keyword Alabama white sauce, chicken sauce recipe, homemade barbecue sauce, Southern BBQ sauce,, tangy mayonnaise sauce, white barbecue sauce