Grilled Chicken Thighs with Alabama White Sauce - Easy BBQ Recipe
Chicken thighs are one of the most flavorful cuts to grill — they stay juicy, pack plenty of flavor, and crisp up beautifully over the coals. Pair them with Alabama white sauce, a tangy mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce from Northern Alabama, and you’ve got a backyard dish that’ll impress without much effort.
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Burn Pit BBQ All Ration (or your favorite all-purpose rub)
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and seasoning blend. Let sit while you preheat the grill.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
3. Grill the Chicken:
- Set up your grill for two-zone cooking (direct and indirect heat).
- Place chicken skin-side down over indirect heat, close the lid, and cook at 350–375°F for about 25–30 minutes.
- Move over direct heat for the last 3–5 minutes to crisp the skin. Cook until internal temperature hits 175°F.
4. Serve:
Remove chicken from the grill, rest for 5 minutes, and serve with Alabama white sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Grilling Tips
- Indirect heat first: Prevents flare-ups and ensures thighs cook evenly.
- Crisp at the end: Moving to direct heat gives that irresistible crispy skin.
- Temperature matters: Thighs taste best at 175°F — juicy and tender without being chewy.
Extra Flavor & Pairing Ideas
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the white sauce for a smoky kick.
- Serve with grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, or potato salad for a full BBQ spread.
- This sauce also pairs beautifully with smoked wings or pulled pork.
FAQ
What is Alabama white sauce?
A mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce from Alabama, tangy with vinegar and peppery with a little heat.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce cooking time by about 10 minutes since they cook faster.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely — it gets better as it rests. Make it up to 2 days in advance.
Call to Action
Fire up the grill this weekend and give these chicken thighs a try! For the perfect seasoning base, grab a bottle of Burn Pit BBQ’s All Ration Rub — it’ll take your chicken (and everything else) to the next level.