If you’re looking for the best Slow Cooker Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This dish is juicy, tender, and infused with bold Southern barbecue flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a summer cookout, or meal prep, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making authentic Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken in a slow cooker, including the secret to its famous white BBQ sauce, expert tips, serving suggestions, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Off – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Super Tender & Juicy – The chicken slow-cooks to perfection, making it fall-apart delicious.
- Bold Alabama BBQ Flavors – Featuring a unique, tangy white BBQ sauce, this dish is a Southern classic.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or served with sides.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
What is Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken?
Unlike traditional BBQ, Alabama-style barbecue is famous for its white BBQ sauce, a tangy, creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, vinegar, horseradish, and spices. This flavor-packed chicken is slow-cooked until tender, shredded, and tossed in this mouthwatering sauce for a truly unforgettable taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (for extra smoky flavor)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
For the Alabama White BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for the best texture)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken – In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning over the chicken breasts.
- Sauté the Onion – Heat butter and vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Add to Slow Cooker – Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in the sautéed onions, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth.
- Cook Low & Slow – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Step 2: Make the Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more vinegar for tanginess or cayenne for spice).
- Refrigerate until ready to use – the flavors develop even more over time!
Step 3: Shred & Mix
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining juices.
- Add half of the Alabama white BBQ sauce, stirring well to coat.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve the Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken on toasted buns with extra white BBQ sauce.
- Pair with coleslaw, pickles, or potato chips for a full meal.
- Use leftovers for tacos, wraps, salads, or rice bowls.
Pro Tips for the Best Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – They have more fat, making them even more tender.
- Let the Chicken Rest – After shredding, let it sit in the juices for 10-15 minutes to soak up the flavor.
- Make the Sauce Ahead of Time – The flavors deepen the longer it sits.
- Don’t Skip the Liquid Smoke – It adds an authentic grilled BBQ flavor.
- Toast Your Buns – This adds crunch and prevents sogginess!
Best Side Dishes for Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken
- Classic Southern Coleslaw – Creamy, tangy, and the perfect contrast.
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – A delicious, sweet-and-savory pairing.
- Baked Mac & Cheese – Comfort food at its best.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Smoky, buttery, and irresistible.
- Pickles & Potato Chips – A crunchy, salty addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different BBQ Sauce?
Yes! If you prefer traditional red BBQ sauce, you can swap it out, but the Alabama white sauce is what makes this dish unique.
Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes before shredding.
How Long Does It Keep?
Stored in an airtight container, this pulled chicken lasts up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
This Easy & Irresistible Alabama Pulled BBQ Chicken is a must-try for any BBQ lover! The slow-cooked, juicy chicken paired with the creamy, tangy Alabama white sauce makes for an unforgettable dish. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or serving at your next gathering, this Southern BBQ favorite is sure to impress!
