Alabama Smokehouse Chicken

Discover the rich and smoky flavors of Alabama with our Alabama Smokehouse Chicken. This dish infuses the essence of Southern BBQ, offering a tantalizing blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy that is sure to impress your family and friends. Alabama's BBQ style is unique, often employing white sauce—a tangy combination that adds a delightful contrast to the smoky and savory notes of the grilled chicken.

History of Alabama Smokehouse Chicken

Originating in the southern United States, particularly in Alabama, this dish is a cornerstone of traditional Southern barbecue. Alabama is known for its unique white barbecue sauce, which is mayonnaise-based and tangier than the typical vinegar or ketchup-based sauces found elsewhere. The sauce itself dates back to the 1920s and is attributed to Bob Gibson of Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q restaurant in Decatur, Alabama. It has since become a beloved staple in Southern cuisine.

Ingredients

To create the perfect Alabama Smokehouse Chicken, you'll need the following ingredients. Each element plays a critical role in developing the unique depths of flavor that make this dish a Southern classic.

• Chicken Breasts
• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Cayenne Pepper
• Olive Oil
• Mayonnaise
• White Vinegar
• Lemon Juice
• Sugar
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Dijon Mustard
• Smoked Paprika
• Hickory Wood Chips

Preparation

Let's begin by preparing our Chicken Breasts. It's important to marinate them properly to ensure they are flavorful and tender once cooked.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, combine Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper.
2. Rub this mixture liberally over the Chicken Breasts.
3. Drizzle Olive Oil over the seasoned chicken and massage it in to ensure the spices adhere well.
4. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare the Alabama White Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine Mayonnaise, White Vinegar, and Lemon Juice.
2. Add a pinch of Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, and a teaspoon of Dijon Mustard.
3. Mix in Smoked Paprika to give the sauce its characteristic depth of flavor.
4. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Cooking Process

Cooking the chicken on the grill with hickory wood chips will infuse it with an authentic smokehouse flavor.

1. Soak Hickory Wood Chips in water for about 30 minutes. This helps them to smolder and produce smoke, rather than catching fire.
2. Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature and prepare it for indirect grilling.
3. Drain the wood chips and place them in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil with holes poked in the top.
4. Place the wood chips on the grill directly over the heat source. Close the grill lid and let the chips begin to smoke.
5. Once the smoke begins to rise, place the marinated Chicken Breasts on the cooler side of the grill to cook indirectly. This gentle cooking method prevents the chicken from drying out.
6. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).

Serving Suggestions

1. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
2. Generously slather the grilled chicken with the Alabama white sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
3. Pair your Alabama Smokehouse Chicken with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread to complete your meal.
4. Consider enjoying this dish with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a light beer to balance the smoky flavors.

As you savor each bite of this flavorful dish, you'll appreciate the cultural significance and rich culinary tradition it embodies. The combination of tender, smoky Chicken Breasts and tangy Alabama white sauce is a testament to the innovation and passion found in Southern BBQ cuisine.