There's something magical about the smoky, tangy bite of White BBQ Chicken Subs, especially when they're fresh out of the oven. The tender, juicy chicken coated in creamy Alabama-style white BBQ sauce, topped with crunchy slaw, and tucked into a warm, toasty bun is a flavor experience you won't forget.

This recipe came into my life during a summer barbecue, where I first tasted the unique zip of white BBQ sauce. Since then, these subs have become a family favorite, perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to game-day feasts. Let's dive into why you'll love this irresistible sandwich.
Why You'll Love These White BBQ Chicken Subs
Get ready to meet your new favorite sandwich. These White BBQ Chicken Subs are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, packed with flavor and simple to make.
First off, they’re incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few staple ingredients and 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something special without the hassle.
They’re also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re using grilled, shredded, or rotisserie chicken, this recipe adapts beautifully to what you have on hand. Add extra toppings or customize the sauce to suit your taste buds!
Finally, the Alabama-style white BBQ sauce is the star of the show. Its creamy, tangy kick elevates these subs into something truly memorable. Combined with the crunch of coleslaw and the softness of the sub rolls, you’ve got the perfect balance of textures.
Ready to make your new go-to sandwich? Let’s break down the simple ingredient list.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient works together to create bold, satisfying flavors.
- Chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. Grilled, shredded, or even rotisserie chicken works perfectly. For the best flavor, opt for seasoned grilled chicken that brings a smoky depth to the dish.
- White BBQ Sauce: This creamy, tangy sauce is the heart of the recipe. Made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, and a pinch of sugar, it’s a unique take on traditional BBQ flavors. You can adjust the tanginess by adding more vinegar or balance it out with a little extra sugar.
- Coleslaw: A simple slaw made from shredded cabbage and carrots adds the perfect crunch. Toss it in a light vinaigrette or stick with a classic coleslaw dressing for a creamy addition.
- Sub Rolls: Choose soft, bakery-fresh sub rolls or hoagie buns. Lightly toasting them adds a satisfying crispness to every bite.
- Toppings: Optional extras like sliced pickles, thinly sliced red onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can take these subs to the next level.
No special equipment is required—just a skillet or grill, a mixing bowl, and a baking sheet for toasting the buns.
How To Make White BBQ Chicken Subs

Making these subs is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create a meal your family will rave about.
- Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding or slicing your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re grilling, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika before cooking for added flavor. Set the chicken aside once it's ready. - Make the White BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Toast the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the sub rolls lengthwise and brush the insides with a little butter. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and slightly crisp. - Assemble the Slaw
In a medium bowl, toss together shredded cabbage and carrots with a light dressing. A mix of vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt works beautifully to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce. - Combine and Assemble
Toss the shredded chicken with the white BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Pile the chicken onto the toasted rolls, add a generous scoop of slaw, and top with your favorite extras like pickles or onions. - Serve Warm
Serve the subs immediately, while the rolls are warm and the chicken is still juicy. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can also be reheated in the oven at 300°F for a quick refresher.
Storage Options
These White BBQ Chicken Subs are as practical as they are delicious. Here’s how to store any leftovers:
- Chicken and Sauce: Store the coated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce flavors will deepen over time, making the leftovers even tastier.
- Coleslaw: If undressed, the shredded cabbage and carrots can be kept in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Once dressed, consume the slaw within 24 hours for optimal crunch.
- Rolls: Keep leftover rolls in a bread bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw before use.
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, and toast the rolls before assembling the subs again.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Spicy Kick: Add a splash of hot sauce to the white BBQ sauce for some heat.
- Smoked Chicken: Use smoked chicken for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the rolls with your favorite gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
- Vegan Twist: Replace the chicken with jackfruit or marinated tofu and use a vegan mayo base for the sauce.
- Cheesy Addition: Melt a slice of provolone or pepper jack cheese over the chicken before adding it to the roll for a gooey, cheesy upgrade.
No matter how you customize these subs, the result is guaranteed to be mouthwatering. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe truly yours!
There you have it—your new favorite White BBQ Chicken Subs recipe, ready to wow your family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or serving a crowd, these sandwiches are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!
PrintWhite Bbq Chicken Subs Recipe
Enjoy a flavorful twist on your favorite sandwich with these White BBQ Chicken Subs. Packed with tender chicken, tangy white BBQ sauce, and fresh toppings, this recipe is a must-try for lunch or dinner. Perfect for barbecue lovers, this dish combines bold flavors with a unique Southern twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp horseradish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns
- Lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickles (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let rest, then slice into thin strips.
- Make the white BBQ sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Assemble the subs: Toast the hoagie rolls lightly, then spread a generous amount of white BBQ sauce on both sides. Layer sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, and pickles as desired.
- Serve: Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal.
- White BBQ sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Add cheese or caramelized onions for a richer taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
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