White BBQ Chicken Subs

Hot and delicious, White BBQ Chicken Subs are the perfect meal for any occasion. These hearty sandwiches feature tender chicken and flavorful shallots, all enveloped in a creamy Alabama-style white BBQ sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, these subs are sure to impress with their rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The tangy white BBQ sauce elevates the taste of tender chicken and melty cheese, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Sharing: With four servings in one recipe, these subs are great for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or parties.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love these cheesy, comforting sandwiches, making them a hit at the dining table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delectable recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process and ensure your White BBQ Chicken Subs turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken tenders evenly while allowing room for shallots to caramelize.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the creamy white BBQ sauce ingredients together smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for broiling the subs to achieve that golden-brown finish.

Ingredients

For the White BBQ Sauce

• 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon freshly cracked white pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon Creole mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 large garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Chicken Subs

• 14 ounces chicken tenders (about 6-8 tenders)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
• 2 French bread sub rolls (about a 10-inch length each)
• Extra white BBQ sauce for drizzling and dipping

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make White BBQ Chicken Subs

Step 1: Prepare the White BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the white BBQ sauce: mayonnaise, white vinegar, white pepper, Creole mustard, salt, sugar, pressed garlic, horseradish, lemon juice, and paprika. Whisk everything together until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides. Add them to the hot pan:
1. Cook for about 4 minutes until golden brown on one side.
2. Flip and cook for about 3 more minutes until no longer pink inside.

Step 3: Sauté Shallots

When you flip the chicken tenders:
* Add sliced shallots to the pan.
* Stir occasionally so they cook evenly alongside the chicken until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Combine Chicken Mixture

Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board:
1. Let cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped chicken with cooked shallots, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and about 1/2 cup of white BBQ sauce. Mix everything until well coated.

Step 5: Prepare Sub Rolls

Preheat your oven’s broiler:
* Slice French bread rolls horizontally down the middle without cutting all the way through; leave a hinge.
* Open rolls and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Assemble Subs

Divide the chicken mixture evenly between both sub rolls:
* Pack it in tightly as these are hearty sandwiches!
* Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over both sandwiches.

Step 7: Broil Subs

Place assembled subs under the broiler:
* Watch closely as they only need about 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly while edges toast up nicely.

Step 8: Serve

Remove hot subs from oven:
* Drizzle extra white BBQ sauce over each sub.
* Cut each sub in half crosswise for serving (making four servings).
Serve immediately while hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping!

How to Serve White BBQ Chicken Subs

Serving White BBQ Chicken Subs is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few creative touches. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal and impress your guests.

Make It a Feast

• Add a Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the subs.
• Offer Pickles: Tangy dill pickles provide a nice crunch and contrast to the creamy white BBQ sauce.
• Serve with Sweet Potato Fries: These fries add a sweet and savory element that pairs wonderfully with the subs.

Family Style Serving

• Set Up a DIY Station: Allow everyone to build their own subs by providing extra toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or additional white BBQ sauce.
• Create a Sharing Platter: Arrange the subs on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces for a fun and interactive meal.

How to Perfect White BBQ Chicken Subs

To make your White BBQ Chicken Subs truly unforgettable, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken, shallots, and herbs to maximize flavor.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust the tanginess of the white BBQ sauce by modifying the vinegar or mustard to suit your taste preference.
• Broil Carefully: Keep an eye on your subs while broiling to prevent burning; they only need a few minutes to achieve that perfect melt.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While Monterey Jack is delicious, try mixing in pepper jack or cheddar for added flavor dimensions.
• Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the sub rolls before filling them for an extra crunchy texture.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Top your finished subs with fresh parsley or cilantro for an aromatic touch.

Best Side Dishes for White BBQ Chicken Subs

Pairing side dishes with your White BBQ Chicken Subs can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides crunch and a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy subs.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter adds sweetness and complements the flavors in the sandwiches.
3. Potato Chips: Classic potato chips bring crunch and are easy to serve alongside your meal.
4. Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans add depth and heartiness that pairs well with chicken sandwiches.
5. Garden Salad: A simple garden salad brings freshness and balances out the richness of the subs.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers sweetness that can cleanse the palate after each hearty bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making White BBQ Chicken Subs, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your subs turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the sauce prep: Failing to prepare the white BBQ sauce in advance can lead to bland sandwiches. Take time to mix and chill the sauce, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken tenders for too long can make them dry. Monitor cooking times carefully and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Neglecting shallots: Not adding shallots or letting them burn can ruin the flavor balance. Stir them regularly as they cook so they caramelize nicely without burning.

• Not using enough cheese: Underestimating the amount of cheese can make your subs less indulgent. Use freshly shredded Monterey Jack generously for maximum gooeyness!

• Ignoring broiler watchfulness: Walking away during broiling can lead to burnt edges. Stay close and check frequently until your cheese is bubbly and golden.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover White BBQ Chicken Subs in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If possible, separate the filling from the bread to maintain freshness.

Freezing White BBQ Chicken Subs

• Wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
• Properly stored, they can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating White BBQ Chicken Subs

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap subs in foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add subs and cover with a lid for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats for these subs?

You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or even pulled pork for a delicious variation of White BBQ Chicken Subs.

How spicy is Alabama-style white BBQ sauce?

The sauce has a tangy flavor with a mild kick from horseradish. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less horseradish according to your taste.

What kind of bread works best for these subs?

French bread sub rolls are ideal due to their sturdy texture, but you could also use hoagie rolls or ciabatta if you prefer.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the white BBQ sauce and chicken mixture a day prior, then assemble and bake just before serving.

What sides pair well with White BBQ Chicken Subs?

These tasty subs go well with coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

White BBQ Chicken Subs are not only delicious but also versatile! They are perfect for quick dinners or gatherings with friends. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite toppings like pickles or jalapeños. Enjoy creating this flavorful meal that everyone will love!

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