Smoked Chicken Thighs with Alabama White Sauce

BBQ chicken is a worldwide tradition, but smoked BBQ chicken hails from the American south, and this dish is based on an unusual regional classic that belongs firmly to the state of Alabama.

Dry-rubbed chicken is first marinated overnight. It then gets a low, slow smoke treatment, creating an exceptionally tender chicken with a deep, smoky, spicy sweetness that is hard to stop eating. 

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This dish is best if prepared in a smoker, electric grill or wood/charcoal fire, but the flavor and texture can be approximated using an oven and the addition of liquid smoke to the marinade.

Smoked Chicken Thighs with Alabama White Sauce

Recipe by DrewCourse: MainCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

2

hours 
Marinade

4

Hours

Ingredients

  • Rub
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tbsp kosher salt

  • ½ tsp dry thyme

  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper

  • ½ tsp dry mustard

  • Chicken
  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs

  • Alabama Style White BBQ Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ½ cup cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp prepared horseradish

  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • ½ tsp thyme

  • ½ tsp cayenne vinegar

Directions

  • Dry Rubbed Smoked Chicken
  • Mix all rub ingredients well and generously coat chicken thighs.
  • Transfer to a plastic storage bag, remove as much air as possible, seal, and allow to marinate for at least 4 and up to 24 hours.
  • Prepare your smoker by bringing to 225° and charging with hickory chips. Smoke the chicken for 2-3 hours or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°. Serve with Alabama white sauce (below).
  • Alabama Style White BBQ Sauce
  • Mix all ingredients well and allow to rest in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving.

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2 Comments

  1. This dish is best if prepared in a smoker, electric grill or wood/charcoal fire.Thanks for share.David Brown famous for delicious smoker recipes, expert cooking methods, cooking tips, and tricks as well as for his cooking recipes.

  2. Pingback: Holiday Weekend Grilling Recipes – The Chicken Thigh Guy

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