Alabama BBQ Chicken Chopped Sandwich Recipe

If you love bold flavors, crunchy textures, and viral-worthy food moments, this Alabama BBQ Chicken Chopped Sandwich is about to be your new obsession. Crispy fried chicken, fresh romaine, tangy dill pickles, and sharp red onion get chopped together and drenched in creamy, tangy Alabama white BBQ sauce, then stuffed into buttery toasted hoagie rolls. It’s messy in the best way, wildly satisfying, and dangerously easy to devour.

Perfect for quick dinners, game days, or casual parties, this chopped chicken sandwich delivers big Southern flavor in just 20 minutes and absolutely lives up to the hype.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and viral-worthy – Ready in 20 minutes with major wow factor
• Bold Southern flavor – Creamy, tangy Alabama white BBQ sauce shines
• Crunchy and satisfying – Crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, and pickles
• Perfect for parties – Easy to scale and fun to assemble
• Customizable – Make it as saucy, spicy, or stacked as you like

Ingredients

Sandwich Base

• Crispy fried chicken tenders (6–8) – The crunchy, juicy heart of the sandwich
• Romaine lettuce (3 cups, chopped) – Fresh crunch that balances the richness
• Dill pickles (½ cup + splashes of brine) – Tangy bite and signature flavor
• Red onion (¼ cup, sliced) – Sharp, savory contrast
• Hoagie rolls (4, soft sesame preferred) – Sturdy enough to hold the chopped filling
• Butter (4 tablespoons) – For golden, crispy toasted rolls

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

• Mayonnaise (1¼ cups) – Creamy base
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons) – Classic Alabama tang
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon) – Sharp depth
• Brown sugar (2 teaspoons) – Subtle sweetness
• Creamy horseradish (2 teaspoons) – Signature heat and bite
• Fresh lemon juice (2 teaspoons) – Brightens the sauce
• Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon) – Savory umami
• Hot sauce (2 teaspoons) – Gentle heat
• Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon, or less) – Optional extra kick
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon) – Savory backbone
• Onion powder (½ teaspoon) – Rounds out the flavor
• Salt and pepper (about ½ teaspoon each) – Balances everything

How to Make Alabama BBQ Chicken Chopped Sandwiches

1. Make the Alabama White BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt, heat, or acidity as needed. Set aside.

2. Warm the Chicken

Make sure the fried chicken tenders are hot and crispy. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for a few minutes if needed to restore crunch.

3. Toast the Rolls

Split the hoagie rolls and butter the insides. Toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and lightly crisp. Set aside.

4. Chop the Filling

On a large cutting board, layer the romaine lettuce, dill pickles, red onion, and warm chicken tenders. Using a sharp knife, chop everything together until you get a chopped-salad texture with some larger pieces still intact.

5. Sauce and Chop Again

Drizzle the Alabama white BBQ sauce over the chopped mixture. Chop and fold a few more times until everything is evenly coated and creamy.

6. Assemble and Serve

Pile the chopped chicken mixture generously into the toasted hoagie rolls. Add an extra drizzle of sauce if desired and serve immediately while warm and crunchy.

Tips for Success

• Reheat chicken before chopping to keep it crispy
• Don’t over-chop; texture is key
• Toast the rolls well so they don’t get soggy
• Start with less sauce and add more to taste
• A splash of pickle brine boosts tanginess

Equipment Needed

• Large cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl
• Skillet or broiler for toasting
• Air fryer or oven (optional, for reheating chicken)

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Lover’s Version: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne to the sauce
• Buffalo-Style: Swap some BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce
• Slider Party Version: Serve on mini buns for easy sharing
• Grilled Chicken Option: Use chopped grilled chicken for a lighter take

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crispy fries or kettle chips
• Pair with coleslaw or potato salad for Southern vibes
• Add extra pickles or pickled jalapeños on the side
• Perfect with iced tea or lemonade

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce and chopped vegetables can be prepped ahead, but chop and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

How long does Alabama white BBQ sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps for up to 3 days and tastes even better as it sits.

What’s the best chicken to use?
Crispy fried tenders work best, whether homemade or store-bought.

Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit cayenne and hot sauce.

Does this work for parties?
Absolutely. Keep the chopped mixture warm and toast bread right before serving for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Alabama BBQ Chicken Chopped Sandwich is crunchy, tangy, creamy, and completely addictive. It’s the kind of bold, over-the-top comfort food that steals the show at dinners, parties, and game days alike. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that delivers huge flavor and serious crowd appeal, this one belongs at the top of your list.

Print