These Easy White BBQ Chicken Subs are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is cooked and mixed with a creamy white BBQ sauce, all piled high in soft buns. Yum!
Honestly, who can resist a sandwich like this? I love how simple it is to make—just mix, pile, and enjoy! Perfect for a quick meal that feels special!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking. If you’re in a hurry, shredded rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut!
Buns: Sub sandwich rolls are perfect, but you can use any bread you like—try whole wheat, gluten-free buns, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Cheeses: I love mozzarella and cheddar for their melting qualities. If you have pepper jack on hand, it adds a nice spice, or ditch the dairy and try a vegan cheese!
Bacon: Cooked, crumbled bacon adds great flavor. If you prefer a meatless version, crispy tofu or smoked tempeh can work as substitutes.
White BBQ Sauce: Mayonnaise is the base for creaminess. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, which also adds a nice tang.
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly for Subs?
Cooking the chicken right is key for juicy and tender meat in your subs. Here’s how to get it done:
- Start by patting the chicken dry. Moisture can hinder browning.
- Season well! The spice mix boosts flavor—feel free to add more spices like cayenne or Italian seasoning.
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. This ensures good searing, which locks in juices.
- Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, checking that it reaches an internal temp of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and keeps the meat tender.
How to Make Easy White BBQ Chicken Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Subs:
- 4 sub sandwich rolls (hoagie buns), split
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or green leaf)
For the White BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp prepared horseradish (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total, including 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking the chicken and assembling the subs. It’s a quick yet delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the White BBQ Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish (if you like a little heat), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess if needed. Set aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a separate bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (the juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Assemble the Subs:
Place the bottom halves of the sub rolls on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the shredded lettuce and sliced chicken strips among the rolls.
5. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the cooked bacon, sliced red onion, and a mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken. Drizzle the creamy white BBQ sauce generously over the top.
6. Finish Up:
You can place the top halves of the rolls on the sandwiches or leave them open-faced if you prefer. If you’d like, briefly warm the assembled subs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese slightly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy White BBQ Chicken Subs are ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken can be a great time-saver. Just shred or chop the leftover chicken, then mix with the white BBQ sauce and assemble the subs!
What If I Don’t Have Horseradish for the BBQ Sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of horseradish, you can simply skip it or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. The sauce will still be delicious without it!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the white BBQ sauce a day in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken a bit during storage.
How Should I Store Leftover Subs?
If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll last up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving, taking care not to overheat and dry out the chicken.
