These Easy White BBQ Chicken Subs are a tasty twist on your regular sandwich! Juicy chicken slathered in creamy white BBQ sauce, all tucked into a soft sub roll. Yum!
It’s easy to whip up and perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. Plus, if you make extras, they reheat like a dream—great for leftovers! Who doesn’t love more sandwiches?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: This is the main protein for the subs. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too!
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re avoiding mayo, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be a good alternative. It will still be creamy and delicious!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives a tangy kick to the sauce. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice will work as substitutes.
Horseradish: This adds a depth of flavor and some heat. If you’re not a fan of strong flavors, you can skip it entirely or use a milder condiment like wasabi.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its melty texture, but provolone or even cheddar can give a nice twist! Use what you prefer or have on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken just right is key to making delicious subs. Here’s how to make sure your chicken turns out juicy and tender:
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat to avoid burning the chicken. You can always increase the heat if needed.
- Cook the chicken until it’s golden on the outside and no longer pink inside (about 6-8 minutes). Use a meat thermometer if you have one; it should read 165°F (75°C).
By following these steps, your chicken will be flavorful and perfect for your subs!
Easy White BBQ Chicken Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon horseradish (prepared)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 sub sandwich rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take around 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need about 8 minutes for cooking the chicken, plus 10 minutes to bake the subs. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for your subs when it’s time to bake them!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a medium skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the pan. Cook the chicken until it is fully cooked and lightly browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove it from heat.
3. Make the White BBQ Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, horseradish, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious white BBQ sauce!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Now, take your cooked chicken pieces and toss them in the white BBQ sauce. Make sure all the chicken is well-coated for maximum flavor!
5. Prepare the Sub Rolls:
Take each sub roll and slice it lengthwise down the center, but not all the way through—leave a hinge so you can open it like a pocket.
6. Assemble the Subs:
Divide the sauced chicken evenly among the sub rolls. Make sure each roll gets a generous amount of that yummy chicken!
7. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle a good amount of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the chicken in each sub. The more cheese, the better!
8. Bake the Subs:
Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the subs from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Then they’re ready to serve! Enjoy your creamy, flavorful white BBQ chicken subs with your favorite sides!
FAQs for Easy White BBQ Chicken Subs
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw chicken is overnight in the refrigerator or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Store Leftover Subs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If you want the bread to stay crispy, reheating in the oven for a few minutes is best!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a mayo alternative, Greek yogurt or sour cream works great! These will maintain the creaminess while adding a slightly different flavor profile—perfect for those avoiding mayonnaise.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding hot sauce to the white BBQ sauce, or mix in diced jalapeños with the chicken. Alternatively, use a spicy mustard instead of Dijon for an extra kick!
