Grill/Barbecue
Alabama-Style Chicken Kebabs
Popular on Food52
139 Reviews
Anonymous
June 2, 2021
The chicken was GREAT. But the “dipping sauce” was AMAZING! To me, its all about that basting sauce! Advantage of this recipe over a “marinade?” You don't have to think about this the day, or hours before, to marinate over night, or whatever! I don't always plan ahead! This one is good to go, right away! I haven’t tried it yet, but I also think the reserved basting sauce would make a good salad dressing! I think I could drink that stuff! One other tip: dont cut the pieces of chicken too small, or overcook!
Anne
May 3, 2021
Have you tried marinating the chicken pieces in the sauce (reserving some) before grilling and still basting??
inpatskitchen
May 4, 2021
Hi Anne! I haven't because the chicken was so tender without time in a marinade. I don't see why it wouldn't be wonderful by doing it though....hope you let me know how it turns out if you do.
Hollis R.
March 7, 2019
most, if not all, Alabama White Sauce recipes i've read call for a heck of a lot more pepper -- and it probably should be fresh-cracked on a *big* setting on a pepper mill, unless crunching on large-ish nuggets of black pepper isn't to your liking. i like the idea of using the Alabama (Black Peppery) White Sauce as a dip, once it's been properly peppered.
inpatskitchen
March 7, 2019
Thanks for your interest Hollis! This was just another "take" on white sauce (sweeter with a different heat than black pepper and horseradish). Hope you give this a try!
Zach
August 11, 2018
Signed up to thank you for this recipe. If anyone is out off by the mayonnaise (I was) just go ahead and make it. The flavors come together amazingly. I almost didn't make it after tasting the sauce. I'm so glad I did!
Linda D.
July 13, 2018
Thank you so much for the most flavorful moist chicken kabobs I have ever eaten, Pat. The next time I make this, I will try horseradish or harissa instead of the sambal oelek. I will keep the ingredient ratios in mind as I do not care to have that much sauce on hand. I have a very small refrigerator (we live in a motor home) and space is at a premium.
inpatskitchen
July 13, 2018
Thanks Linda! I'm so happy you enjoyed...horseradish is traditional in the sauce so I'm sure the kebabs will be great!
Caroline C.
September 4, 2017
I made these kabobs (again) at a family BBQ and people went nuts for them! My nephew (11) has demanded these for his birthday dinner. The key is to baste and turn on a well prepared grill so that you get the perfect ratio of juicy chicken to bits of charred edges.
Lisa H.
June 28, 2017
These kebabs were terrific! Very juicy and flavorful. I did use two tablespoons of sambal oelek and next time, I may use even a little bit more. We had quite a bit of leftover sauce, which I used to grill a pork tenderloin a few days later. This one is a keeper for sure.
inpatskitchen
June 28, 2017
Thanks so much Lisa! Leftover sauce is terrific on all sorts stuff (my fave is shrimp!)
Theresa
June 19, 2017
I had high hopes for this chicken BBQ recipe. Having spent a bit of time in Alabama, I wanted to introduce a bit of Alabama BBQ flavor to my husband and sons. Unfortunately, it was not for them. Although they said the chicken was very moist, they didn't like the BBQ basting sauce AT ALL and this recipe went into the category of "unanimous thumbs down" :(
inpatskitchen
June 19, 2017
Sorry you weren't happy but I understand that everyone has different tastes. Hopefully you've found a chicken kebab you like.
Jennifer M.
June 1, 2017
I made Smashed Potatoes...
http://www.finecooking.com/recipe/crispy-smashed-roasted-potatoes
http://www.finecooking.com/recipe/crispy-smashed-roasted-potatoes
Lorrie H.
May 31, 2017
This was great! Thanks! Any ideas about what to serve with?
inpatskitchen
June 1, 2017
Thanks Lorrie! We usually have a spinach salad with it but any of the usual BBQ sides would be great: slaw, corn on the cob, etc.
Jennifer M.
May 1, 2017
Making this tonight as I have chicken breasts that have nothing to do and a jar of mayo that is bored.
inpatskitchen
May 1, 2017
Once that sambal gets added to the mayo it won't be bored! Thanks for trying this...sure hope you like it.
Jennifer M.
May 2, 2017
Made it...it was fantastic! My husband loved it! I wasn't able to grill it outside due to weather but used grill pan. Will make again!!
inpatskitchen
May 2, 2017
I'm so happy you liked it.Thanks!! I'm planning this for dinner as soon as we get rid of this rain....
Nanners
May 28, 2016
Just grilled this tonight on charcoal barbeque and my husband who is not a fan of chicken,,,, said that this is the best chicken he has ever had, THANK-YOU FOR SHARING.... this meal was absolutely fantastic and can not wait to share with my friends. KUDOS to you!!
Caroline C.
December 17, 2015
I made these on an indoor grill pan since there are heaps and heaps of snow outside. The results looked just like the photo above: Charred edges, juicy, flavorful meat. Very delicious.
Idalu
October 30, 2015
Made this fir a BBQ this past summer and everyone wanted more including the kids. A keeper.
Christinekim
June 28, 2015
How long should the chicken cook for, or should I be testing with a thermometer till they reach 165? Thanks
inpatskitchen
June 28, 2015
A thermometer is a good idea... timing depends on your grill so I can't give you an accurate one.
Jennifer
June 17, 2015
We made this with chicken wings and they were gone instantly! I was hoping for leftovers, but no luck! Simply delicious! I will make this again and again. Thanks so much for sharing!
Ronna R.
June 16, 2015
We made these yesterday, exactly as the recipe indicates (other than we used our on hand "Rooster Sauce"- Sriracha, instead of sambal oelek). It is FANTASTIC. We've never had grilled chicken that wasn't marinated turn out THIS moist and THIS delicious!! It was even good as leftovers..cold!! We will make this again, and again, and again! It was awesome! We did a side of grilled mushrooms, onions, zucchini and yellow squash. It was HEAVEN!
inpatskitchen
June 16, 2015
THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU!! We just love this too...so happy you enjoyed!
Jean N.
May 8, 2015
My family loved this. I grilled some skewers of mini peppers and onions along with the chicken kabobs, great combo.
karencooks
May 8, 2015
Thanks for suggesting skewering and grilling mini peppers and onions!!! I will definitely do that the next time I make this recipe.
inpatskitchen
May 8, 2015
Thanks so much Jean! I'm so happy all enjoyed and love the idea of peppers and onions to go along with the chicken!
karencooks
May 4, 2015
Yesterday we grilled and basted split chicken breasts with this delicious sauce!!! Can't wait to serve to family and friends this summer!
Paulette M.
April 9, 2015
What are you serving with it?
inpatskitchen
April 9, 2015
Depends on the occasion...usually a spinach salad if it's just the two of us. I like it with rice also.
Manhattan T.
March 28, 2015
It's rare that my family goes on and on about so basic a preparation, but they did and this certainly was. I followed the recipe to a T, despite my reservations about the 1/4 cup of sugar; it didn't disappoint. Though I'm frequently guilty of using low-fat mayo, I sucked it up and bought the full-fat kind (and I'm glad I did). That said, my husband said that there were several flare-ups from the fat in the mayo, so mindfulness at the barbeque was a must. I made the full recipe and next time will make much more chicken, as everybody ate substantially more than normal and I would've loved to have had more leftovers for a salad -- and used that fabulous sauce as the dressing! As it was, I used the leftover chicken as a pizza topping with Bermuda onions and a drizzle of the leftover dressing; it was rich and fabulous. Thanks, Inpatskitchen. This is a winner!
inpatskitchen
March 28, 2015
So happy the whole family enjoyed! I made these for a family BBQ last summer along with some pork kebabs and beef kebabs and the chicken was the first to go and was a hit with all (including the little ones!). And your pizza sounds amazing!
Nancy
March 4, 2015
Let's just say I'm obsessed! The sauce is outstanding. I even just drizzled it over a salad I made with last nights chicken. I used chile garlic sauce instead of sambal oelek, which after googling are essentially the same. I used double amount of the chile and I'm not a super spicy kind of girl, but it gives a nice bite. The sauce makes a ton. I recommend cutting it by half unless you double amount of chicken called for in the recipe. Yum!
Marah S.
January 20, 2015
Can you substitute the sambal oelek?
inpatskitchen
January 20, 2015
You can use Sriracha if you can't find the sambal...or are you thinking of something less spicy?
inpatskitchen
January 21, 2015
Are you in the US near a large city? I find the sambal in the Asian section of my local Kroger and at Asian markets.
Marah S.
January 21, 2015
Ironically I live in Alabama. Near Birmingham. I might find it at whole foods or Publix. I was originally thinking the regular spice section..didn't think about the Asian section.
Stephen P.
January 27, 2015
Sambal oelek is in most grocery stores in the Asian section. If you can't find it, look for something called Chili Garlic sauce. It's pretty much the same.
Lynne A.
January 18, 2015
My husband has a hate of vinegar - do you think I could substitute lemon juice?
inpatskitchen
January 18, 2015
You can certainly try it...some Alabama white sauces have both cider vinegar and lemon juice.
derrell.akins
January 12, 2015
What is sambal oelek ?
inpatskitchen
January 12, 2015
It's a ground fresh chili paste normally available in the Asian section of supermarkets or at Asian grocers. Extremely spicy but oh so good!
lydia.sugarman
January 11, 2015
This apartment dweller can't grill outside. Thinking you could marinate chicken cutlets in the sauce and either broil or pan grill, then serve w/ reserved sauce.
meganvt01
July 27, 2014
Amazing recipe pat. Your sauce transforms simple chicken breast into something so special. Thanks for a great meal!
Anne S.
May 28, 2014
Am I missing a point? Where does the sauce come in, it isn't mentioned in the recipe, is it used as a marinade? The recipe, by the way, sounds totally irresistible!
inpatskitchen
May 28, 2014
I see what you mean Anne. I meant to say to "start basting with the sauce" that wasn't reserved. Hope this helps.
inpatskitchen
May 28, 2014
For some reason I can't edit the recipe. Please let me know how it goes for you!
Lori
May 28, 2014
I make a similar dish using Yogurt, Red wine vinegar, lemons, garlic and Aleppo Pepper. I will give this recipe a try and see if it is better, but I love the yogurt recipe!
Bryan
February 18, 2014
This white sauce is amazing, I cooked over indirect heat for a while on the grill basting several times then flipped up the heat and basted for a few more minutes, great recipe. This white sauce can go on anything. I'm going to use leftovers on salmon tonight to see how it is. I've made a different version of this sauce that used some other (in my opinion unnecessary) ingredients including horseradish on chicken wings, I'll look forward to trying this on wings w/ skin on.
inpatskitchen
February 18, 2014
Thanks Bryan! Salmon and wings sound wonderful! I've used the sauce on shrimp and really like it. Now you've got me wanting to dig the grill out of the snow! Welcome to Food52!
thirteenJ
February 18, 2014
IPK/Detroit/Cleveland!
I keep seeing recipes for cauliflower "wingdings" with Frank's Redhot. I'm gonna try Alabama Style!
I keep seeing recipes for cauliflower "wingdings" with Frank's Redhot. I'm gonna try Alabama Style!
Julia
July 17, 2013
This was so yummy! A huge hit at my house! We put some extra sauce on our corn on the cob. :)
inpatskitchen
July 17, 2013
Thanks so much Julia! I love the idea of the sauce with corn...will try next time!!
LeeLeeBee
July 4, 2013
LOVED this recipe. We are chile addicts, so we used two tablespoons of sambal oelek, and will probably use three or four next time. The sauce needed a touch more salt - perhaps one teaspoon total. The recipe makes a lot of sauce, and we might just make 2/3 next time.
sexyLAMBCHOPx
June 25, 2013
You must enter your tasty sauce in the Hellman's Mayonnaise Mario Batali contest. Here's the link if you're interested. Made your recipe 2x - delicious! https://apps.facebook.com/hellmannsbirthday/default.aspx?site=hellmanns&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=Hellmanns_2013&noredir=true
sexyLAMBCHOPx
June 26, 2013
I didn't receive your message - not surprised. I haven't received any notifications in about 1 1/2 either. I've emailed the editors over a year ago but no resolution. : (
inpatskitchen
June 26, 2013
Boy I know how that is! Anyway this contest seems to only allow one to add ingredients to a Batali recipe and doesn't allow any deletions of his ingredients. Any suggestions?
za'atar
June 11, 2013
This sauce is fantastic! I tried it on chicken and can't wait to try it out on all kinds of other meat and veggies.
Kukla
May 29, 2013
Many Congratulations Pat and thanks for adding another great recipe to our arsenal!!!
TheWimpyVegetarian
May 29, 2013
You and your recipes will always be winners in my kitchen, Pat! Many congrats on your wonderful recipe making it into the finals circle :-)
darksideofthespoon
May 29, 2013
We're making this again tonight despite the rain. Addictive! Congrats on being a runner up - you're a winner in my heart though ;)
inpatskitchen
May 29, 2013
Thanks so much darksideofthespoon! I'm so glad you're enjoying this....and thanks for your warm thoughts.
Texas E.
May 27, 2013
Add my accolades to your list. Perfect for a weekend barbecue. I've had white sauce before, but this was by far the best.
inpatskitchen
May 28, 2013
I'm so happy you enjoyed! We had the family over yesterday and they were a hit! Thanks so much!!
hardlikearmour
May 26, 2013
Congratulations! Love your blend of tangy, spicy, and sweet. I can't wait to try these!
inpatskitchen
May 26, 2013
Thanks so much HLA! Just whipped up the sauce for tomorrow's BBQ...let me know if you try it.
fiveandspice
May 25, 2013
Congrats on being a finalist Pat! These look phenomenal!!! Pretty perfect for Memorial Day weekend, I'd say.
inpatskitchen
May 25, 2013
Thanks Emily! They actually are on the menu along with some steak kebabs and Greek pork and lamb kebabs. Have a wonderful holiday!
thirteenJ
May 25, 2013
Good Luck, IPK!
I love your sweet sauces!
Trying this with tofu.
I love your sweet sauces!
Trying this with tofu.
thirteenJ
May 28, 2013
Wow! The longer you can leave this on the grill and keep adding layers and layers of sauce, the better! I did 1" cubes of 'fu, but will change that to 1/2" slices (double skewered) to increase surface area...to hold more sauce!!
sexyLAMBCHOPx
May 24, 2013
In my recipe box to try (have to use a sugar substitute though), congrats.
Kate's K.
May 24, 2013
Great alternative to the traditional red sauce - yummy, spicy and moist. Using mesquite chips while grilling adds another dimension of flavor. Congrats inpatskitchen!
TheWimpyVegetarian
May 23, 2013
My whole family is from Alabama and this is totally new to me!!! I love how it sounds!!! Many congrats to you on being a finalist. I'm so happy for you!!
Kukla
May 23, 2013
Congratulations Pat!Your sauce sounds fantastic and would be delicious on all kind of grilled meats and fish!
Loves F.
May 23, 2013
Love the idea of basting with something creamy! Can't we just have two winners this time around!? Both these finalist sauces look killer!!
BlueKaleRoad
May 23, 2013
Congratulations on being a finalist, Pat! I can't wait to try your white barbecue sauce. Sounds amazing!
foxeslovelemons
May 23, 2013
Yayyyyy you're a finalist! As soon as I tasted this recipe, I KNEW you would be. This was my headnote for it:
I can't say enough great things about this recipe - it was outstanding. Being immersed in the food world day in and day out, it's very rare that I see a combination of ingredients I simply haven't seen before and would never have thought of on my own. Mayonnaise with sambal oelek? THIS was new to me, and it was genius. The sauce is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, creamy and spicy. It was delicious on grilled chicken kabobs, but I think it would be equally amazing on almost anything - pork, beef, grilled vegetables, or used as a dipping sauce or a sandwich spread. I'll make this again and again, and marvel at it's brilliance each time.
I can't say enough great things about this recipe - it was outstanding. Being immersed in the food world day in and day out, it's very rare that I see a combination of ingredients I simply haven't seen before and would never have thought of on my own. Mayonnaise with sambal oelek? THIS was new to me, and it was genius. The sauce is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, creamy and spicy. It was delicious on grilled chicken kabobs, but I think it would be equally amazing on almost anything - pork, beef, grilled vegetables, or used as a dipping sauce or a sandwich spread. I'll make this again and again, and marvel at it's brilliance each time.
inpatskitchen
May 23, 2013
Wow! Thanks so much for the wonderful review! Anything with sambal oelek is a favorite in my book! I truly appreciate your kind words!
darksideofthespoon
May 23, 2013
Congratulations on being a finalist! After trying this recipe I can sure see why it was picked. :)
darksideofthespoon
May 13, 2013
Mmm! Just the kind of recipe I was looking for, making this tonight for supper for sure.
darksideofthespoon
May 14, 2013
I split the recipe by 4, since it's just me, hubby and baby. I marinated the chicken, some prawns in the sauce all day long! We threw on Red Pepper, Pearl Onions, Mushrooms and Cherry Tomatoes with the chicken and prawns. SO GOOD. I was actually most impressed with the taste of the prawns, they really sucked up the mayo and were so creamy and tender - despite the charring. We used the minimal amount of Sambal and next time I would use more for myself (not for my 1 year old, haha!) and maybe more salt. Either way, this was awesome! We will make it again this summer for sure.
inpatskitchen
May 14, 2013
So glad you enjoyed this! I've done this with shrimp also and you're right...it's so good! Thanks so much for trying this!
sel E.
May 11, 2013
Anything with sambal oelek is right up my alley. Would kewpie mayonnaise work for the sauce or am I better off with a more traditional mayo?
inpatskitchen
May 11, 2013
I've never had kewpie mayo but after just reading about it, it sounds fantastic! Let me know...I'll be off buying some next time I'm at my Asian market.
See what other Food52ers are saying.