White Bbq Chicken Subs Recipe

The Zesty White BBQ Chicken Subs Recipe You’ll Adore

Summertime calls for easy, mouthwatering meals that bring white BBQ chicken subs to your weekend gatherings.

Tender, juicy chicken gets slathered in a tangy Alabama-style white sauce that packs serious flavor.

The creamy blend of mayo, vinegar, and spices creates a zesty coating that makes every bite irresistible.

Crisp vegetables and soft submarine rolls complete this crowd-pleasing sandwich.

Packed with Southern charm and backyard barbecue spirit, these subs deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

The combination of grilled chicken and signature white sauce turns an ordinary meal into a delectable experience.

White BBQ Chicken Subs – Big Flavor Boost

  • Simplify Meal Prep: This recipe transforms a tough cut of beef into a mouthwatering, tender sandwich with minimal hands-on cooking, perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
  • Maximize Flavor Potential: Combining Italian seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini juice creates a rich, tangy sauce that infuses the beef with incredible depth and zest.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: These hearty subs are a guaranteed hit for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual potlucks, satisfying everyone from kids to adults with their irresistible taste.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Easily customize the sandwich with different cheeses, add extra peppers, or serve over rice for a flexible meal that adapts to your preferences.

Ingredient Rundown for BBQ Chicken Subs

Main Protein:
  • Beef Chuck Roast: A tender cut of meat perfect for slow cooking and creating juicy, flavorful shredded beef.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Italian Seasoning Mix, Au Jus Gravy Mix: A combination of herbs and seasonings that adds depth and rich flavor to the meat.
Liquid Components:
  • Beef Broth, Pepperoncini Juice: Provides moisture and enhances the overall taste of the beef during slow cooking.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Pepperoncini Peppers: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the meat.
  • Sandwich Rolls: The base for serving the shredded beef.
  • Provolone Cheese: Optional topping for extra creaminess and flavor.

BBQ Chicken Sub Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle white barbecue sauce mix, garlic powder, and onion powder over the chicken breasts.

Step 3: Add Liquid Components

  • Chicken broth
  • White vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce

Pour these liquid ingredients over the chicken to help keep it moist during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat completely.

Return shredded chicken to the cooking liquid and mix well.

Step 6: Prepare the Subs

Slice submarine rolls lengthwise and lightly toast them in the oven or on a griddle until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble the Subs

Generously pile shredded chicken onto the toasted rolls.

Top with:
  • Sliced provolone cheese
  • Chopped green onions
  • Additional white barbecue sauce

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the subs immediately while warm and crispy.

Pair with a side of coleslaw or potato chips for a complete meal.

Tips for Tender BBQ Chicken Subs

  • Let the chuck roast cook slowly for 8-10 hours to ensure maximum softness and easy shredding.
  • Add pepperoncini juice and sliced peppers to infuse tangy, zesty notes into the beef.
  • Toast sandwich rolls before adding beef to create a crispy base and help provolone cheese melt beautifully.
  • Reserve cooking liquid to keep shredded beef moist and prevent dryness when serving.
  • Prepare larger batches and store leftovers in the refrigerator for quick sandwiches throughout the week.

BBQ Sub Variations for Weeknights

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace Italian seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix with gluten-free alternatives. Use gluten-free sandwich rolls to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Substitute regular beef broth with low-sodium beef broth. Reduce or eliminate pepperoncini juice to lower salt content while maintaining flavor.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap beef chuck roast with jackfruit or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add mushroom seasoning for umami depth.
  • Spicy Pepper Lovers: Add extra sliced jalapeños or habanero peppers alongside pepperoncini. Increase heat level for those who enjoy more intense spicy flavors.

Serve Up BBQ Chicken Subs

  • Flavor Explosion Plate: Pair the subs with crispy seasoned potato wedges or crunchy coleslaw for a complete meal that adds texture and zest.
  • Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these subs in foil for outdoor adventures, camping trips, or beach lunches where hearty sandwiches shine.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Transform the recipe into slider-style mini sandwiches for sports watching parties, making them easy to grab and share with friends.
  • Leftover Magic Remix: Use remaining shredded beef in salads, over rice, or stuffed into baked potatoes for delicious next-day meals that prevent food waste.

Storage for BBQ Chicken Subs

  • Transfer leftover shredded beef to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Pack cooled beef in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no freezer burn develops.
  • Place beef in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

  • What is white BBQ sauce?

A tangy, creamy sauce originating from Alabama, made with mayonnaise, vinegar, black pepper, and sometimes horseradish, creating a unique zesty flavor different from traditional red BBQ sauce.

  • Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, chuck roast works best, but you can also use beef brisket or bottom round roast for similar tender results in the slow cooker.

  • How spicy are pepperoncini peppers?

Pepperoncini are mild peppers with a slight tang and very light heat, typically ranging between 100-500 Scoville units, making them gentle and flavorful without overwhelming spiciness.

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White Bbq Chicken Subs Recipe

White Bbq Chicken Subs Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Alabama white BBQ chicken subs deliver Southern comfort with tangy sauce and juicy grilled meat nestled in pillowy rolls. Zesty flavors and simple ingredients promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 34 pounds beef chuck roast

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix

Liquid and Additional Components:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 0.5 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (plus juice)
  • 46 sandwich rolls
  • Sliced provolone cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Position the beef chuck roast centrally in the slow cooker, ensuring even placement.
  2. Generously distribute Italian seasoning and au jus gravy mix across the entire surface of the roast.
  3. Carefully pour beef broth and pepperoncini juice around the meat, creating a flavorful liquid base.
  4. Scatter sliced pepperoncini peppers evenly around and over the roast for additional tang and aroma.
  5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the meat to tenderize for 8-10 hours until it easily pulls apart.
  6. Using two forks, methodically shred the beef, then gently fold the meat back into the cooking juices for maximum flavor absorption.
  7. Lightly toast sandwich rolls until golden and crisp around the edges, creating a sturdy foundation for the meat.
  8. Layer the succulent shredded beef onto the toasted rolls, optionally crowning with melted provolone cheese for extra richness.
  9. Serve immediately while warm, ensuring each sandwich captures the deep, savory essence of the slow-cooked roast.

Notes

  • Ensure fork-tender meat by cooking on low heat for the full recommended time, allowing connective tissues to break down completely.
  • The combination of beef broth and pepperoncini juice creates a tangy, rich braising liquid that infuses deep flavor into the meat.
  • For extra melty goodness, place provolone cheese on warm beef and briefly broil to create a golden, bubbling top.
  • Use gluten-free rolls and check seasoning mix ingredients for those with gluten sensitivities to make this recipe accessible to more people.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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