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–+ servings

Pecan Smoked Chicken with Alabama White Sauce – A Soul Food Classic

This pecan-smoked chicken brings rich, smoky flavors to the table, perfectly complemented by the tangy, creamy Alabama White Sauce.
A true soul food classic, this dish captures the essence of Southern barbecue, where the secret lies in the smoke.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups pecan wood chips for smoking, or as needed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 whole chicken cut up
  • Alabama White Sauce for drizzling

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Wood Chips: Soak the pecan wood chips in a large bowl of water while you get the chicken ready. This ensures they produce flavorful smoke rather than burning too quickly.
  • Season the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken pieces. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  • Set Up the Grill:
    Gas Grill: Drain the soaked wood chips and place them in the smoking tray of your grill. If your grill lacks a smoking tray, wrap the chips in aluminum foil, punch a few holes in the top, and place the packet on the cooking grate 10 minutes before cooking.
    Charcoal Grill: Drain the wood chips and place them directly on hot coals about 5 minutes before adding the chicken.
  • Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken on the grate and close the lid, keeping the vents slightly open to let the smoke circulate.
  • Monitor & Flip: After about 5 minutes, check for any hot spots or flare-ups. Let the chicken cook for 15 minutes, then flip each piece and continue grilling for another 15 minutes. Check every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 160°F. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes; the residual heat will bring it to the safe final temperature of 165°F.
  • Serve with Alabama White Sauce: Drizzle the warm chicken with Alabama White Sauce for a tangy, slightly sweet finish. This sauce perfectly enhances the smoky richness of the meat, making it a true Southern soul food experience.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, add more soaked pecan chips halfway through cooking.
  • The Alabama White Sauce is best prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Serve with classic soul food sides like collard greens, cornbread, or mac and cheese.
Keyword Alabama white sauce chicken, pecan-smoked chicken, smoked chicken soul food, soul food, Southern barbecue recipe, Southern smoked chicken
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