Chicken Thighs with Homemade Sauce: Grilled Alabama-Style
Grilled chicken thighs are one of my favorite things to cook on the grill. Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs with Homemade Alabama White Sauce are moist and tender with a mild spicy flavor that will make you love them. I mean, chicken thighs cook fast, which makes them the perfect weeknight dinner for you and your loved ones.
Because today, guys… today, we got chicken thighs! The most amazing, beautiful thing you will ever see or taste. Even if you don’t like chicken, you will like this one. Let’s go for it!
If you love flavorful grilled chicken, you’re in for a treat. These grilled chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and packed with bold, smoky flavors, all topped off with a tangy homemade Alabama white sauce. This easy chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs. Let’s get grilling!
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
| Step | Time |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Marinating Time | 2 hours |
| Cook Time | 20–25 minutes |
| Total Time | About 2.5 hours |
| Servings | 4–6 people |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Full of bold BBQ flavor
- Crispy skin, juicy meat
- Homemade creamy, tangy Alabama white sauce
- Perfect for grill lovers
Ingredients for Chicken Thigh Marinate
- 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (deboned but keep the skin)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons onion powder
- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
How to Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Debone the Chicken Thighs
Use sharp kitchen scissors or a small sharp knife to remove the bones from the thighs while keeping the skin intact. The skin will crisp up beautifully during grilling, so don’t skip this part!
Tip: Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw chicken.
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt. Mix well. Generously rub the spice mix all over the deboned chicken thighs.
Marinate with Mayo & Hot Sauce
Place the seasoned chicken in a large ziplock bag. Add 1 cup of mayonnaise and hot sauce. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the meat.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let all those flavors soak in.
Grill Time Chicken Thighs
Skewer and Grill
Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto skewers. Rolling each thigh helps them cook evenly and look great for presentation.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, flipping every 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)—this usually takes about 20–25 minutes.
Homemade Alabama White Sauce Recipe
Alabama white sauce is a tangy, creamy barbecue sauce with a bold punch. Originating from Big Bob Gibson BBQ in Decatur, Alabama, this sauce has become a Southern favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Perfect Alabama White Sauce
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Fat | ~32g |
| Carbohydrates | ~3g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~780mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.
Serving Suggestions: Chicken Thighs with Homemade Sauce
- Serve with grilled vegetables or corn on the cob.
- Pair with garlic mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
- Drizzle extra Alabama white sauce on top for a creamy kick.
Recipe Variations
- No spice? Skip the hot sauce for a milder version.
- Oven-friendly: Bake the thighs at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Boneless/skinless thighs: You can still use this marinade and sauce for skinless thighs if you prefer.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs
- Keep the skin on for crispy texture and extra flavor.
- Flip every 5 minutes while grilling to avoid burning.
- Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
FAQs
1. Can I make Alabama white sauce without mayo?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version. The sauce will be tangier but still creamy.
2. How long does Alabama white sauce last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Stir well before using, as separation is normal.
3. Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Broil 2-3 mins at the end for crispy skin.
4. Is Alabama white sauce spicy?
Not traditionally, but the hot sauce adds mild heat. Omit it or reduce to 1 tsp for a kid-friendly version.
5. Can I freeze Alabama white sauce?
No mayo-based sauces separate when frozen. Make it fresh for best results.
Conclusion
These grilled chicken thighs with Alabama white sauce are a game changer. Whether new to grilling or a seasoned pitmaster, this recipe is a must-try. Moist, smoky, crispy-skinned chicken meets creamy, tangy sauce, it’s love at first bite!
