A State-by-State Guide to the Most Iconic Foods in America

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Alabama: Chicken with White Barbecue Sauce

Alabama’s unique contribution to barbecue is a tangy, mayonnaise-based white sauce slathered over smoked chicken. This creamy “white barbecue” sauce dates back to the 1920s, when legendary pitmaster Bob Gibson in Decatur invented it as a way to keep his meats moist. Unlike the typical tomato-based BBQ sauces, Alabama’s white sauce adds a zesty kick of vinegar and pepper to tender chicken. It remains a regional specialty rarely spotted outside the state, making it a point of pride for Alabama barbecue fans. Decades later, locals still douse pulled chicken and even coleslaw in this beloved Southern sauce, preserving a flavorful tradition.