That first hiss from the cooker tells you something good is happening. You sense the pressure build inside that cooker, and it's like a promise that dinner's gonna be juicy and tender. You spot the steam starting to puff, and you know you just set off a flavor train that's headed straight for your taste buds.
Then you wait a bit, and the house fills with that kinda cozy, savory smell. It's not fancy, but it feels right, like you're doing something real good for dinner. You remember the days you spent slow cooking and how this is just way faster but still just as tender.
When it hits that natural release stage you sorta hold your breath, knowing the tender pull is 'bout ready. And heck, the quick release sounds like a dinner bell ringing. You get ready to dig in with those buns waiting, picked out and ready for that saucy chicken to crown them.
Why This Recipe Works Every Single Time
- Pressure cooker locks in moisture for that tender pull every dang time.
- Alabama white sauce is creamy but tangy, giving the chicken its own kinda personality.
- Using apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire adds layers you wouldn't expect.
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning adds that salty, garlicky punch that keeps you coming back.
- Slow release lets flavors settle and meat become super juicy before you shred it.
The Complete Shopping Rundown
- Chicken Bone Broth or Stock. This stuff keeps the chicken moist as it cooks.
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. You can find this in most grocery stores or online and it's worth it.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts. Six of 'em, cause it feeds a good crowd or leftovers.
- Mayonnaise. The base of the Alabama white sauce, creamy and rich.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Gives that tang that wakes up the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce. Adds a bit of umami depth.
- Black Pepper. Fresh cracked tastes way better but whatever you got works.
- Dark Brown Sugar. Balances out the vinegar with just a bit of sweet.
- Kosher Salt. A dash to lift all the flavors.
- Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne. These spices round out the sauce with a little kick and savory goodness.
- Sandwich Rolls or Hamburger Buns. Choose your favorite buns to hold all that saucy goodness.
- Dill Pickles. Totally optional but give a fresh snap to the sandwich.
How It All Comes Together Step by Step
First, preheat your grill or smoker to medium heat. You wanna get that grill ready before the chicken hits so it cooks evenly. For a variety of pressure cooker meal ideas, check out our pressure cooker meals collection.
Next, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, black pepper, dark brown sugar, kosher salt, onion powder and Everything But The Bagel Seasoning in a bowl. This is your Alabama white sauce, all creamy and tangy.
Season the chicken breasts with a little extra black pepper and salt if you like. You want the meat to have some flavor on its own before it meets the sauce.
Throw the chicken on the grill now. Cook about 6 to 7 minutes per side or until chicken hits 165°F inside-safe and juicy. For cooking tips, see our guide on how to achieve perfect vegetable texture in pressure cooker recipes.
When chicken's done, take it off the heat and give it a few minutes to rest. Resting helps keep juices inside so the meat doesn't dry out when you shred it.
Use two forks to shred the chicken. Then toss it well with your Alabama white sauce. Serve it piled high on those buns, and drizzle some extra sauce on top if you want. Dill pickles on the side add a nice crunch!
Valve Hacks You Need to Know
- Quick Release. This gets your pressure cooker from high pressure to safe to open fast. Use it carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Natural Release. Best when you want meat super tender. You just let the cooker slowly lose pressure on its own.
- Slow Release. You can open the valve a bit to drip steam out gradually. Helps avoid splashing sauce or hot juice.
Your First Taste After the Wait
When you take that first bite, you feel the chicken's tenderness right away. It's so soft it kinda melts in your mouth. Similar to other tender dishes, try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe for a flavorful twist.
The Alabama white sauce hits you next with that tangy creaminess and little bit of spice from the cayenne. It's enough to keep you interested but not mask the chicken flavor.
You sense the subtle saltiness from the seasoning and the freshness the dill pickles bring if you added 'em. It's like a perfect combo of comfort and zest all wrapped in one sandwich.
Smart Storage That Actually Works
If you got leftovers, put shredded chicken in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For ideas on storing leftovers of other tasty dishes, browse our Easy Fried Rice tips.
You can also freeze the chicken mixed with sauce for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Store rolls separately to keep 'em from getting soggy until you're ready to eat again.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or water before warming in the pressure cooker or microwave. It helps keep that tender pull without drying out.
Everything Else You Wondered About
- Can I use chicken thighs? Totally, they stay juicy too. Adjust cooking time slightly if thighs are bone-in.
- What if I don't have Everything But The Bagel seasoning? Mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion flakes as a quick swap.
- Is Alabama white sauce spicy? Kinda, but the cayenne is just a hint to lift the flavors not burn your mouth.
- Can I make this without a grill? Yeah, you can cook chicken right in the pressure cooker with broth and then shred and mix sauce.
- How do I know when chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer if you got one. It should read 165°F inside.
- Why is slow release better sometimes? Slow release helps meat relax and reabsorb juices so it stays tender and full of flavor.
Alabama White Sauce Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Equipment
- 1 Grill Preheated to medium heat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup Chicken Bone Broth or Stock
- 1 tbsp. Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
- 6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire
- 1 tbsp. Black Pepper
- 2 tsp. Dark Brown Sugar
- ½ tsp. Kosher Salt
- ½ tsp. Onion Powder
- ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp. Cayenne
- 4 Sandwich Rolls or Hamburger Buns
- as needed Dill Pickles
Instructions
Instructions
- First, preheat your grill or smoker to medium heat.
- Mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, black pepper, dark brown sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, and Everything But The Bagel Seasoning in a bowl.
- Season the chicken breasts with a little extra black pepper and salt.
- Cook chicken on the grill about 6 to 7 minutes per side until chicken hits 165°F inside.
- When done, take chicken off the heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken and toss with Alabama white sauce.
- Serve the chicken on buns, optionally adding extra sauce and pickles.
