🥩 Pairings: Food & Drinks

This dish pairs beautifully with a fruity Pale Ale, an American blonde beer, or a crisp, zesty white wine like a California Sauvignon Blanc. Feeling adventurous? Try a dry farmhouse cider! But if you were in the U.S., you’d almost certainly go with a sweet tea.

🔥 Cooking Time

  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Marinating: 0 minutes
  • Total cook time: about 2 hours at 140°C (285°F) in the smoker

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp horseradish
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Remove the backbone from the chicken and cut it into 4 parts.
  2. Lightly oil the pieces and apply your favorite rub.
  3. Smoke the chicken at 140°C (285°F) until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (167°F).
  4. Meanwhile, mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
  5. Once the chicken is done, dip each piece in the sauce just before serving.

🧾 Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/4 chicken with sauce (~400 g cooked)

Calories: 982 kcal 🟧

Total Fat74 g🟥 106% DV
… Saturated Fat13.2 g🟥 66% DV
… Omega-30.35 g🟩 23% DV
Carbohydrates5.2 g🟩 2% DV
… Sugars3.8 g🟩 4% DV
Dietary Fiber0.6 g🟩 2% DV
Protein68 g🟥 136% DV
Cholesterol198 mg🟥 66% DV
Sodium2.4 g🟥 40% DV
Calcium42 mg🟩 5% DV
Iron3.5 mg🟩 25% DV
Vitamin B122.6 µg🟥 104% DV

*DV: Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet

🧬 Health Insights – Cancer + Diabetes

💡
🥗 Is this recipe healthy?

Big Bob Gibson Chicken is a Southern U.S. specialty, famous for its slow barbecue cooking and signature white sauce made with mayonnaise. This dish is full of flavor but includes certain elements that should be consumed in moderation depending on individual health profiles.

🧬 Click to expand

🧬 Cancer Risk or Benefit
Low-temperature indirect cooking (140°C / 285°F) helps minimize the formation of carcinogenic compounds such as PAHs and heterocyclic amines. However, the mayonnaise-based sauce—especially if using store-bought versions—may contain additives. For individuals with cancer, it’s recommended to:

  • Use homemade or additive-free light mayonnaise
  • Serve the chicken without the skin to reduce oxidized fat intake

🩺 Suitable for People with Diabetes?
This recipe is low in simple carbohydrates. However, the high fat content (especially saturated fats from mayonnaise) may contribute to weight gain or disrupt lipid metabolism in some diabetic individuals. To adapt it:

  • Lighten the sauce or serve it in small amounts
  • Pair with green or grilled vegetables instead of refined carbs

✅ Recommendations

  • Replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat content
  • Limit salt if you're following a low-sodium diet or have hypertension
  • Add fiber-rich vegetables to balance the sauce’s fat load

🔍 Summary
A flavorful, moderately healthy dish that benefits from being paired with high-fiber sides and a lighter sauce. Suitable for healthy individuals but should be adjusted for those with chronic health conditions.

Learn More About Big Bob Gibson


A Pioneer of American Barbecue

Big Bob Gibson is a legendary figure in American barbecue, having played a pivotal role in shaping the culinary traditions of the American South. Born in 1889 in Alabama, Gibson became renowned for his barbecue skills—especially for a sauce that left a lasting mark on the world of smoked meats.

Origins and Career of Big Bob Gibson

Gibson’s journey into barbecue started modestly, preparing meals for his co-workers in Decatur, Alabama. At the time, he worked for the L&N Railroad and would often organize lunchtime cookouts for fellow employees. These informal gatherings quickly gained popularity, and soon Gibson was asked to cater local events and parties.

In 1925, Gibson turned his passion into a full-time profession by opening his own restaurant: Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, which still operates today. The establishment became a mecca for barbecue lovers, drawing visitors from across the country for its bold flavors and signature sauces.

The Legacy of Big Bob Gibson’s Barbecue Sauce

One of Gibson’s most significant contributions to barbecue history is undoubtedly his iconic sauce. His original recipe—based on vinegar, mustard, and tomato—was celebrated for its balance and versatility, pairing beautifully with grilled chicken, pork, and beef.

But Gibson’s most famous innovation is the White Barbecue Sauce, a creamy and tangy blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices. Specifically crafted to accompany smoked chicken, this Alabama-born sauce has become a regional staple in Northern Alabama and a signature of Southern barbecue culture.

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q Today

Now run by Gibson’s descendants, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q continues to thrive, preserving the authentic spirit of Southern barbecue. The restaurant not only serves award-winning dishes but also competes nationally in barbecue championships—earning accolades and national recognition.

In 1997, Chris Lilly, a celebrated pitmaster and member of the Gibson family, launched the official Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q competition team. Since then, they’ve won numerous national and international titles, carrying forward Big Bob Gibson’s passion and legacy for generations to come.