7 Alabama Smokehouses Where Smoked Chicken Rules the Plate

Barbecue traditions in Alabama are as varied as the state itself, but smoked chicken holds a special place on the menu. Paired with the state’s signature white sauce, a tangy, mayonnaise-based creation invented in Decatur, smoked chicken appears at roadside shacks, family-run restaurants, and regional chains.

What sets it apart is the balance of hickory smoke, tender meat, and sauces that range from peppery to mild. These seven smokehouses highlight how smoked chicken continues to define Alabama barbecue culture.

1. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (Decatur)

Legend meets local flavor at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, the birthplace of Alabama white sauce. Since opening in 1925, the restaurant has defined the state’s smoked chicken tradition. Chickens are cooked low and slow over hickory until the meat turns tender, then dunked in Bob Gibson’s original white sauce, a creamy, peppery mixture designed to keep the poultry moist and flavorful.

The restaurant’s approach to smoked chicken has earned it national recognition, including numerous barbecue championships. The dining room fills quickly, especially on weekends, as both locals and travelers make the pilgrimage to taste history on a plate.

Whether you prefer your chicken served generously coated in white sauce or with a side for dipping, Big Bob Gibson continues to set the standard. For those curious about the roots of Alabama barbecue, this stop offers both culinary satisfaction and cultural context.

2. Saw’s BBQ (Birmingham)

Step into Saw’s BBQ and you’ll find a buzzing crowd drawn by the aroma of hickory smoke. The smoked chicken here is one of the stars of the menu, known for its balance of juicy tenderness and a smoke level that doesn’t overpower the meat. House-made white sauce brings a tangy contrast, tying the flavors together in true Alabama fashion.

Saw’s combines a neighborhood feel with Birmingham’s energy. Plates of chicken arrive alongside collard greens, mac and cheese, and other Southern staples, making for a hearty and well-rounded meal.

Diners often mention the laid-back atmosphere that encourages lingering with friends over second helpings. For a taste of Birmingham’s evolving food scene that still respects tradition, Saw’s smoked chicken is a reliable favorite.

3. Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q (Vestavia Hills)

Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q has been serving Vestavia Hills since the 1980s, and its smoked chicken has developed a reputation as one of the area’s best. The meat is cooked over hickory, achieving a subtle smokiness that enhances rather than masks the chicken’s natural flavor.

A house white sauce, made according to a recipe closely guarded by the family, adds tang and depth to every bite. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with checkered tablecloths and welcoming service. Sides like slaw and baked beans are prepared fresh, complementing the chicken without stealing the spotlight.

For many families in the Birmingham area, Miss Myra’s is a tradition in itself, a place where gatherings are held, memories are made, and Alabama’s barbecue heritage is carried forward one plate at a time.

4. Archibald’s BBQ (Northport)

Since the early 1960s, Archibald’s BBQ has been a Tuscaloosa-area landmark, famous for ribs but beloved by insiders for its smoked chicken. Cooked over hickory coals in a small brick building, the chicken comes out deeply flavorful, tender, and unfussy. The focus here is on honest barbecue, no frills, no gimmicks, just smoke, fire, and seasoned poultry.

The charm of Archibald’s lies in its simplicity. Orders are served without fanfare, often accompanied by a slice of white bread to soak up juices. The wait can be long, especially at peak hours, but the patience pays off with every smoky bite.

Archibald’s stands as proof that some of Alabama’s best barbecue still comes from small pits tended with decades of dedication.

5. Full Moon Bar-B-Que (Multiple Locations)

What began as a single Birmingham restaurant in the 1980s has grown into a statewide chain, but Full Moon still gives smoked chicken the attention it deserves. Each piece is smoked until moist and tender, then served with a drizzle of tangy white sauce that keeps flavors consistent from one town to the next.

A unique flourish is the addition of the restaurant’s chow-chow relish, which adds a sweet crunch to the savory chicken. Despite its growth, Full Moon maintains a family-friendly atmosphere where smoked chicken remains one of the most dependable choices.

Sides like potato salad and fried green tomatoes round out the plate, offering comfort food with regional flair. Travelers crisscrossing Alabama often stop at Full Moon, knowing that no matter the location, the smoked chicken carries the same hallmarks of quality and flavor.

6. Thomas Pit Bar-B-Q (Tuscaloosa)

Just outside downtown Tuscaloosa, Thomas Pit Bar-B-Q makes its presence known with stacked woodpiles and smoke rising from the pit. The restaurant has been a local fixture for decades, relying on hickory-fired cooking that imparts a rich aroma and deep color to its smoked chicken.

Each bird is cooked patiently until the skin turns golden and the meat stays tender throughout. Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and timeless, where regulars swap stories over plates of chicken and classic sides.

Loyal customers often point to the consistency of the smoked chicken as its greatest strength, never rushed, never compromised, always rooted in traditional barbecue methods. For many in Tuscaloosa, Thomas Pit is a reminder that smoked chicken remains at the heart of Alabama barbecue culture.

7. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (Birmingham)

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint brought its Tennessee-born reputation for whole-hog barbecue to Birmingham, but it quickly made an impression with smoked chicken as well. Cooked daily in small batches over wood-fired pits, the chicken comes out with a pronounced smoke flavor balanced by tender texture.

It’s offered as a plate, sandwich, or salad, showing the kitchen’s versatility while staying true to its roots. The restaurant’s sides, jalapeño cornbread, tangy slaw, and other Southern staples, pair naturally with the smoked chicken.

Diners appreciate the rustic-meets-modern atmosphere, where groups gather comfortably for generous meals. While Martin’s is relatively new to Alabama’s barbecue map, its dedication to craft has earned it a place among the state’s best options for smoked chicken.