Here at Barbecue Bible, tailgating is one of our favorite times of the year. There’s just something about parking-lot smoke, the clink of cold drinks, and the smell of barbecue drifting through the crowd that makes game day unforgettable.

Personally, I’m more of a hockey guy (Go Canes!). But for this showdown, we’re borrowing a page from football and breaking down the ultimate barbecue rivalry—Chicken vs. Pork—across four quarters.

In each quarter, I’ll showcase one recipe for chicken and one for pork, putting them head-to-head in a few different categories. I’ll call the winner of each quarter—but remember, these are just MY opinions.

First Quarter: Finger Foods

Chicken

Pork

The Winner: I live in North Carolina—and here, pulled pork is non-negotiable at any tailgate. They’re tangy, saucy, and downright addictive. Pork takes the first quarter.

Second Quarter: Grilled Classics

Chicken

Pork

The Winner: Well, hopefully Steven doesn’t can me for this. But pork wins again. Ribs are the ultimate barbecue touchdown—sticky, smoky, and crowd-pleasing. Pork goes up 2–0.

Third Quarter: Global Flavor

Chicken

Pork

The Winner: Chicken rallies back! Jerk skewers are spicy, portable, and an absolute blast of flavor. Chicken claws back a point. Score now 2–1.

Fourth Quarter: Final Showstopper

Chicken

Pork

The Winner: This one isn’t even close for me. I’m a sucker for Alabama white sauce—especially Big Bob Gibson’s original recipe. It’s creamy, tangy, and unforgettable. Chicken takes the fourth quarter, no question.

Overtime: The Final Call Is Yours

By my scoreboard:
– Q1: Pork – I mean…Carolina pride baby!
– Q2: Pork – C’mon, Ribs are BBQ royalty!
– Q3: Chicken – Jerk skewers bring the fire!
– Q4: Chicken – Alabama White Sauce all day long!

Which means, in my opinion, the final score is tied 2–2.

So here’s where I hand it over to you: Which meat wins your tailgating showdown—Chicken or Pork? Let us know on social media (links below).

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The post Battle of the White Meat: Chicken vs. Pork – The Tailgating Showdown appeared first on Barbecuebible.com.

Do you love Bacon? Do you love Beef Jerky? Have you ever heard of Bacon Jerky? Recently, I tried something a little different for a Grilled BLT Salad — swapping traditional bacon for uncured bacon jerky!

The jerky came from JerkyBrands.com, an online store that offers a huge selection of jerky, including something rare like bacon jerky. I used a Smoked Applewood flavoring. But there are many others, like Old Fashioned Maple, Sriracha, and BBQ.

Why Bacon Jerky?

Bacon jerky isn’t your everyday snack. It’s not something you come across in your local grocery store very often. Unlike traditional bacon strips, bacon jerky is cured and dried like regular jerky, delivering an intense smoky flavor and chewy texture that’s perfect replacement for bacon on a BLT Salad.  But why replace bacon at all?  Because it’s fun and different.

For barbecue enthusiasts and jerky fans, bacon jerky is a unique twist that adds extra depth to dishes. The smoked applewood flavor I used brought a rich, sweet-smoky profile to the salad, complementing the fresh greens and ripe tomatoes perfectly.

Finding Great Jerky Online

If you have driven between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, you might know the famous Alien Jerky place off the 15 Freeway — a mecca for jerky lovers with its massive selection. There is also Buc-ees’s, a Texas staple. But outside of driving on the highway going on a special trip, it’s rare to find a store with as wide a range of jerky.

JerkyBrands.com caught my attention because of its huge variety — from classic beef jerky to exotic flavors, and yes, even bacon jerky. Shopping for jerky online means you get access to hard-to-find jerky.

How I Made the Grilled BLT Salad

I followed Steven’s Grilled BLT Salad recipe but with one key upgrade: instead of frying bacon, I added chunks of the smoked applewood uncured bacon jerky right on top. The jerky’s chewy, sweet and smoky goodness worked perfectly with the grilled lettuce, fresh heirloom tomatoes right from our garden, and creamy dressing.

Another option is to GRILL the bacon jerky. Steven always says that everything tastes better, grilled, and the bacon jerky did not disappoint. The sugar on the jerky caramelized and gave the jerky a nice crunch.

If you’re curious to try something different with your next grilled salad or just a snack, bacon jerky is a tasty way to add smoky flavor and texture. Thanks to JerkyBrands.com, it’s easier than ever to find unique jerky varieties like bacon jerky. Give it a try and see how a little jerky twist can change it up.

Related Reads

• • A Unique Twist on the Classic BLT Sandwich
  • Greens, Meet Grill: Grilled Salads

Check out our 1000+ Recipes section here on Barbecue Bible.Com

Also, sign up for our Up in Smoke newsletter so you don't miss any blogs and receive some special offers! PLUS get Raichlen's Burgers! PDF for free!

Follow Steven on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and Pinterest!

Check out our store powered by BBQGuys!

The post A Grilled BLT Salad with a Bold Jerky Twist appeared first on Barbecuebible.com.