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Battle of the White Meat: Chicken vs. Pork β The Tailgating Showdown
Here at Barbecue Bible, tailgating is one of our favorite times of the year. Thereβs 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, Iβm more of a hockey guy (Go Canes!). But for this showdown, weβre borrowing a page from football and breaking down the ultimate barbecue rivalryβChicken vs. Porkβacross four quarters.
In each quarter, Iβll showcase one recipe for chicken and one for pork, putting them head-to-head in a few different categories. Iβll call the winner of each quarterβbut remember, these are just MY opinions.
First Quarter: Finger Foods
Chicken
Fire-Eater Chicken Wings
These wings bring the heat with a fiery dry rub and just the right amount of smoky char. Theyβre the perfect pre-game fuelβcrispy, saucy, and designed for messy fingers and happy fans.
Pork
Carolina Pulled Pork Sliders with Mustard Sauce
Saucy, tangy, and stacked on soft slider buns, these little sandwiches pack all the depth of Carolina barbecue into a handheld bite. A perfect balance of smoke, porky richness, and mustard tang.
The Winner: I live in North Carolinaβand here, pulled pork is non-negotiable at any tailgate. Theyβre tangy, saucy, and downright addictive. Pork takes the first quarter.
Second Quarter: Grilled Classics
Chicken
Beer-Can Chicken
A true grilling spectacle, this recipe keeps the bird perched on a half-full beer can, roasting from the inside out. The result? Juicy, tender chicken with perfectly crisp skin that always draws a crowd.
Pork
First-Timerβs Ribs β The Foolproof Recipe
Sticky, smoky, and melt-off-the-bone tender, these ribs are everything you want in classic barbecue. The 3-2-1 method makes them almost impossible to mess up, even in a tailgate setting.
The Winner: Well, hopefully Steven doesnβt can me for this. But pork wins again. Ribs are the ultimate barbecue touchdownβsticky, smoky, and crowd-pleasing. Pork goes up 2β0.
Third Quarter: Global Flavor
Chicken
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Bold, fiery, and fragrant with allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers, jerk chicken skewers are packed with flavor and perfect for passing around. They bring the heat, literally and figuratively.
Pork
Char Siu Pork Tenderloin
This Cantonese classic deliver pork with a sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Slice it thin for sandwiches or serve in bite-sized chunks that guests can snack on.
The Winner: Chicken rallies back! Jerk skewers are spicy, portable, and an absolute blast of flavor. Chicken claws back a point. Score now 2β1.
Fourth Quarter: Final Showstopper
Chicken
Chicken Thighs with Alabama White Barbecue Sauce
A Southern specialty made famous by Big Bob Gibsonβs Bar-B-Q, these smoky thighs are topped with tangy, creamy white sauce that surprises first-timers and keeps regulars coming back.
Pork
Korean Pulled Pork
Sweet, spicy, and savory thanks to gochujang and soy, this fusion pulled pork shines in tacos, lettuce wraps, or straight from the tray. Itβs bold, flavorful, and versatile.
The Winner: This one isnβt even close for me. Iβm a sucker for Alabama white sauceβespecially Big Bob Gibsonβs original recipe. Itβs creamy, tangy, and unforgettable. Chicken takes the fourth quarter, no question.
Overtime: The Final Call Is Yours
By my scoreboard:
β Q1: Pork β I meanβ¦Carolina pride baby!
β Q2: Pork β Cβmon, Ribs are BBQ royalty!
β Q3: Chicken β Jerk skewers bring the fire!
β Q4: Chicken β Alabama White Sauce all day long!
Which means, in my opinion, the final score is tied 2β2.
So hereβs where I hand it over to you: Which meat wins your tailgating showdownβChicken or Pork? Let us know on social media (links below).
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