If you’re craving a bold, zesty, and utterly delicious handheld treat, look no further than this Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe. These sliders are a sensational blend of smoky blackened chicken paired with a creamy, tangy Alabama white sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a great Southern-inspired dish with a little kick, these sliders are sure to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference in this recipe, each bringing a unique layer of flavor and texture that combines into an unforgettable slider experience. From the spices that coat the chicken to the creamy Alabama white sauce, every component matters.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The tender protein base that soaks up all the blackened spices beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear and crisp on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smokiness that warms up the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A classic seasoning that enhances savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and complexity to the rub.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces an herby note for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: The spicy spark that adds excitement.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for highlighting all the vibrant flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of earthiness that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creamy base for the tangy Alabama white sauce.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright, acidic punch.
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish: Adds a spicy zing that’s characteristic of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle sharpness and depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce): Maintains flavor consistency in the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce): To perfect the seasoning.
- 8 slider buns: The perfect soft, slightly sweet vessel to hold all these flavors together.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix: Adds crunch and freshness for contrast.
- Optional sliced pickles or onions: For added tang and bite if you like.
How to Make Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Alabama White Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This creamy, tangy sauce is the heart of the sliders and is incredibly simple to throw together. Refrigerate it until assembly so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Blackened Chicken
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over your chicken breasts or thighs to create that signature blackened seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. The outside should be beautifully charred, while the inside stays juicy and tender. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding it for the sliders.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Toast your slider buns lightly if you prefer a little extra crunch. Start with a layer of shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix on the bottom bun, then pile on the blackened chicken. Generously drizzle Alabama white sauce over the chicken for that creamy, tangy contrast. Add optional sliced pickles or onions for an extra burst of flavor, then crown with the top bun. Serve these sliders warm or at room temperature—either way, they’re down-right irresistible.
How to Serve Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and extra layering are key. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro atop the sliders for a pop of green and freshness. If you like a little heat, a few thin slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce can kick it up a notch without overwhelming the other flavors.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides like crispy sweet potato fries or tangy vinegar-based coleslaw. A simple side salad tossed with light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the sliders without overpowering your palate. For a heartier meal, consider baked beans or roasted corn on the cob.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Using colorful mini plates or stacking them in tiers makes them party-ready and visually inviting. You can even set up a slider bar with all the fixings and encourage guests to customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow the blackened chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days. Keep the Alabama white sauce separate to prevent the buns from getting soggy if you haven’t already dressed your sliders.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked blackened chicken in airtight freezer bags or containers. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing much of its flavor. Avoid freezing the assembled sliders, as the buns and sauce won’t maintain their texture well.
Reheating
Reheat blackened chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This maintains the crispy exterior better than microwaving. When you’re ready to eat, reassemble the sliders with fresh buns and sauce for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked, making them a fantastic choice for these sliders. Both work wonderfully with the blackened seasoning.
Is Alabama white sauce spicy?
It has a gentle kick thanks to the horseradish and a touch of Dijon mustard, but it’s primarily creamy and tangy. If you want more heat, you can easily add a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Can I make the sliders vegetarian?
You can try substituting blackened chicken with grilled or blackened portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks for a tasty vegetarian twist, then top with the Alabama white sauce for that iconic flavor.
How spicy are the blackened chicken sliders?
The sliders have a moderate spice level from the cayenne pepper, balanced by the cooling and tangy white sauce. If you prefer milder food, reduce the cayenne or adjust the sauce ingredients to taste.
What kind of buns work best?
Soft, slightly sweet slider buns work best to complement the bold flavors without overpowering them. Brioche or potato buns are excellent options, but classic white slider rolls do just fine.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to delight your taste buds and impress friends and family with something uniquely Southern yet incredibly delicious, the Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe is your answer. It’s a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh crunch that’ll keep you coming back for more. So grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and bring a touch of Southern charm into your kitchen today!
Print
Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
These Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders feature tender, spicy blackened chicken topped with a tangy and creamy Alabama white sauce, served on soft slider buns with fresh lettuce or coleslaw. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, these sliders combine bold Southern flavors with an easy stovetop cooking method for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the blackened chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Alabama white sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sliders:
- 8 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix
- Optional: sliced pickles or onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Alabama white sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
- Make the blackened chicken: In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts or thighs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the exterior is blackened and the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding it.
- Assemble the sliders: If desired, toast the slider buns lightly to add texture. On the bottom half of each bun, place a layer of shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix. Top with a generous portion of blackened chicken and drizzle each with the prepared Alabama white sauce. Add optional toppings such as sliced pickles or onions if you like. Finish by placing the top bun and serve the sliders warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These sliders are perfect for game day parties and casual gatherings.
- The Alabama white sauce provides a tangy, creamy contrast that balances the spicy chicken perfectly.
- Feel free to use either chicken breasts or thighs according to your preference for juiciness.
- To make the sliders spicier, increase the cayenne pepper in the blackening spice mix.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise in the white sauce with Greek yogurt.
