If you’re craving a dish that bursts with Southern charm and bold flavors, the Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. These sliders feature juicy, blackened chicken thighs smothered in a tangy and creamy Alabama white sauce, all nestled inside soft slider buns with fresh lettuce and crisp pickles. The perfect balance of smoky, spicy, tangy, and creamy elements comes together to create a sensational bite that’s ideal for game days, casual parties, or even a weeknight treat. Once you make these sliders, you’ll understand why they’ve quickly become a beloved favorite for everyone who tastes them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but essential in creating the signature taste and texture that make this dish stand out. Each component plays its role, from the spice of the blackening seasoning to the tangy zip of the Alabama white sauce, ensuring every bite feels like a fiesta.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts, perfect for grilling and blackening.
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning: Provides that smoky, spicy Southern kick to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and promotes a perfect sear.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the Alabama white sauce that cools and complements the spices.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy punch to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish: Adds a zesty heat and unique depth to the white sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Introduces a smooth, slightly pungent layer to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides savory warmth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness to balance the heat.
- ½ teaspoon sugar: Cuts through the acidity for a harmonious blend.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and small, perfect to hold all the delicious fillings just right.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp texture to contrast the tender chicken.
- ½ cup sliced pickles: Provides a tangy crunch that brightens every bite.
How to Make Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and smoky char. Pat your boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry for better seasoning adherence. Season both sides generously with blackening seasoning, salt, and pepper, then drizzle olive oil over them to help the spices stick and avoid sticking to the grill.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grill or sear the chicken thighs for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they’re fully cooked with a slight charred crust. This blackening process creates that mouthwatering smoky flavor that defines this Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Make the Alabama White Sauce
While the chicken rests, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar in a bowl. This creamy, tangy sauce is the star companion to your blackened chicken, balancing out its intensity beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if you want more tang or a bit more sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the rested chicken into strips that fit nicely on the buns. Optionally toast your slider buns for a little extra crunch and warmth. To assemble, start with a layer of shredded lettuce on the bottom bun, then add the blackened chicken slices, a generous drizzle of the Alabama white sauce, and finish with some sliced pickles. Top with the other bun half and get ready to dive in!
How to Serve Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference in elevating these sliders. Think extra shredded lettuce for crunch, thinly sliced red onions for a subtle bite, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives to brighten the plate. A few pickled jalapeños add heat for those who love a spicy edge.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Consider crispy sweet potato fries, creamy coleslaw, or a crunchy dill pickle spear. For a lighter option, a mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the sliders beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve these sliders on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a charming casual vibe. You can also skewer slider sandwiches with colorful toothpicks topped with olives or cherry tomatoes for easy grabbing. Another fun idea is to offer a slider bar with extra toppings and sauces so guests can customize their own delicious creations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover sliders or components in airtight containers and store them in the fridge. The chicken sliced and the sauce can keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy quick sandwiches later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked blackened chicken thighs before assembling the sliders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, warm gently, then assemble with fresh buns and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat the blackened chicken slices gently in a microwave or skillet to keep them moist—avoid overcooking. Toast fresh slider buns and add the cold Alabama white sauce and fresh toppings to maintain that perfect balance of textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure not to overcook them so they stay tender.
How spicy is the blackening seasoning?
The blackening seasoning offers a warm, smoky heat but is not overly spicy. If you enjoy more kick, you can add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the white sauce for a personalized touch.
Is the Alabama white sauce dairy-free?
Yes! The sauce uses mayonnaise and seasonings without dairy, making it a great allergy-friendly option that still packs flavor.
Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, but it’s best to assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy and maintain fresh textures.
What are some good beverage pairings with these sliders?
Light beers, crisp sparkling water with citrus, or a refreshing iced tea complement the bold flavors of the Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly crafted Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your soul. This recipe combines bold, smoky, tangy, and creamy elements in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, these sliders are sure to become a cherished favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor every delicious bite!
Print
Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
These Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders combine juicy, blackened chicken thighs with a tangy and creamy traditional Alabama white sauce, served on soft slider buns with crisp lettuce and pickles. Perfect for a quick dinner or a flavorful dish to impress at tailgates and gatherings, this recipe offers a delicious southern twist with easy grilling and assembly.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Alabama White Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup sliced pickles
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your grill or a stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure good searing and even seasoning.
- Season chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs with blackening seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and massage it in to coat well.
- Cook chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill or in the hot pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, allowing a nice char to develop and ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Make Alabama white sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Rest and slice chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice into strips suitable for sliders.
- Toast buns: Optionally, toast the slider buns lightly on the grill or in a pan for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble sliders: On the bottom half of each bun, place a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by sliced chicken strips, a generous drizzle of Alabama white sauce, and sliced pickles. Top with the bun halves and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs yield juicier and more flavorful results.
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the Alabama white sauce for a spicy variation.
- These sliders are excellent served cold, making them ideal for picnics, tailgates, or packed lunches.
