I just love experimenting with slider recipes, and these Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders are one of my proudest creations. They’re seriously the best blend of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. When I served these at a small gathering, not only did I clean up every last slider, but I also got so many requests for the recipe!
Between the perfectly blackened chicken, the addictive Alabama white barbecue sauce, and the crispy, refreshing lettuce, these sliders bring so much to the table. If you’re ready to fall in love with your next meal, this one’s for you.
Credit: badbatchbaking
Ingredients
The magic of this recipe lies in its rich yet straightforward ingredients.
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (Opt for air-chilled tenders if possible for the juiciest texture)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (Divided, for seasoning and cooking the chicken)
- 1 pack King’s Hawaiian slider rolls (Their sweetness complements the tangy sauce perfectly)
- 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, shredded (Crispy and refreshing for texture)
- Dill pickle slices (Two per slider for that irresistible tang)
Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup melted butter (Gives a golden, rich color to the buns)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (Adds a herby freshness)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (Infuses the buttery topping with flavor)
Blackened Seasoning
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika (Regular paprika works too, but smoked adds depth)
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (Adjust for spice levels)
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Alabama White Barbecue Sauce
- 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise (The creamy base of this tangy sauce)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (Adds the signature tang)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (A sharp contrast to balance the mayo)
- 2 tsp brown sugar (A hint of sweetness)
- 2 tsp creamy horseradish (Adds zing without being overwhelming)
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (Brightens the sauce)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (Savory umami flavor)
- 2 tsp hot sauce (Adjust based on how spicy you like things)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (About ½ tsp each)
Note
This recipe yields approximately 8 sliders, with each ideal for dinner rolls or a 12-pack of slider buns.
Variations
There are so many ways you can make this recipe your own! Here are some ideas based on dietary needs or personal preferences:
- Dairy-Free: Skip the butter topping or use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Low-Carb: Replace the slider rolls with lettuce wraps or keto-friendly buns.
- Extra Crunch: Swap iceberg lettuce for purple cabbage slaw.
- Spicy Boost: Use jalapeño pickle slices for an extra kick.
- Flavor Additions: Add crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy twist.
You can also enjoy the best chicken burgers if you’re in the mood for something handheld and packed with flavor.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet (Perfect for giving chicken a golden crust)
- Mixing bowls (For combining the sauce and rub ingredients)
- Baking sheet (To toast the buns evenly under the broiler)
- Basting brush (For the melted butter topping)
- Sharp knife (Essential for slicing sliders cleanly)
How to Make Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders?
Not only are these sliders absolutely mouthwatering, but the steps to make them are also super manageable. Here’s how to whip them up:
Prepare the Sauce and Seasoning
Start by making the sauce, so the flavors have time to meld while you cook. Mix all the Alabama White Barbecue Sauce ingredients in a bowl, adjusting flavors to suit your taste. For the blackened seasoning, combine the spices in a small bowl. Both can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Cook the Blackened Chicken
Take your chicken tenders and coat them evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle generously with the blackened seasoning until both sides are well coated. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the remaining olive oil. Cook each side of the tenders for about 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Toast the Buns
Turn your oven’s broiler to high. While the chicken rests, arrange the slider buns on a baking sheet, keeping the tops and bottoms separate. Spread melted butter mixed with garlic and parsley over the tops. Broil for 2-4 minutes, checking often to prevent burning.
Assemble the Sliders
Spread a generous layer of Alabama white barbecue sauce on the bottom buns. Place the blackened chicken tenders on top (cut them smaller if needed), followed by dill pickle slices and shredded lettuce. Add another drizzle of the sauce before topping with the buttered, toasted buns. Slice to serve and enjoy!
Credit: badbatchbaking
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Having made these sliders multiple times, here are a few tricks I swear by to make them even better:
- Make the sauce a day in advance for a richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the lettuce! Its crunch balances the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- For an authentic barbecue vibe, throw the chicken on a grill instead of a skillet.
- Serve extra sauce on the side as a dip for fries or vegetables.
- If you’re making these for a large group, cook the chicken in batches and keep it warm in the oven until ready to assemble.
If you like bold flavors with an Asian twist, you’ll probably love mongolian chicken too.
How to Serve Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders?
Presentation is everything when it comes to sliders. Arrange the sliders on a large platter lined with parchment paper for a casual yet polished look. Garnish the plate with extra pickles, lemon wedges, or small ramekins of Alabama white sauce. These sliders also pair beautifully with sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect per slider (approximate values):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead
You can make the sauce and rub up to two days in advance. Cook the chicken and store in the fridge to reheat when assembling. - Storage
Leftover sliders can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken tenders separately for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Reheating
Warm the chicken in a skillet or oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving the buns to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you’re looking for reasons to try these sliders, here are a few that will make you hit the kitchen ASAP:
- Packed with Flavor: Juicy, spicy, and tangy all in one bite.
- Easy to Make: Breaks down into straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Crowd-pleasers that are ready in under 40 minutes.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to fit different dietary needs.
- Great Meal Prep: Prepare elements ahead for a stress-free mealtime.
There’s nothing quite like the combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures in these Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just whipping up a fun family dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!
For more ideas, explore our collection of flavorful chicken recipes that are just as easy and satisfying.
Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe
I just love experimenting with slider recipes, and these Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders are one of my proudest creations. They’re seriously the best blend of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (Opt for air-chilled tenders if possible for the juiciest texture)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (Divided, for seasoning and cooking the chicken)
- 1 pack King’s Hawaiian slider rolls (Their sweetness complements the tangy sauce perfectly)
- 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, shredded (Crispy and refreshing for texture)
- Dill pickle slices (Two per slider for that irresistible tang)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (Gives a golden, rich color to the buns)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (Adds a herby freshness)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (Infuses the buttery topping with flavor)
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika (Regular paprika works too, but smoked adds depth)
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (Adjust for spice levels)
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise (The creamy base of this tangy sauce)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (Adds the signature tang)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (A sharp contrast to balance the mayo)
- 2 tsp brown sugar (A hint of sweetness)
- 2 tsp creamy horseradish (Adds zing without being overwhelming)
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (Brightens the sauce)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (Savory umami flavor)
- 2 tsp hot sauce (Adjust based on how spicy you like things)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (About ½ tsp each)
Instructions
- Start by making the sauce, so the flavors have time to meld while you cook. Mix all the Alabama White Barbecue Sauce ingredients in a bowl, adjusting flavors to suit your taste. For the blackened seasoning, combine the spices in a small bowl. Both can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
- Take your chicken tenders and coat them evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle generously with the blackened seasoning until both sides are well coated. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the remaining olive oil. Cook each side of the tenders for about 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Turn your oven’s broiler to high. While the chicken rests, arrange the slider buns on a baking sheet, keeping the tops and bottoms separate. Spread melted butter mixed with garlic and parsley over the tops. Broil for 2-4 minutes, checking often to prevent burning.
- Spread a generous layer of Alabama white barbecue sauce on the bottom buns. Place the blackened chicken tenders on top (cut them smaller if needed), followed by dill pickle slices and shredded lettuce. Add another drizzle of the sauce before topping with the buttered, toasted buns. Slice to serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make the sauce a day in advance for a richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the lettuce! Its crunch balances the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- For an authentic barbecue vibe, throw the chicken on a grill instead of a skillet.
- Serve extra sauce on the side as a dip for fries or vegetables.
- If you’re making these for a large group, cook the chicken in batches and keep it warm in the oven until ready to assemble.
