Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders are the ultimate flavor-packed handheld treat that you’ll crave long after the last bite. Tender, juicy chicken thighs get coated in robust blackening spices and grilled to perfection, then piled up on soft slider buns with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a generous drizzle of that famous, creamy Alabama white sauce. This Southern-inspired dish brings the heat, the zing, and the freshness in every single mouthful — ideal for family parties, cookouts, or tailgates where you want to steal the show without spending all day by the grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity reigns with these sliders—all the ingredients are easy to find, but each one packs a flavorful punch. Whether it’s smoky spices or the creamy sharpness of the white sauce, they all play a part in making these Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders so irresistible.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds): Thighs give you wonderful juiciness and flavor that holds up to the bold blackening spice and grill.
- Blackening seasoning (2 tablespoons): This is the flavor backbone—smoky, spicy, and herby, it coats the chicken beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A little oil helps the seasonings adhere and keeps the chicken moist as it sears.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors in the meat and sauce.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle bite and a background warmth to the chicken.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): The rich, creamy base for our signature Alabama white sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Its sharp tang gives the sauce its signature zing and cuts through richness.
- Prepared horseradish (1 tablespoon): Just enough heat to wake up the whole slider without overpowering it.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds complexity and a subtle sharpness to the sauce.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a gentle, savory note throughout the sauce.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the sauce with sweet-savory undertones.
- Sugar (½ teaspoon): A touch of sweetness balances all the bold, tangy flavors.
- Slider buns (12): Soft, pillowy buns are the ideal base for every layer of flavor.
- Shredded lettuce (1 cup): Crisp and cool, it adds freshness and crunch.
- Sliced pickles (½ cup): Tart, snappy pickles round out the Southern vibe and balance the creamy sauce.
How to Make Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry so that all those smoky, spicy seasonings really stick! Sprinkle both sides generously with blackening seasoning, salt, and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil. Rub everything together gently so every piece is perfectly coated—don’t be shy! This is where the flavor magic begins for our Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders.
Step 2: Grill or Sear to Perfection
Heat up your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high. Once it’s good and hot, lay the chicken thighs down and let them develop that beautifully charred crust—about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for deeply caramelized edges and that signature blackened spice aroma. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to stay juicy.
Step 3: Make the Alabama White Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time for the star of the show: the Alabama white sauce! In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Taste and adjust if you like—add more horseradish or a squirt of hot sauce for extra kick. This sauce is delightfully tangy, creamy, a little spicy, and totally crave-worthy.
Step 4: Slice the Chicken
Once those thighs have rested, slice them into strips. This makes for perfect little pieces to pile onto your buns, ensuring every Alabama White Blackened Chicken Slider gets the right ratio of chicken to toppings. Plus, sliced chicken stacks much easier (and, let’s face it, is more fun to eat in slider form).
Step 5: Toast the Slider Buns
If you have a couple of minutes, toast the slider buns until golden. This quick step gives you warm, slightly crisp buns that soak up the sauce beautifully, holding every bite together.
Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
Now, it’s time for assembly. Layer some shredded lettuce on each bottom bun, add your juicy chicken strips, then lavish with the iconic Alabama white sauce. Top with a few crunchy pickles and crown with the other half of the bun. You’re ready to serve these sliders while they’re still warm and oh-so-irresistible.
How to Serve Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a splash of color and an extra pop of flavor to each slider. If you’re serving to a crowd, bring out extra Alabama white sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping—trust me, your friends will want more!
Side Dishes
Pair your Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders with classic Southern sides—think tangy slaw, crispy kettle chips, sweet corn on the cob, or even baked beans. For something lighter, go with a zesty cucumber salad to refresh your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
These sliders shine at casual gatherings, so line them up on a big platter with festive toothpicks, or set up a DIY slider bar with extra toppings and plenty of napkins! You can even serve them picnic-style, wrapped in parchment paper for grab-and-go fun at tailgates or outdoor parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken, buns, sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When kept this way, the ingredients stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to whip up sliders on demand.
Freezing
If you find yourself with extra blackened chicken, cool and wrap it tightly before freezing for up to two months. The sauce and veggies are best enjoyed fresh, but the cooked chicken reheats beautifully without drying out.
Reheating
To reheat blackened chicken, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave gently until just warmed through. Toast the slider buns fresh and assemble everything right before serving to keep that just-made flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for these Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a leaner cut. Just watch the cook time, as breasts can dry out more quickly, but the flavors will still shine.
What makes Alabama white sauce different from regular BBQ sauce?
Alabama white sauce is mayonnaise-based and tangy from vinegar and horseradish, rather than sweet and tomato-based like traditional BBQ sauce. It’s creamy, punchy, and absolutely perfect on blackened chicken.
Can I make these Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Assemble the sliders just before eating to keep the buns from getting soggy and the lettuce nice and crisp.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Just add a generous dash of your favorite hot sauce or extra horseradish to the Alabama white sauce for more heat, or increase the blackening spice for a bolder kick.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out on the grill?
Using chicken thighs helps, as they are naturally juicier than breasts. Letting the chicken rest after grilling and not overcooking it will ensure every Alabama White Blackened Chicken Slider stays moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new favorite for your next cookout, potluck, or family dinner, these Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders are guaranteed to wow your crowd. They’re easy to make, bold in flavor, and just plain fun to eat. Give them a try, crank up the Southern vibes, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Print
Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders are a delicious twist on classic sliders, featuring juicy blackened chicken thighs topped with a tangy Alabama white sauce, pickles, and lettuce on toasted buns.
Ingredients
For the Blackened Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the 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
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup sliced pickles
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare the grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with blackening seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Make the White Sauce: Mix together mayonnaise, vinegar, horseradish, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar.
- Assemble Sliders: Slice chicken, toast buns, and assemble sliders with lettuce, chicken, white sauce, and pickles.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- For a spicier sauce, add hot sauce to the Alabama white sauce.
- These sliders are also delicious served cold for picnics or tailgates.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
