Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders

The Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders combine spicy, smoky blackened chicken with a creamy, tangy Alabama white sauce that soaks into toasted slider buns, creating a perfect bite that is both crisp and juicy. Each slider is layered with a crunchy slaw and tangy pickles to balance the heat and creamy dressing, delivering a fresh, flavorful slider perfect for gatherings. These sliders are ideal for quick weeknight meals, tailgate parties, or family BBQs when you need something bold and crowd-pleasing without spending hours in the kitchen. The Alabama white sauce adds a Southern twist that keeps these sliders unique and irresistible, while the blackened seasoning guarantees every bite is packed with smoky, spicy depth.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon horseradish

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 12 slider buns, toasted

• 1 cup coleslaw mix

• Pickles, for topping

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.

2. Coat chicken thighs with olive oil, then evenly rub the spice blend onto each piece.

3. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high and cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.

4. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, horseradish, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the Alabama white sauce.

5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

6. Toast slider buns until golden brown.

7. To assemble, spread Alabama white sauce on the bottom bun, top with sliced blackened chicken, coleslaw mix, and pickles, then drizzle extra Alabama white sauce before adding the top bun.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 12 sliders

Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders: A Deep Dive for Your Readers

Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders are a bold Southern fusion combining the smoky spice of blackened chicken with the tangy creaminess of Alabama white sauce, all tucked into soft, toasted slider buns. Perfect for game day gatherings, backyard BBQs, or a flavorful weeknight dinner, these sliders capture the spirit of Southern cuisine while remaining approachable for cooks of all levels.

The contrast between the smoky char of blackened spices and the bright, peppery zing of Alabama white sauce creates layers of flavor in each bite. Add the crunch of fresh coleslaw and the snap of tangy pickles, and you have a slider that is both comforting and exciting. This dish is also a great conversation starter, introducing readers to the world of Alabama white BBQ sauce, which is less known compared to traditional tomato-based sauces yet holds a special place in Southern culinary traditions.

The Southern Tradition of Alabama White Sauce

While many BBQ sauces across the South are tomato-based, Alabama white sauce is unique for its creamy, tangy profile made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and pepper. Created by Big Bob Gibson in Decatur, Alabama, this sauce was originally designed for smoked chicken and pork, offering a cool, tangy contrast to the richness of BBQ meats.

Alabama white sauce adds depth to grilled or blackened chicken by enhancing its smokiness while cutting through its richness with acidity. For your readers who love exploring regional sauces, this is an excellent introduction to a Southern classic that can be adapted for various dishes beyond sliders, such as grilled wings, smoked turkey, or roasted vegetables.

The Charm of Blackened Chicken

Blackening is a technique made popular by Chef Paul Prudhomme, involving coating meat in a blend of spices and cooking it over high heat until the exterior forms a dark, flavorful crust. This method locks in juices while creating a spicy, smoky surface, making it perfect for chicken thighs used in sliders.

The blackened spice blend typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, providing heat, smokiness, and a hint of earthiness that pairs beautifully with the tang of Alabama white sauce. This technique is straightforward and can be done in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop, making it accessible for readers without outdoor grills.

Why Sliders are Perfect for All Occasions

Sliders are versatile because they are easy to prepare, serve, and eat, making them ideal for:

• Game day parties: Compact size allows guests to eat while socializing.

• Family dinners: Fun for kids and adults with customizable toppings.

• Potlucks and gatherings: Easy to transport and keep warm.

• Meal prep: Cook chicken in advance and assemble sliders quickly.

The Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders are packed with flavor in each bite, and their smaller size encourages portion control while allowing readers to enjoy multiple sliders guilt-free.

Customization Tips for Your Readers

One of the strengths of this recipe is its adaptability to personal tastes and dietary needs:

• Heat level: Readers can adjust cayenne pepper in the blackening spice to control spiciness.

• Protein swaps: Use turkey thighs, shrimp, or tofu for different flavor profiles.

• Bread options: Serve on gluten-free buns, lettuce wraps, or mini brioche for variety.

• Toppings: Add sliced avocado, pepper jack cheese, or crispy fried onions for additional texture and flavor.

• Meal expansions: Use leftover blackened chicken for salads, wraps, or rice bowls paired with Alabama white sauce.

Encourage your readers to experiment and make this recipe their own while maintaining the integrity of its Southern flavors.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out the meal, suggest these pairings for readers:

• Sides: Sweet potato fries, kettle chips, or creamy coleslaw.

• Beverages: Sweet tea, craft beers, or bourbon lemonade.

• Desserts: Banana pudding, peach cobbler, or a simple slice of cornbread with honey butter.

These additions will create a complete Southern-inspired meal, making the dining experience feel intentional and memorable.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Fit

Each slider provides a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying yet portion-controlled meal option. By using chicken thighs, the recipe retains juiciness while still being leaner than many red meat slider options.

Readers looking for high-protein meal ideas will appreciate how these sliders support muscle recovery post-workout, while those focusing on flavor will enjoy the layered taste profile without heavy sauces that mask the chicken’s quality.

The Joy of Cooking and Sharing

The Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders offer more than just a meal; they provide a shared experience in the kitchen and around the table. Preparing the blackened chicken, whisking up Alabama white sauce, and assembling sliders together can become a family-friendly activity or a way to engage friends during a casual get-together.

For your audience looking to build traditions around food, this recipe creates opportunities for them to explore Southern flavors, learn a new sauce, and master a blackening technique that can be used across their cooking journey.

Conclusion:

Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders are a flavorful, versatile, and engaging recipe that brings together the smokiness of blackened spices, the tang of Alabama white sauce, and the comfort of sliders in one perfect bite.