Ingredients

1.5 lbs. chicken tenders

4 tbsp olive oil

1 pack Kings Hawaiian slider rolls or dinner rolls

1/4 head iceberg lettuce, shredded

Dill pickle slices (enough for two per sandwich)

1/4 cup melted butter

1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tbsp smoked paprika (regular paprika works as a substitute)

1 tbsp cayenne pepper

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1 1/4 cups mayonnaise

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp brown sugar

2 tsp creamy horseradish

2 tsp lemon juice, fresh squeezed

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp hot sauce

1 tsp cayenne pepper (for sauce)

1/2 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)

1/2 tsp onion powder (for sauce)

Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp each, for sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Alabama white sauce by combining mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, creamy horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. You can prepare this a few days ahead and refrigerate.

Step 2: Mix together smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt, basil, oregano, and dried thyme to create the blackened seasoning. Store in a small bowl or zip-top bag until ready to use.

Step 3: Coat the chicken tenders with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then rub them thoroughly with the blackened seasoning on all sides.

Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, cook the chicken tenders for about 3 minutes on each side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Preheat your oven’s broiler.

Step 6: Split the slider buns and toast the undersides under the broiler until golden brown. Remove the bottom buns and set aside.

Step 7: Flip the top buns right side up and spread them with the melted butter garlic mixture. Return them to the broiler for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.

Step 8: Assemble each slider by placing chicken tenders on the bottom buns. Top with shredded lettuce, a generous spoonful of Alabama white sauce, and dill pickle slices. Cover with the toasted top buns.

Step 9: Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful Alabama White BBQ Blackened Chicken Sliders!

Tips & Variations

Substitute regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.

Add extra hot sauce to the white sauce if you prefer more heat.

For crispier chicken, consider finishing the tenders under the broiler for a minute after cooking.

Use shredded rotisserie chicken if short on time, then toss it with the blackened seasoning before assembling.

FAQs

Can I make the Alabama white sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld together well.

What if I don’t have slider buns?

You can use small dinner rolls, mini sandwich buns, or even soft hamburger buns as a substitute. Just adjust the portion of chicken and toppings accordingly.