Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Introduction

Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders bring together the juicy, tender chicken smothered in the creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky Alabama white BBQ sauce. These sliders are a Southern-inspired delight that’s perfect for any gathering, whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, enjoying a tailgate, or just craving a delicious meal to share with friends and family. The combination of tender chicken, soft buns, and a flavorful sauce makes these sliders an irresistible treat that will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce is unique compared to the traditional tomato-based BBQ sauces, relying on mayonnaise, vinegar, and a blend of spices to create a smooth, tangy sauce with a subtle heat. When paired with shredded chicken and served on soft slider buns, these sliders are comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or cooking the chicken on the stove, this recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create these mouthwatering Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders, from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.

Why You’ll Love Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Unique Flavor Profile: The tangy and creamy Alabama white BBQ sauce offers a fresh twist on traditional BBQ chicken. Its richness combined with the sharpness of the vinegar and the heat of the spices creates a memorable flavor.
• Simple and Quick: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced cooking techniques, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. The chicken can be prepared in various ways, such as grilling, roasting, or even slow-cooking.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer BBQ, hosting a family dinner, or serving up snacks for a party, these sliders are sure to impress.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat level of the sauce to suit your preferences and even use store-bought BBQ chicken to save time.
• Comforting and Satisfying: With tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and soft slider buns, these sliders are the ultimate comfort food.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders (based on 1 lb chicken)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories per slider, depending on ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12-14g
• Carbohydrates: 18-22g
• Protein: 18-20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Alabama White BBQ Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• 12 slider buns (preferably soft, mini hamburger buns)

For the Alabama White BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
• Pickles (for added crunch)
• Shredded lettuce (for texture)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. If you’re using chicken breasts, you can either grill, bake, or cook them on the stovetop. Here are the different methods for cooking the chicken:

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding.
• Stovetop: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred it using two forks.

Once the chicken is cooked and slightly cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside.

2. Make the Alabama White BBQ Sauce

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to make the Alabama white BBQ sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce. If you want a slightly sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey. The goal is to have a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that will complement the chicken perfectly.

3. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Once the chicken is shredded and the sauce is ready, combine the two. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the Alabama white BBQ sauce and toss until all the chicken is well coated. Be generous with the sauce, as it will add moisture and flavor to the sliders.

4. Assemble the Sliders

Now that the chicken is ready, it’s time to assemble the sliders. Slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them if desired. Toasting the buns adds a bit of texture and helps prevent them from becoming soggy from the sauce.

Place a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture on the bottom half of each slider bun. If you like, you can add additional toppings such as fresh cilantro, parsley, pickles, or shredded lettuce for extra flavor and crunch.

Top each slider with the top half of the bun and press down gently to hold everything together.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the sliders are assembled, they’re ready to serve! Arrange the sliders on a platter or serving tray and serve immediately. These Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for a crowd, so they make a great option for parties, family gatherings, or game days.

Tips for Perfect Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy Alabama white BBQ sauce. If you have a grill, don’t skip this step.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The Alabama white BBQ sauce can be customized to suit your personal taste. Add more cayenne pepper for heat, honey for sweetness, or vinegar for extra tanginess. Make it your own!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Alabama white BBQ sauce and shredded chicken in advance to save time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe is a great way to repurpose it. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the Alabama white BBQ sauce for a quick and easy meal.
• Make It Spicy: If you like things spicy, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add in some chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Use a Slider Press: For perfectly uniform sliders, consider using a slider press to shape your buns and keep them together while serving.

Variations of Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Pulled Pork Sliders: Swap the chicken for pulled pork and smother it with the Alabama white BBQ sauce for a different take on this Southern favorite.
• Turkey Sliders: Shredded turkey also works wonderfully in this recipe. Whether it’s from leftover Thanksgiving turkey or roasted turkey breast, it’s a great alternative.
• Vegetarian Sliders: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit, which mimics the texture of pulled pork or chicken. Combine it with the Alabama white BBQ sauce for a delicious plant-based slider.
• Cheese Topped Sliders: Add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese or smoked gouda on top of the chicken before placing the top bun. The cheese will melt and add richness to each bite.
• Sliders with Slaw: Add a simple coleslaw to the sliders for added crunch and freshness. The creaminess of the slaw pairs well with the tangy BBQ chicken.

Storage and Shelf Life

These Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, wrap the sliders in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also store the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce separately and assemble fresh sliders when ready to serve.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders

These sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:

• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken sliders.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries complement the rich, smoky flavor of the BBQ chicken.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn on the cob with a sprinkle of salt and butter is the perfect side dish for these sliders.
• Pickles: The sharpness of pickles balances the richness of the BBQ chicken, adding a delightful tang.
• Mac and Cheese: A classic comfort food pairing, creamy mac and cheese makes an indulgent side for these sliders.

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Conclusion

Alabama White BBQ Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy, tangy Alabama white BBQ sauce, paired with tender, shredded chicken and soft buns, creates a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to impress. Try them today and experience the perfect blend of Southern BBQ flavors in every bite!