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If you are searching for a bite-sized powerhouse of flavor to impress your friends and family, the Alabama Chicken Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. These sliders bring together tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection, a tangy and creamy white barbecue sauce packed with just the right amount of kick, and soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls that balance every bite beautifully. Whether for a casual gathering, game day, or a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders are fuss-free yet unbelievably delicious, delivering a wonderful blend of Southern charm and bold flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering up the right ingredients for this Alabama Chicken Sliders Recipe is simple and satisfying because each component plays a pivotal role in building the dish’s incredible flavor. From tender chicken and zesty seasonings to the famous tangy white sauce and pillowy Hawaiian rolls, each element brings something special to the party.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts (1 ½ pounds): A mix of both gives a nice balance of juicy and lean textures.
- Water (1 cup): Helps keep the chicken moist as it pressure cooks.
- Chicken bouillon (1 tsp): Adds a rich depth of savory flavor to the chicken.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Brings a gentle warmth and aromatic touch.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances the overall savory base with subtle sweetness.
- Seasoned salt (1 tsp): Balances all the flavors with a hint of herbaceous seasoning.
- Oregano (½ tsp): Adds a mild earthiness to the poultry.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Provides just the right amount of bite and heat.
- Hawaiian rolls (1 large package, 16 rolls): Their soft, sweet texture makes them the perfect slider bun.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy richness over the chicken.
- Butter, melted (2 Tbsp): Brushed on top for a golden, flavorful crust.
- Garlic salt (¼ tsp): Incorporated into the butter for a savory finish on the slider tops.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Base of the delicious tangy white barbecue sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar (¼ cup): Adds bright, acidic notes to balance richness.
- Lemon juice (1 Tbsp): Gives the sauce a fresh, zesty kick.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 ½ tsp): Brings umami depth and complexity.
- Black pepper (1 tsp): Provides a subtle peppery edge in the sauce.
- Kosher salt (¾ tsp): Enhances all the flavor layers in the white sauce.
- Cayenne pepper (½ tsp): Gives a mild spicy warmth to keep things exciting.
- Horseradish (½ tsp): Offers a sharp, tangy punch unique to this signature sauce.
How to Make Alabama Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the White Barbecue Sauce
First things first, whip up the distinctive white barbecue sauce that sets this Alabama Chicken Sliders Recipe apart. Combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and horseradish in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Pop the sauce in the fridge while you move on to cooking the chicken; the flavors will deepen and get even better as it chills.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs and breasts into your Instant Pot. Pour in the water, then sprinkle in chicken bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, oregano, and black pepper evenly. This seasoning blend infuses the chicken with delicate layers of flavor while it cooks. Secure the lid tightly and make sure the valve is set to sealing mode. Set the manual or pressure cook function to 12 minutes for fresh chicken (or 15 minutes if frozen). After the cook time, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before switching the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure safely.
Step 3: Chop the Cooked Chicken
Once your Instant Pot is safely opened, transfer the hot chicken to a cutting board using tongs. With a large knife, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces that fit perfectly on slider buns. The chicken will be tender enough to shred if you prefer, but chopped pieces give a great texture and easy assembly.
Step 4: Prepare the Slider Rolls
Grab a large serrated knife and carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half. Arrange the bottom halves in a single layer on a baking sheet, which will serve as your base to build these sliders.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Evenly distribute the chopped chicken over the bottom layer of rolls. Drizzle a generous amount of the chilled white barbecue sauce atop the chicken — don’t be shy, this sauce is the star! Next, layer slices of Monterey Jack cheese over the sauced chicken, and finally place the top halves of the rolls in place to complete each slider.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch and Bake
Mix the melted butter with garlic salt in a small bowl, then use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the rolls thoroughly with this flavorful butter. This step ensures a golden, garlicky, irresistible crust after baking. Cover the entire tray with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops perfectly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the sliders from the oven, let them cool just slightly, and get ready to dig in. These Alabama Chicken Sliders Recipe creations are guaranteed to impress with their juicy chicken, tangy sauce, melted cheese, and sweet buns. Prepare yourself for some serious slider love.
How to Serve Alabama Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little extra flair by garnishing your sliders with crunchy pickles, thinly sliced red onions, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. These garnishes bring added texture and freshness that complement the creamy, tangy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Alabama Chicken Sliders with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or sweet potato fries for a satisfying meal. Fresh garden salad or crunchy corn on the cob also make wonderful companions, balancing the richness of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these sliders as part of a slider platter featuring various barbecue sauces and toppings so guests can customize their own bites. Alternatively, turn them into savory slider skewers by adding a cherry tomato or olive between slider halves for easy grab-and-go finger food at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes a perfect next-day snack or quick lunch option that still tastes fresh and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to store sliders for longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen sliders keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sliders and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. For extra melty cheese, remove the foil in the last few minutes of warming. Avoid microwaving to preserve bun texture and chicken juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts only in this Alabama Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Yes, you can use only chicken breasts if you prefer, but combining thighs and breasts gives a juicier and more flavorful result thanks to the dark meat from thighs.
What makes the white barbecue sauce unique?
The white barbecue sauce is distinctive because of its mayonnaise base combined with vinegar and horseradish, which creates a tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor that is unlike traditional tomato-based sauces.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the white barbecue sauce to dial up the heat according to your taste.
Do I need an Instant Pot to make this recipe?
While the Instant Pot speeds up and simplifies the cooking process, you can simmer the chicken gently on the stove in a covered pot with water and seasonings until tender, though cooking times will be longer.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Make sure to toast the Hawaiian rolls lightly if you can, and keep the sauce slightly chilled until spreading to maintain a good texture. Also, serving the sliders soon after baking prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Alabama Chicken Sliders Recipe enough for anyone who loves a flavorful, fuss-free dish with a Southern twist. It’s perfect for sharing, bursting with bold, savory notes, and so easy to make that you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation forever. Go ahead and try it out—you’ll be thrilled with how quickly these sliders disappear from your table!
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Print
Alabama Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (including pressure cooking and baking)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 sliders
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
These Alabama Chicken Sliders feature tender, flavorful chicken cooked in an Instant Pot and topped with a tangy white BBQ sauce, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for a party or casual meal, they combine sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts (combination of both)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
Slider Assembly
- 1 large package (16 rolls) Hawaiian rolls
- Monterey Jack cheese (quantity as desired, enough to cover sliders)
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
White BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp horseradish
Instructions
- Make the BBQ sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and horseradish until well combined. Cover and refrigerate. This recipe makes about twice the amount needed, perfect for leftovers.
- Prepare chicken in Instant Pot: Place chicken thighs and breasts, water, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, oregano, and black pepper into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
- Pressure cook chicken: Set the Instant Pot to manual/pressure cook mode for 12 minutes if using fresh chicken or 15 minutes if using frozen. Once cooking is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully move the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid.
- Chop chicken: Use tongs to transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Chop into small pieces with a large knife.
- Prepare slider rolls: Using a large serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise. Arrange the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
- Assemble sliders: Evenly distribute the chopped chicken over the bottom halves of the rolls. Drizzle the white BBQ sauce over the chicken, then layer slices of Monterey Jack cheese on top. Cover with the top halves of the rolls.
- Prepare butter topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and garlic salt. Brush this mixture over the tops of the slider rolls using a pastry brush.
- Bake sliders: Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until rolls are golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the sliders from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your delicious Alabama Chicken Sliders.
Notes
- The white BBQ sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Using a combination of chicken thighs and breasts adds both tenderness and lean protein.
- If Monterey Jack cheese is not available, mild cheddar or mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
- For a spicier slider, increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the white BBQ sauce.
- Leftover sliders can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat covered in the oven to maintain moistness.
