Wrapped in a soft, large roll that’s toasted to perfection with garlic butter and rosemary, and finished with the crisp freshness of iceberg lettuce and the sharpness of dill pickles, this sandwich is a celebration of textures and tastes.

Perfect for those who love to explore bold flavors and homemade gourmet, our step-by-step guide is designed to make this culinary adventure accessible to everyone. Get ready to dazzle your taste buds and elevate your sandwich game with a recipe that’s as fulfilling to make as it is to devour.

Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Sandwich:

• 1.5 lbs. chicken tenders
• 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
• Large, soft sandwich rolls 
• 1/4 head of iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
• Dill pickle slices

For the Butter Topping:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• sesame seed (optional)

For the Blackened Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika (regular paprika 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 dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

For the Alabama White Barbecue Sauce:

• 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp creamy horseradish
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice + zest of 1 lime
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp each)

Instructions:

1. Prep Sauce & Seasoning:

• Sauce: Combine all Alabama White Barbecue Sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Prepare in advance for flavors to meld, and refrigerate.
• Seasoning: Mix all blackened seasoning ingredients in a bowl or bag. Set aside for later use.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Season: Coat the chicken tenders with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then liberally apply the blackened seasoning.
• Cook: In a skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining olive oil, cook the chicken tenders for about 3 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. Toast Buns & Assemble:

• Butter Topping: Mix melted butter with minced rosemary and garlic.
• Toast Buns: Broil the cut-side of the sandwich rolls until golden, then brush with the butter mixture. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until the topping is fragrant and slightly golden.
• Assemble: On the bottom half of each toasted roll, lay out chicken tenders. Add shredded lettuce and a generous drizzle of the Alabama white barbecue sauce. Top with dill pickle slices. Cover with the roll tops.

Air-frying blackened chicken tenders

1. Prep the Chicken: Coat the chicken tenders in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Generously season them with the blackened seasoning mix, ensuring each piece is fully covered.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes to ensure even cooking.
3. Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This may need to be done in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Cook: Air fry the chicken tenders for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are cooked through and the outside is crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken even more tender.

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Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sandwich

1. Achieving the Best Blackened Chicken: For that perfect crust and flavor, ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken. The secret to blackening is in the sear, which locks in the spices and juices.
2. Customizing the Heat: The cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning and the Alabama white sauce can be adjusted to suit your heat preference. Start with less and add more until you reach your ideal spice level.
3. Sauce Preparation: For the Alabama white barbecue sauce, mixing it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the depth and tanginess of your sandwich.
4. Bread Matters: Choose high-quality, soft sandwich rolls that can hold up to the juiciness of the chicken and the sauce. A sturdy roll ensures a good bite without falling apart.
5. Balancing Flavors: The acidity of the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice in the white sauce perfectly balances the richness of the mayo and the heat from the spices. Don’t skip these ingredients!
6. Resting the Chicken: Let your cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before assembling your sandwiches. This step ensures that all those succulent juices stay locked inside the meat.
7. Layering for Crunch: The order in which you build your sandwich can affect texture and taste. Start with lettuce on the bottom to act as a barrier, keeping the bun from getting soggy, followed by chicken, then sauce, and pickles on top for a refreshing crunch.
8. Serving Suggestions: Pair your Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw to complement the rich flavors of the sandwich.