Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. They also hold up better to high-heat cooking. If using thighs, cook them for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

What’s the best way to get a perfect blackened crust?

For the best blackened crust, use a hot cast-iron skillet, pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and don’t flip too soon. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for at least 3 minutes per side before flipping.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep these sliders in several ways: marinate & season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge, cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat before assembling the sliders, or toast the buns ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

How do I prevent my chicken from being dry?

Dry chicken is often caused by overcooking or using too little fat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temp reaches exactly 165°F (75°C), marinate the chicken in a little olive oil & lemon juice before seasoning, and cook over medium-high heat, not high heat, to prevent burning.

What type of buns work best for sliders?

Brioche slider buns are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. Hawaiian rolls are lightly sweet and super fluffy. Potato buns are rich and sturdy, holding up well to juicy chicken.

Can I make these sliders without a cast-iron skillet?

Yes! While a cast-iron skillet gives the best sear, you can also use a grill (cook over medium-high heat for the same blackened effect), a regular skillet (ensure it's preheated properly before cooking), or an air fryer (cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway).

Can I bake the blackened chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. However, baking won’t give you the same crispy, blackened crust as pan-frying or grilling.

What’s the best sauce to pair with blackened chicken sliders?

Some great sauce options include classic mayo-based sauce (mayo, hot sauce, lemon juice, and honey), garlic aioli for a rich, creamy garlic kick, chipotle ranch for a smoky, spicy twist, or honey mustard to balance out the spiciness with sweetness.

Can I freeze cooked blackened chicken?

Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

What sides go well with blackened chicken sliders?

Some great side dish options include sweet potato fries to balance out the heat, coleslaw for added crunch and freshness, mac & cheese for a creamy, cheesy side, corn on the cob as a classic BBQ pairing, or pickled veggies to cut through the spice.

How can I make these sliders less spicy?

To reduce spice, use less Cajun seasoning (reduce to 1 tbsp instead of 2), skip the hot sauce in the sauce or replace it with more honey, or add a slice of cheese (like Swiss or mozzarella) to balance out the heat.

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes! But homemade Cajun seasoning is fresher and allows you to control the spice level. A basic mix includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, buns in a sealed bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, and sauce in a small jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! Swap out the slider buns for lettuce wraps or low-carb keto buns.

How can I serve these for a party?

Make a slider bar with different toppings, sauces, and buns, keep chicken warm in a slow cooker for self-serve sliders, or offer different spice levels by making mild, medium, and extra spicy versions.

Blackened Chicken Sliders

Description

These Blackened Chicken Sliders are bold, juicy, and packed with Cajun seasoning! Served on soft slider buns with a creamy sauce, they are perfect for game day, dinner, or BBQ parties!

Ingredients

Scale

🍗 For the Blackened Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts (cut into 6 slider-sized pieces)
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

🍞 For the Sliders:

6 slider buns
2 tbsp butter (melted)
6 small lettuce leaves
1 large tomato (sliced)
6 slices pickles

🥣 For the Creamy Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tsp honey

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken:

Slice chicken breasts into 6 even-sized pieces.
Pat dry and coat with olive oil.

2️⃣ Season the Chicken:

Mix Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Rub seasoning mix generously onto chicken.

3️⃣ Cook the Chicken:

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.
Internal temp should reach 165°F (75°C).

4️⃣ Prepare the Buns:

Brush slider buns with melted butter.
Toast lightly on a skillet for a golden-brown crust.

5️⃣ Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix mayo, mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, and honey.
Stir until smooth and creamy.

6️⃣ Assemble the Sliders:

Spread sauce on both sides of the toasted buns.
Layer lettuce, tomato, blackened chicken, and pickles.
Secure with a toothpick and serve hot!

🔥 Enjoy your spicy, flavorful Blackened Chicken Sliders!

Notes

✅ Make-Ahead Tip: Marinate and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
✅ Freezing Instructions: Freeze blackened chicken for up to 3 months and reheat before serving.
✅ Serving Suggestion: Serve sliders with coleslaw, fries, or a fresh green salad.
✅ Flavor Variations: Add cheese, crispy bacon, or avocado for extra toppings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Pan-searing, Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider (out of 6)
Calories: 320kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg