There's nothing better than the aroma of warm, melty Chicken Parmesan Sliders coming out of the oven. This dish combines the comforting flavors of classic chicken parm with the convenience of slider-sized sandwiches, perfect for parties or a fun family dinner.
I first tried these sliders during a game night with friends, and they were an instant hit. The crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and tangy marinara all packed into soft slider buns make them impossible to resist. Let's dive into why you'll love these mini masterpieces.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite party snack or weeknight dinner. These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a delightful twist on a beloved classic that everyone will rave about.
First, they’re incredibly easy to make. From assembly to baking, the whole process takes less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious, homemade meal.
They’re also crowd-pleasers. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a fun family dinner idea, these sliders cater to all ages and tastes. Everyone loves finger food, and these are bursting with flavor.
Plus, they’re versatile. You can customize the recipe with your favorite cheeses, sauces, and even types of chicken. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or put a fresh spin on classic flavors.
Finally, these sliders are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble them ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before serving. This makes them a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these Chicken Parmesan Sliders comes from a handful of simple ingredients that work together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is essential.
- Slider buns: Soft, buttery buns are the perfect vessel for holding all the delicious ingredients. Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice because of their slight sweetness, but any small, soft roll will work.
- Chicken: Breaded chicken tenders or cutlets are ideal for this recipe. They provide that signature crunch and pair beautifully with the marinara and cheese.
- Marinara sauce: Choose a high-quality marinara or homemade version for the best flavor. The tangy, savory sauce ties everything together.
- Cheese: A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan is classic. The mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, while the Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick.
- Butter and seasonings: A mixture of melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning brushed on top of the buns takes these sliders to the next level. It adds a golden, flavorful crust.
If you have a large baking dish or sheet pan, it will make assembly and baking a breeze.
How To Make This Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Creating these Chicken Parmesan Sliders is easier than you might think. Here’s how to put them together step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking dish or sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. While the oven heats, prepare your chicken. If using frozen breaded tenders, cook them according to package instructions until crispy.
Next, slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom halves in the prepared dish. Spread a layer of marinara sauce over the buns, then arrange the cooked chicken tenders evenly on top.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan generously over the chicken. The cheese should completely cover the chicken for that signature gooey pull when the sliders are separated.
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the tops of the buns, ensuring they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes to melt the cheese. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before cutting them apart for serving.
These sliders take just 20-25 minutes from start to finish and deliver restaurant-quality flavor.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though it’s rare with these sliders!), they’re easy to store and reheat.
- Refrigerator: Place the sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, place the sliders in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the buns from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are endlessly customizable. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Use grilled chicken instead of breaded tenders for a lighter version.
- Swap the marinara for Alfredo sauce for a creamy, indulgent twist.
- Add a layer of sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for extra veggies.
- Experiment with cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Turn them into "Buffalo Chicken Parmesan Sliders" by mixing hot sauce into the marinara.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. These sliders are forgiving and fun to play with, so let your creativity shine!
With their irresistible combination of textures and flavors, these Chicken Parmesan Sliders are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether for a special gathering or a casual meal, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
PrintChicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan Sliders recipe features crispy breaded chicken, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and parmesan cheese on soft slider buns. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or quick family meal, these sliders are bursting with Italian-inspired flavors and simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups cooked and breaded chicken tenders (cut into slider-sized pieces)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer cooked chicken tenders over the buns.
- Spoon marinara sauce over chicken, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Cover with the top halves of the slider buns.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush over the tops of the buns.
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and buns are golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version; bread and bake as needed.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Great for parties, potlucks, or a fun family dinner idea.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
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