These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a fun twist on a classic dish! With crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and tangy marinara sauce, they are perfect for parties or a quick dinner.
Honestly, who can resist a sandwich that’s cheesy and loaded with flavor? I love serving them with a side salad, but honestly, they’re great all on their own!
Making these sliders is super easy! Just layer everything on a bun and bake. You’ll have tasty bites ready in no time—that’s my kind of cooking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great alternative; just shred it up and use it instead!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is convenient, but homemade can add extra flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try crushed tomatoes mixed with herbs instead. You can also use pesto if you want to switch things up!
Cheese: Mozzarella is essential for its melting qualities, but you can use a blend of cheese like provolone or Monterey Jack if preferred. For a sharper flavor, you might swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness, but you can replace it with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option or have dietary restrictions.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly is key to avoid dryness. First off, always season your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking. This helps build flavor.
- Cook on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the center reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let it cool before slicing for easier handling and to help retain moisture.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Slider Assembly:
- 1 package (12-count) dinner rolls (slider buns)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 40 minutes in total—10 minutes for prepping and cooking the chicken, and then around 30 minutes for assembling and baking the sliders. Get ready to enjoy some great flavors in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your sliders don’t stick later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and no longer pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool for a bit.
3. Slice the Chicken:
After the chicken has cooled, slice it into thin pieces, ready to be layered in your sliders.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Take your dinner rolls and slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish. Spread half of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the rolls to add flavor.
5. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Layer the sliced chicken pieces on top of the marinara sauce, making sure to spread them out evenly. Then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Finally, pour the remaining marinara sauce on top of the cheese layer.
6. Place the Tops and Prepare the Butter Mixture:
Put the top halves of the slider buns on top. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, garlic powder, and paprika. This buttery mixture is what will make your sliders extra tasty!
7. Brush and Bake:
Brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Final Touches:
Once they are done baking, take your sliders out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy every bite of your Chicken Parmesan sliders!
Can I Use Another Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the quantities to your liking, aiming for about 2 cups total cheese.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No worries! You can use any tomato-based sauce you have on hand, such as pizza sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce. Just ensure it’s seasoned to your taste. For a twist, try adding a dash of Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor!
Can I Prepare These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble your sliders up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and store them in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if they’re going into the oven cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick option, though they might lose some crispiness.
