Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe

Juicy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe: A Family-Pleasing Delight

Small chicken parmesan sliders pack an incredible punch of flavor that surprises everyone at the dinner table.

Miniature sandwiches deliver delightful Italian-inspired comfort without massive preparation time.

Each bite combines crispy chicken with melted cheese and zesty marinara sauce.

Compact sliders work perfectly for game nights or casual gatherings.

Weekend meal planning becomes exciting with these crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches.

Guests will devour these little flavor bombs faster than you can plate them.

Whip up a batch and watch smiles spread across hungry faces.

Chicken Parmesan Sliders Flavor Factors

  • Speedy Meal Solution: Whip up these sliders in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner that doesn't require extensive cooking skills.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the classic combination of crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and tangy marinara sauce packed into adorable mini sandwiches that are easy to eat.
  • Versatile Party Favorite: These sliders work brilliantly for game day gatherings, casual potlucks, or spontaneous weekend get-togethers, offering a crowd-pleasing option that's simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress guests.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a few pantry staples and pre-cooked chicken tenders, you can transform ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat without complicated cooking techniques.

Chicken Parmesan Sliders Components

Main Protein Component:
  • Chicken Tenders or Chicken Nuggets: Crispy protein base for the sliders, pre-cooked for convenience.
Bread Component:
  • Slider Buns: Soft, small bread providing the perfect handheld vessel for the chicken.
Cheese Components:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy mozzarella for melting, sharp Parmesan for added flavor complexity.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce adding moisture and traditional flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Herb blend and garlic providing depth and aromatic warmth.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for final garnish and fresh flavor accent.
Binding and Finish Components:
  • Butter (Melted): Helps create a golden, crispy top and adds rich flavor to the sliders.

Chicken Parmesan Sliders Assembly Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F.

This perfect temperature will help create golden, crispy sliders.

Step 2: Prepare the Bun Base

Split your slider buns neatly in half.

Arrange the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a cozy foundation for your sliders.

Step 3: Add Crispy Chicken

Place a perfectly cooked breaded chicken tender or nugget on each bun half.

These will be the star protein of your slider.

Step 4: Layer with Saucy Goodness

Drizzle marinara sauce over each chicken piece.

Then generously sprinkle:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

These cheeses will create a melty, irresistible topping.

Step 5: Crown with Bun Tops

Gently place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheesy chicken.

Step 6: Create Flavor-Packed Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder

Brush this magical mixture over the bun tops, ensuring every inch gets coated.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Then remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until the tops turn golden and cheese melts completely.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish.

Serve these sliders warm and watch them disappear quickly!

Chicken Parmesan Sliders – Easy Tips for Crisp Edges

  • Swap breaded chicken tenders for homemade breaded chicken, grilled chicken, or even rotisserie chicken to match your preference and time availability.
  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella for smoother melting and better texture compared to pre-shredded packaged cheese.
  • Add a thin layer of basil leaves or fresh chopped herbs between chicken and sauce for an extra aromatic dimension.
  • Pat chicken dry before assembling sliders to prevent excess moisture and maintain crispy bread texture.
  • Assemble sliders completely up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient meal preparation.

Store Chicken Parmesan Sliders And Reheat Cleanly

  • Store leftover sliders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place sliders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Wrap individual sliders in a damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking and maintain texture.
  • Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Party Picks for Chicken Parmesan Sliders

  • Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, cheesy flavors and cuts through the marinara sauce's tanginess.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA that balances the slider's savory profile and enhances the garlic and herbal notes from the seasoning.
  • Fresh Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty sliders and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon or orange juice to offer a bright, effervescent drink that refreshes and lightens the slider's rich cheese and butter elements.

Chicken Parmesan Sliders with Crispy and Saucy Options

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace slider buns with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps. Use gluten-free breaded chicken tenders and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with breaded plant-based chicken alternatives or grilled portobello mushroom slices. Use dairy-free cheese for vegan adaptation.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute slider buns with large roasted bell pepper halves or cauliflower rounds. Use extra-crispy baked chicken and reduced-fat cheese options.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to marinara sauce. Incorporate hot sauce into butter mixture for increased heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Sliders?

The key ingredients include slider buns, breaded chicken tenders or nuggets, marinara sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

  • Can I use homemade chicken tenders instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade breaded chicken tenders or cutlets. Just ensure they are pre-cooked and fit the size of the slider buns.

  • Is there a way to make these sliders healthier?

Try using whole wheat slider buns, low-fat cheese, baked chicken tenders, and less butter. You can also add some fresh spinach or arugula for extra nutrition.

  • How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Lightly toast the buns before assembling or use a slotted spoon when adding marinara sauce to drain excess liquid. This helps maintain the buns’ crispness.

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Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delectable chicken parmesan sliders bring Italian-American comfort to mini sandwiches, offering a perfect blend of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and zesty marinara. Guests will devour these irresistible bites that pack maximum flavor into compact, crowd-pleasing sliders.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 slider buns
  • 12 breaded chicken tenders or chicken nuggets (cooked)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (226 grams) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Arrange slider buns cut-side up in a prepared baking dish, creating a foundation for the layered chicken sliders.
  2. Nestle crispy breaded chicken tenders centrally on each bottom bun half, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Generously ladle marinara sauce directly over each chicken piece, creating a rich, vibrant layer.
  4. Shower the sauced chicken with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, providing a creamy, melty texture.
  5. Cap each slider with its corresponding top bun half, creating compact sandwich structures.
  6. Whisk together melted butter, aromatic Italian seasoning, and potent garlic powder in a small mixing bowl.
  7. Carefully brush the seasoned butter mixture across the bun tops, ensuring even coating for golden, flavorful results.
  8. Shield the assembled sliders with aluminum foil, then bake in a preheated oven, trapping moisture and heat.
  9. Remove foil during the final baking stage to allow the bun tops to transform into a crisp, golden-brown crust.
  10. Delicately sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the hot sliders, adding a touch of herbal freshness and visual appeal.
  11. Serve immediately while cheese remains molten and chicken stays deliciously warm.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by cooking chicken tenders or nuggets in advance to save time during assembly.
  • Customize sliders with different cheeses like provolone or add fresh basil for extra flavor complexity.
  • Gluten-free option can be achieved by using gluten-free slider buns and breadcrumbs for chicken coating.
  • Reduce calories by using whole wheat buns, baking chicken instead of frying, and choosing low-fat cheese varieties.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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