Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe

There's nothing quite like the sizzle of crispy chicken, gooey mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce melting into fluffy slider buns. Chicken Parmesan Sliders are the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, a crowd-pleaser for game nights, gatherings, or just a fun family dinner. These mini sandwiches pack all the flavor of classic Chicken Parmesan but are handheld and ideal for sharing.

this Recipe

I first whipped up these sliders as a game-day snack, and they were such a hit that I had to double the recipe the next time. With a crispy crust, tender chicken, and that signature marinara-mozzarella combo, these sliders have become a go-to for every occasion.

Why You'll Love These Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Get ready to impress everyone with this irresistible appetizer-turned-main-course. These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

First of all, they're incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can have a platter full of delicious sliders ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for parties!

The texture and flavor are out of this world. The crispy breaded chicken paired with the melty mozzarella and rich marinara sauce is a combination no one can resist. Nestled in soft, buttery slider buns, each bite is a flavor explosion.

These sliders are also highly customizable. You can adjust the toppings to suit your family's preferences or make them vegetarian by swapping out the chicken for eggplant or mushrooms.

Lastly, they are perfect for feeding a crowd. With a full batch yielding a dozen sliders, you can easily double or triple the recipe for large gatherings. They're guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Chicken Parmesan Sliders lies in the balance of flavors and textures, achieved through simple, wholesome ingredients.

Chicken Breasts form the base of the sliders. Cut them into small, even pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. If you prefer, you can also use chicken tenders to make things even simpler.

Breadcrumbs and Grated Parmesan Cheese create the perfect crunchy coating. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Mixing in grated Parmesan gives the coating a savory depth, making each bite deliciously flavorful.

Marinara Sauce adds a rich, tomatoey base that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken. Use your favorite store-bought marinara or a homemade version if you have one on hand.

Mozzarella Cheese is essential for that classic Chicken Parmesan experience. Opt for shredded mozzarella for easy melting, or use sliced fresh mozzarella for an even creamier finish.

Slider Buns bring everything together. Choose soft, fluffy buns, and lightly toast them if you want to add an extra layer of texture. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with dried Italian herbs for added flavor.

You’ll also need a large baking dish to assemble the sliders and ensure even cooking and melting.

How To Make These Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Making these sliders is a simple and straightforward process, perfect for cooks of any level. Here's how to do it:

Start by prepping your chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small pieces that fit perfectly on a slider bun. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build flavor right from the start.

Next, set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum crispiness.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Now it’s time to assemble the sliders. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a large baking dish and spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over each bun. Add a piece of crispy chicken on top, followed by more marinara and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the top halves of the buns over the chicken.

Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with dried Italian herbs for an aromatic finish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool for a couple of minutes before serving. The total cook and assembly time should be about 45 minutes, making these sliders a quick and easy crowd-pleaser.

Storage Options

If you have any leftovers (though that's rare!), these Chicken Parmesan Sliders store beautifully. Place the sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the buns from getting soggy, you can store the chicken separately from the buns if possible.

Reheating is simple: just pop the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melty. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though the bread may become softer.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven before assembling into sliders.

Variations and Substitutions

These sliders are highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative!

For a vegetarian option, try using breaded eggplant slices or large portobello mushrooms in place of the chicken. You'll get the same satisfying crunch and flavor.

Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce or drizzle the cooked chicken with a bit of hot sauce before adding the cheese. This is perfect if you enjoy a bit of heat.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. Provolone or smoked gouda would add a unique twist, while fresh basil leaves tucked under the cheese will give the sliders a refreshing, herby kick.

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and slider buns. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Don't be afraid to customize the seasonings to your liking or even add a layer of sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers for a nutritional boost. This recipe is forgiving and welcomes your personal touches!

Enjoy making these Chicken Parmesan Sliders and see how quickly they become a household favorite. They're perfect for sharing, but don't be surprised if everyone wants to keep a few for themselves!

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