If you love the comforting flavors of Italian classics combined with the fun, casual vibe of sliders, you’re in for a treat with this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe. These little bundles of cheesy, saucy goodness bring together tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and aromatic basil between soft Hawaiian rolls, making them perfect for sharing at parties, game days, or even a cozy family dinner. The magic lies in the balance of crispy, gooey, and savory all wrapped up in one handheld delight that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a special role in creating the perfect bite. From the soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls to the fresh basil that adds a bright herbal note, every component is essential for that authentic, mouthwatering experience.
- Kings Hawaiian rolls (12): These provide the perfect soft and slightly sweet base to contrast the savory chicken and cheese.
- Cooked chicken tenders (1 pound): Tender and ready to layer, they bring hearty protein and texture.
- Marinara sauce (½ cup): A rich, tangy tomato sauce adds moisture and classic Italian flavor.
- Provolone cheese (8 slices): Creamy, mild, and melts beautifully for a luscious layer.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (8 ounces, sliced): Offers a fresh, gooey melt that’s essential to the authentic chicken parm taste.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a fragrant pop of herbal brightness that elevates the whole slider.
- Melted butter (¼ cup / 57g): Used for brushing, it brings richness and helps the rolls brown perfectly.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances and enhances all of the flavors.
- Garlic (3 teaspoons, minced): Provides an irresistible aromatic punch that complements the chicken and cheese.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the buttery topping.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish that is classic to chicken parm dishes.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F. Preheating ensures it’s at the perfect temperature so your sliders bake evenly, letting the cheese melt just right and the buttery topping crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Carefully slice the Kings Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the buns connected if they come in a connected tray. Arrange the bottom halves snugly into a baking dish. This forms the sturdy base for all the delicious toppings to come.
Step 3: Layer the Sliders
This is where the magic really starts. First, layer the provolone cheese evenly over the bottom buns to start the melty goodness. Then, pile on the cooked chicken tenders for that hearty protein punch. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly on top for juicy tomato flavor. Next, add slices of fresh mozzarella cheese to melt over the chicken. Sprinkling fresh basil across the top gives a fragrant, bright lift that makes this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe feel truly special. Finally, cap the sliders with the top halves of the rolls.
Step 4: Make the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sea salt, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. This savory mixture will be brushed generously on top of the slider buns, giving them a golden, flavorful finish after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake the sliders for 20 minutes at 350°F. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly and the flavors to meld. After removing the foil, bake for an additional 5 minutes so the tops brown nicely and get that irresistible buttery crispness.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once baked, slice the sliders apart and serve them immediately while they’re hot, gooey, and bursting with flavor. The warm cheese, tender chicken, and fragrant basil make each bite a little celebration of classic Italian comfort food.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle a little more chopped fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. A light drizzle of extra marinara sauce or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese always works well to enhance that authentic chicken parmesan vibe.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with crisp green salads or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, classic garlic parmesan fries or herb-roasted vegetables make fantastic companions to round out your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these sliders on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch or extra marinara. You could even line the baking dish with parchment paper and serve straight from it for a cozy, family-style feel that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Covering them well keeps the buns from drying out and preserves the flavors perfectly.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders for longer storage by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well frozen for about one month without losing their delicious taste.
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is using an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until everything is warmed through and the cheese is melty once again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the buns a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for these sliders?
Absolutely! While Kings Hawaiian rolls add a wonderful sweetness and softness, you can experiment with other rolls like brioche or classic sandwich buns depending on your preference. Just make sure they’re soft enough to complement the fillings.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the cooked chicken tenders with crispy eggplant slices or a meat substitute to keep the delicious flavors intact while making the dish vegetarian-friendly. Just follow the same layering and baking instructions.
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes them great for hosting events or meal prepping.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
The combination of provolone and fresh mozzarella is key to achieving that authentic Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe taste. Provolone melts smoothly while fresh mozzarella adds creamy texture. You can add a bit of parmesan inside too for extra flavor.
How can I make the sliders spicier?
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the butter topping. A layer of sliced pepperoncini or a dash of hot sauce on the sliders before baking can also add a fun kick that complements the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe is like bringing a mini Italian feast straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. They’re perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying your favorite comfort food in an easy, shareable format. I promise once you try these little cheesy wonders, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and get ready for a delicious experience that everyone will rave about!
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Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a delicious twist on classic chicken Parmesan, served on soft Kings Hawaiian rolls for a perfect appetizer or party snack. Featuring layers of provolone and fresh mozzarella cheese, tender cooked chicken tenders, marinara sauce, and fresh basil, then topped with a flavorful garlic butter and parmesan brush before baking to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 12 Kings Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound cooked chicken tenders
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup (57g) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the rolls: Split the Kings Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves evenly in a baking dish, creating the base for your sliders.
- Layer the sliders: On top of the bottom halves, layer slices of provolone cheese, then add the cooked chicken tenders. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, add sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle chopped fresh basil. Finally, place the top halves of the rolls on each slider stack.
- Make the butter topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with sea salt, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a flavorful garlic butter topping.
- Brush the rolls: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns to enhance flavor and help with browning during baking.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve hot: Remove from the oven, slice the slider bunch if needed, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken tenders to save time in preparation.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before layering.
- These sliders are perfect for parties or game day and can be made ahead and reheated.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella if you prefer a uniform cheese texture.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for a more vibrant flavor.
