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If you are craving a bite-sized twist on a classic comfort food, this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten any gathering or weeknight dinner. Imagine tender cooked chicken nestled between soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls, smothered in rich marinara sauce, melted provolone and fresh mozzarella, all topped with fragrant basil and a garlicky buttery crust. These sliders fuse the beloved flavors of traditional chicken parmesan into a fun, shareable format that’s perfect for parties, game day, or just when you want to treat yourself to something hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors in your sliders. From savory cheeses to fresh herbs, every bite bursts with delicious detail.
- 12 Kings Hawaiian rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that add the perfect tender base and subtle sweetness to balance the savory toppings.
- 1 pound cooked chicken tenders: The heart of the dish, providing juicy, flavorful protein in every slider.
- ½ cup marinara sauce: Adds a zesty, tangy tomato layer that keeps the sliders moist and savory.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Offers a mild, creamy melt that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced: Brings a luscious, stretchy texture and rich milky flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Infuses the dish with a fresh, aromatic herbaceous note.
- ¼ cup (57g) butter, melted: Used to brush the tops, creating a golden, crispy finish.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances and balances the flavors throughout the dish.
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced: Adds a bold, savory punch that mixes perfectly with the butter.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, earthy accent as part of the butter brush-on mixture.
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty finishing touch to the tops of the sliders.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the stage to perfectly melt cheese and toast the buttery tops of your sliders. This step ensures even cooking and a beautifully golden finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Carefully split the Kings Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Lay the bottom halves evenly inside your baking dish, creating a soft yet stable foundation for each slider’s layers.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
On top of the bottom buns, layer the provolone slices first, then add the cooked chicken tenders for hearty flavor. Spoon over the marinara sauce, followed by the fresh mozzarella slices and a sprinkle of chopped basil for that vibrant, fragrant kick.
Step 4: Add the Top Buns and Brush Butter Mixture
Place the top halves of the buns over the layered fillings. Now combine the melted butter, sea salt, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan in a bowl, mixing well. Generously brush this flavorful mixture all over the tops of the rolls to ensure each slider bakes with a golden, garlicky crust.
Step 5: Bake Covered and Uncovered
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt and the sliders to warm through thoroughly. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, giving the tops a beautiful, golden-brown color and slightly crisp texture.
Step 6: Slice and Serve Hot
Once out of the oven, slice the sliders apart with a sharp knife. Serve while they’re warm and gooey, perfect for enjoying every ooey-gooey bite packed with that incredible chicken parmesan flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your sliders by topping them with a light drizzle of extra marinara or a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Fresh basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a beautiful burst of color and a hint of spice that elevates the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of crispy fries or sweet potato wedges can also complement the savory richness while offering a satisfying crunch contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the sliders on a large wooden board garnished with fresh basil sprigs and bowls of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also stuff the sliders into small paper bags for a casual, grab-and-go vibe perfect for game day gatherings or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the rolls soft but the flavors intact, making it easy to enjoy a quick meal later.
Freezing
You can freeze the sliders assembled but unbaked by wrapping the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure everything is heated through and the cheese is melted perfectly.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F wrapped loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through, then uncover for a few minutes if you want to crisp the tops again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Just cook your chicken tenders fully before assembling the sliders. Grilled or baked chicken works well and adds a nice texture and smoky flavor to the sliders.
What type of cheese works best for these sliders?
Provolone and fresh mozzarella are ideal for their meltability and flavor balance, but you could experiment with fontina or even a mild cheddar to change things up while keeping that gooey texture.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out chicken for breaded eggplant slices or a thick portobello mushroom cap layered with the same cheeses and marinara sauce for a delicious vegetarian version of the Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe.
How spicy are these sliders?
The classic recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for an extra kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Are these sliders suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they’re fantastic for meal prep! Assemble and bake them ahead, then simply refrigerate or freeze until ready to reheat for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner option.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings people together with its irresistible combination of tender chicken, melty cheeses, and aromatic herbs all hugged by soft, buttery rolls. Honestly, every time I make these, they disappear fast because they’re just that good! So go ahead, try this recipe soon and get ready for plenty of compliments and happy bites.
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Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make party favorite featuring tender cooked chicken tenders layered with marinara sauce, provolone and fresh mozzarella cheeses, fresh basil, and a buttery garlic-parmesan topping, all baked inside sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 King’s 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 Mixture
- 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: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the rolls: Carefully split the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves evenly in a baking dish to form the slider base.
- Assemble the sliders: Layer each roll bottom with a slice of provolone cheese, then add cooked chicken tenders, a spoonful of marinara sauce, slices of fresh mozzarella, and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for vibrant flavor.
- Top the sliders: Place the top halves of the rolls over the assembled ingredients to form the slider sandwiches.
- Make the butter mixture and brush: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sea salt, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the assembled rolls to add rich flavor and help browning.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to meld. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice the sliders apart if desired, and serve hot for a delicious appetizer or meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken tenders for convenience, or cook your own chicken before assembling.
- For an extra crispy top, you can broil the sliders for the last 1-2 minutes instead of baking longer.
- Fresh basil adds wonderful aroma and flavor, but you can substitute with dried basil if necessary.
- These sliders are best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- You can add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a slight kick of heat.
