Imagine the classic comfort of chicken parmesan, but transformed into irresistible hand-held bites: that’s exactly what you get with these Chicken Parmesan Sliders. Oozing with melty cheese, savory marinara, and herby butter atop pillowy Hawaiian rolls, this crowd-pleaser is always a hit at parties, game nights, or weeknight dinners—trust me, you’ll be hooked after one bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: With just a handful of simple steps, you can whip up a tray of Chicken Parmesan Sliders even on your busiest nights.
- Perfect for Sharing: These sliders are made to be shared—the pull-apart style gets everyone huddled around the table and smiling.
- Classic Flavors, Modern Twist: All the best parts of chicken parmesan—crispy chicken, gooey cheese, vibrant marinara, and fresh basil—packaged into bite-sized buns.
- Major Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re serving kids, teens, or grown-ups, these sliders vanish in seconds at any gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love recipes where every ingredient truly shines? That’s exactly what’s going on here—each one adds its own delicious note, building layers of flavor and texture in these Chicken Parmesan Sliders. Let’s break down why you’ll want to stick to this lineup!
- Kings Hawaiian rolls: Their sweet, fluffy texture is the perfect contrast to savory fillings and makes these sliders totally addictive.
- Chicken tenders (cooked): Choose juicy cooked tenders—homemade, rotisserie, or even store-bought breaded tenders for quick assembly.
- Marinara sauce: Brings tang, zest, and that unmistakable Italian flair to the party.
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, buttery richness that complements the chicken.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: For all that stretch and melt, plus a creamy base that soaks up the sauce.
- Fresh basil: The herby brightness cuts through the richness and makes the sliders totally pop.
- Butter (melted): Carries all the garlic and herbs over the top, giving your sliders a glossy golden glow.
- Sea salt: A pinch wakes up all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (minced): Adds savory depth and makes everything smell irresistible as it bakes.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle for color and freshness in every bite.
- Grated parmesan cheese: For a final golden, cheesy, umami-packed finish that screams “Chicken Parmesan.”
Variations
One of my favorite things about Chicken Parmesan Sliders is how completely customizable they are! You can tailor them to whatever you have on hand, your family’s favorite flavors, or any dietary needs—here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Gluten-Free Sliders: Swap in your favorite gluten-free slider rolls or mini buns and choose gluten-free breaded chicken tenders.
- Spicy Kick Version: Add a layer of sliced pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some spicy heat.
- Veggie-Friendly: Replace the chicken with oven-baked eggplant slices or extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian take that’s still full of flavor.
- Crispy Chicken: For extra crunch, use breaded chicken cutlets instead of plain tenders—just bake until heated through before assembling.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Gently slice your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them all connected, and place the bottom half in your baking dish. Carefully set the tops aside for now—the fun’s about to begin!
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Chicken Filling
Start by layering provolone slices over the bottom half of the rolls. Next, evenly distribute your cooked chicken tenders over the cheese—if they’re a little big, feel free to slice them up for perfect coverage. Then spoon over the marinara sauce, scatter slices of fresh mozzarella all over, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil. Every layer adds something magical!
Step 3: Assemble and Top
Place the reserved top half of the rolls back in place, gently pressing down to compact the sliders just a bit. Now, mix up the butter topping by stirring together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, sea salt, and parmesan in a small bowl. Generously brush this savory mixture all over the tops of the buns—get every nook and cranny!
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for about 20 minutes—the cheese will become gloriously gooey and everything melds together. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or so, until the tops are beautifully golden brown. Take them out, slice along the bun lines, and serve your Chicken Parmesan Sliders hot and melty!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Sliders
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed: If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked breaded chicken tenders make assembly super-easy and extra flavorful.
- Even Cheese Coverage: Overlap your cheese slices just slightly so every slider melts together beautifully and there are no “cheese gaps!”
- Let Them Rest Before Slicing: Give your sliders a couple minutes to cool slightly after baking; this keeps the cheese in place so you get clean, drool-worthy layers in every slice.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter Topping: The garlicky, herby butter is what takes these sliders over the top, so really drench those tops for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Garnishes
If you want your Chicken Parmesan Sliders to look as great as they taste, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top right before serving. A dusting of grated parmesan or a few flakes of sea salt adds a restaurant-ready finish—your guests will swoon!
Side Dishes
Serve these sliders alongside a crisp Caesar salad or fresh garden greens for a balanced plate. For a heartier spread, add some garlic parmesan fries, roasted veggies, or even a simple pasta salad—everything goes deliciously with that cheesy, saucy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Chicken Parmesan Sliders look incredible nestled on a big wooden board for a party or game day. You can stack them up on a cooling rack or lay them out in parchment-lined baskets for a casual vibe. Toothpicks or cute slider flags make them easy to grab; don’t forget a bowl of warm marinara for dunking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Sliders store beautifully! Simply wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days—they make a fabulous next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze these sliders after baking if needed. Let them cool completely, then individually wrap each slider and store in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For melty, just-baked goodness, reheat sliders covered in foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 10–12 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can; the oven keeps the bread soft and the cheese gooey!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of rolls or bread for these sliders?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a sweet, soft base that really complements the savory filling, you can substitute with any slider buns you love—potato rolls, brioche mini buns, or even dinner rolls work just fine. Just keep an eye on baking times, as denser breads might need a minute or two longer in the oven.
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Can I make Chicken Parmesan Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders up to the step right before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time to ensure they heat through and the cheese is completely melted.
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What’s the best way to keep sliders warm for a party?
If you’re making them for a crowd, keep the baked sliders covered with foil in a warm (but switched-off) oven until serving. Or slice and stack them in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting—they’ll stay cheesy and perfect for hours!
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Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Sliders before baking?
It’s best to freeze them after baking, as assembling with raw or warm ingredients and then freezing can sometimes lead to soggy bread. For best results, freeze cooled, cooked sliders, wrap tightly, and reheat as needed.
Final Thoughts
Give these Chicken Parmesan Sliders a spot on your next dinner menu or party table and watch them disappear! They’re effortless, flavorful, and bring all the joy of comfort food and sharing in every single bite—let me know how they turn out for you!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic dish, perfect for parties or a fun family meal. Tender chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara sauce sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls make for a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients
Sliders:
- 12 Kings Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound cooked chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Butter Topping:
- 1/4 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 the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the rolls: Split the rolls in half and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Layer the sliders: Top the bottom buns with provolone, cooked chicken, marinara, mozzarella, and basil. Place the top half of the buns on top.
- Make the butter topping: Mix melted butter, sea salt, garlic, parsley, and parmesan. Brush the mixture over the rolls.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize these sliders with your favorite toppings like pepperoni or roasted red peppers.
- Make sure not to over-bake the sliders to keep the rolls soft and delicious.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
