Chicken Parm Sliders are bite-sized sandwiches packed with crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for game day or any fun gathering!
These sliders are a crowd-pleaser and super simple to make. I love serving them with a side of marinara for extra dipping fun. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for sliders. You could use Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness or whole wheat buns for a healthier option.
Chicken: Thinly sliced or pounded chicken breasts work best. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken strips or even turkey can be a great alternative.
Breadcrumbs: I love Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you’re gluten-free, use ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko also adds a great crunch!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is traditional, but provolone or fontina can add a twist. For a dairy-free option, cashew-based cheese is great.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought sauce saves time, but homemade is always tastier. You can also use pesto for a different flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Bread the Chicken?
Breading chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right. A solid breading will give you a nice crunchy texture! Follow these simple steps:
- Start with dry hands to avoid any sticky mess.
- Coat chicken in flour first, ensuring a light layer.
- Dip into beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, press into breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Fry at medium heat, so they don’t cook too fast—this helps avoid burning the outside while keeping it juicy inside!
Chicken Parm Sliders
Ingredients:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: extra shredded mozzarella for topping before baking
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 40 minutes in total: 10 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for cooking and baking. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but special enough for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake the sliders.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
If your chicken breasts are thick, either slice them horizontally or pound them down to about 1/2 inch thick. Season each piece generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow dishes:
– In the first dish, put the flour.
– In the second, beat the eggs.
– And in the third, mix the Italian breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. This makes breading your chicken super easy!
4. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken piece and coat it in flour first, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. This triple coat gives you that delicious crunch!
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken. Fry each piece until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish. Start by spooning a thin layer of marinara sauce onto each bun bottom, then add a slice of the cooked chicken.
7. Add More Flavor:
Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the chicken, and then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Don’t forget the chopped fresh basil for that fresh, herby taste!
8. Finish with the Buns:
Place the top halves of the buns over the sliders. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, and brush it over the top of the buns to ensure they turn golden brown when baked.
9. Bake the Sliders:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the buns are lightly toasted. The smell will be irresistible!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven and allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, ideally with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parm Sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before preparing it. The safest way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can defrost it quickly by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time, then assemble the sliders without baking. Cover and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, brush the buns with garlic butter and bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the sliders in an airtight container in the fridge— they’ll keep well for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps keep the buns from getting soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Marinara Sauce?
If you’re in the mood for something different, feel free to use pesto or alfredo sauce instead! They add unique flavors and can change up the whole vibe of the sliders while keeping them delicious!
