If you’re searching for a fun twist on a classic Italian favorite, you’re in for a treat with this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe. Imagine juicy, tender chicken tenders perfectly nestled inside soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls, layered with rich marinara sauce, melted provolone and fresh mozzarella, and finished with fragrant basil and a garlicky butter topping. These sliders are bursting with flavor and bring a comforting, satisfying bite in every mouthful. They’re the ultimate party appetizer or an easy, delicious meal that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of taste, texture, and visual appeal. Getting these essentials right means you’re well on your way to slider success.
- 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls: These sweet, soft rolls cradle the ingredients perfectly and add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- 1 pound cooked chicken tenders: Tender and ready to use, they provide the hearty protein base.
- ½ cup marinara sauce: A tangy, herb-filled layer that keeps every bite juicy and vibrant.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts smoothly to add a mild, creamy touch.
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced: Offers that perfect gooey, stretchy texture we all love in Italian dishes.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Brightens the sliders with fresh, aromatic herbs.
- ¼ cup (57g) butter, melted: The base for the savory garlic topping that crisps the rolls.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced: Brings in that irresistible warmth and pungency.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a splash of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese: A sharp, salty finish for the buttery topping.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature creates the perfect conditions for gently melting the cheeses and baking the sliders until golden and bubbly without drying them out.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Slice your King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Lay the bottom halves flat in a baking dish—this stable foundation keeps the sliders together and catches all the delicious juices.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Next, it’s assembly time. Start by laying slices of provolone cheese on the bottom buns, then evenly distribute the cooked chicken tenders. Spoon marinara sauce generously over the chicken, followed by fresh mozzarella slices and a sprinkle of chopped basil. This layering builds that classic Chicken Parmesan flavor in every bite. Finally, place the top halves of the rolls gently on the stack.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sea salt, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan. This mixture is the secret to those irresistibly buttery and garlicky slider tops that brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the assembled sliders, making sure to cover every top roll. Cover the baking dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil to let the tops crisp up, baking for an additional 5 minutes until they’re a lovely golden brown.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, carefully slice between the rolls with a sharp knife. Serve these Chicken Parmesan Sliders hot to enjoy the gooey cheese and flavorful chicken at their best.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your sliders from delicious to downright memorable. Sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh basil or parsley for color and aroma. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add wonderful contrast.
Side Dishes
These sliders are quite satisfying on their own but pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness, while garlic parmesan fries or roasted vegetables round out the meal in a wonderfully savory way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing spread, serve your Chicken Parmesan Sliders on a large wooden cutting board or a rustic tray. Add small bowls of marinara sauce for dipping, and label your serving dish with a charming tag to let guests know they’re in for something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chicken Parmesan Sliders hold up well if stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring you cover the top to prevent the bread from drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place individual sliders in freezer-safe containers. They freeze best for up to 2 months and are a fantastic solution for quick meals later on.
Reheating
When ready to eat leftovers, reheat the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the bread soft and the cheese melty without turning soggy like a microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before assembling your sliders. Grilled or breaded chicken breasts sliced thinly work great if that’s what you have on hand.
What can I substitute for King’s Hawaiian rolls?
If you can’t find King’s Hawaiian rolls, any soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls or slider buns will do. Avoid dense or crusty bread as it won’t soak up the flavors as nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can definitely swap the chicken with breaded eggplant, mushrooms, or a veggie patty for a vegetarian-friendly version while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.
Can I prepare these sliders in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just ensure you bring them to room temperature before baking for more even cooking.
How spicy is the Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe?
This recipe is mild and friendly for all palates, but you can always add crushed red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe, it’s likely to become a staple in your recipe box. It’s the perfect blend of comforting Italian flavors, ease of assembly, and crowd-pleasing charm all tucked into a slider-sized package. These sliders are great for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. So why not whip up a batch and watch everyone fall in love with every delicious bite?
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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 combine tender cooked chicken tenders, savory marinara sauce, and a blend of gooey provolone and fresh mozzarella cheeses, all layered on soft King’s Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a flavorful garlic-butter parsley mixture and baked to golden perfection, these sliders make a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
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
Garlic 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully split the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves evenly in a baking dish, creating the base layer.
- Assemble Sliders: Layer each bottom half with slices of provolone cheese, cooked chicken tenders, marinara sauce, slices of fresh mozzarella, and chopped fresh basil for flavor and freshness. Then, place the top halves of the rolls over the layered ingredients to form the sliders.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sea salt, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a flavorful butter topping.
- Brush Topping: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the assembled rolls to infuse flavor and help them brown beautifully during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the sliders moist and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, slice the slider block into individual servings, and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken tenders for convenience; you can use leftover chicken or precooked store-bought chicken tenders.
- If you prefer spicier sliders, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara before assembling.
- The King’s Hawaiian rolls add sweetness that balances the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Make sure to cover the sliders with foil initially to prevent the tops from burning while ensuring the cheese melts thoroughly.
- For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- These sliders are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil.
