If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing meal that combines comfort food with a playful twist, this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These mini sandwiches pack all the irresistible flavors of classic chicken Parmesan into soft, buttery slider buns that are perfect for parties, family dinners, or even a casual game day snack. With layers of crispy chicken strips, gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and a buttery herb topping, each bite bursts with satisfying flavor that’s both hearty and cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a vital role in bringing the Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe to life. From the sweetness of King’s Hawaiian buns to the savory punch of Italian seasoning, they blend perfectly for that unforgettable taste and texture.
- King’s Hawaiian Pre-Sliced Slider Buns (10 ounces, 9 buns): Soft, slightly sweet buns that cradle the sliders beautifully.
- Frozen chicken strips (10-12, cooked): Ready-made for convenience, delivering tender, crispy chicken every time.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup): Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture to keep every bite juicy.
- Whole milk mozzarella cheese (9 slices): Melts smoothly and provides that signature cheesy pull.
- Salted butter (½ cup, melted): Brushed on top to give a golden, flavorful crust.
- Italian Seasoning (1 ounce): A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the buttery topping.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds a salty kick to the topping for that authentic chicken Parmesan taste.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional): A fresh garnish that brightens up the look and flavor.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and arranging the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. This sets the stage for building your delicious sliders and ensures even baking.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken Strips
Next, lay the cooked frozen chicken strips right onto the bottom buns. Using pre-cooked strips is a total time-saver but still guarantees that crispy, satisfying chicken flavor throughout.
Step 3: Add Marinara and Cheese
Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each strip to keep things juicy and flavorful. Then place a slice of mozzarella on top to melt perfectly over the sauced chicken while baking.
Step 4: Top with the Buns
Place the top halves of the slider buns over each assembled sandwich, gently pressing down so they stay together during baking.
Step 5: Make the Butter Topping
Mix melted butter with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Brush this savory mixture generously over the tops of the buns to create a golden, flavorful crust once baked. Adding fresh basil here is a lovely optional touch to brighten things up.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your sliders in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. The warm, fragrant sliders are ready when everything is melty, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped basil on top just before serving adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich chicken and cheese beautifully. A dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts either.
Side Dishes
Serve these sliders alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For an extra touch of indulgence, crispy fries or garlic Parmesan potato wedges are always a winning combination that echoes the cheesy delight of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
These sliders are ideal for party platters or game day spreads. Arrange them on a wooden board with bowls of extra marinara sauce for dipping. You can even pass them around on a large tray, wrapping each slider in parchment paper for a stylish finger food presentation that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps keep the buns soft and the chicken flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep their deliciousness for up to 2 months. This is perfect for prepping ahead or storing extra sliders.
Reheating
Reheat the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for around 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method preserves the crispy edges and melty cheese much better than a microwave, keeping each mini sandwich tasting fresh and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen chicken strips?
Absolutely! Cooking fresh chicken tenders seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs will add a homemade touch. Just make sure they’re fully cooked and lightly breaded or grilled before assembling your sliders.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken strips with breaded eggplant slices or mushroom cutlets. These options soak up the marinara and cheese beautifully while keeping the vegetable-friendly vibe.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure that your chicken strips or substitutes are gluten-free as well. Many grocery stores offer great gluten-free bun options these days.
How spicy are these sliders?
This recipe is mild by nature, but you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara or sprinkle some hot sauce on the chicken for a bit of a kick if you prefer more heat.
What drinks pair well with Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe?
A light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a cold beer complements the rich flavors perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a fruity iced tea balances the meal wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about this Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe that makes it an instant classic in my home, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way once you try it. It’s easy to assemble, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Give it a go next time you want a meal that’s a little different but all kinds of delicious!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (9 sliders total)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders combine tender cooked chicken strips with classic marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, all nestled inside sweet Hawaiian slider buns. A savory butter and Italian seasoning glaze tops off these perfectly baked sliders that make for a delicious appetizer or main dish. Garnished with fresh basil, they’re melty, golden, and bursting with familiar Italian-American flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 10 ounces King’s Hawaiian Pre-Sliced Slider Buns (9 buns)
- 10–12 frozen chicken strips (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 9 slices whole milk mozzarella cheese
Butter Topping
- ½ cup salted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 1 ounce Italian Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Buns: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns on a baking sheet or in a baking pan to prepare for layering.
- Add Chicken Strips: Lay the cooked chicken strips evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns, ensuring each slider gets a piece of chicken.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce generously over the chicken pieces. Then, place one slice of mozzarella cheese over each sauced chicken piece on the buns.
- Add the Top Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the assembled chicken, sauce, and cheese layers to complete the sandwiches.
- Prepare and Brush Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Generously brush this flavorful butter mixture over the tops of the buns. If using, sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for garnish.
- Bake the Sliders: Place the prepared sliders in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown, the cheese is melted, and everything is bubbly and hot. Serve warm by pulling apart individual sliders.
Notes
- You can customize the sliders by adding extra toppings like sliced pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms for more flavor.
- Use fresh mozzarella if preferred, but adjust the quantity as it tends to be softer and milder than pre-sliced.
- For a crispier top, broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- These sliders can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Substitute the frozen chicken strips with homemade breaded chicken tenders for a fresher option.
