Hello, dear readers! Today, I am thrilled to share a recipe that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and friendly get-togethers – Chicken Parmesan Sliders. This delightful dish is a fusion of two classics: the hearty, comforting flavors of chicken parmesan and the fun, convenient nature of sliders. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
I first stumbled upon this gem during a summer cookout at my cousin’s place. We were all gathered in the backyard, kids running around, adults chatting and laughing. My cousin, known for her inventive party foods, brought out a tray of these irresistible sliders, and they were an instant hit. The combination of crispy chicken, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce all tucked into a soft slider roll was simply divine. It was one of those moments where you realize that great food has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need a quick weeknight dinner, or want to impress your friends at a potluck, these Chicken Parmesan Sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of store-bought chicken tenders and a few pantry staples.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked the original recipe to suit my family’s tastes. A little extra garlic here, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes there, and the addition of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking and make it your own. After all, cooking is all about creativity and joy.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious Chicken Parmesan Sliders. Trust me, your taste buds – and your loved ones – will thank you!
How to make Chicken Parmesan Sliders
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Ingredients
- 1 cup thick marinara sauce (plus additional for serving)
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp granulated garlic)
- 1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley (optional, for garnishing)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp dry Italian seasoning or oregano
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 4 Tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 26 oz package crispy chicken tenders or chicken breast cutlets (i.e. Perdue or Tyson)
- 12 slider rolls
Directions
- Prepare the chicken tenders as per the package instructions on a sheet pan. Allow them to cool.
- Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 12×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Halve the slider rolls and place the bottom halves in the dish. Alternatively, use a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Brush the bottom rolls with the garlic butter mixture. Layer 6 slices of mozzarella cheese over the rolls, then spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on top of the cheese. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top of the sauce.
- Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese, and cover with the remaining 6 slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheese. Brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with the reserved Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese has melted.
- Slice the sliders along the perforations with a sharp knife. Serve with additional warm marinara sauce on the side.
FAQs:
Can I use homemade chicken tenders for Chicken Parmesan Sliders?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade chicken tenders instead of pre-packaged ones. To do so, bread and cook the chicken tenders as you normally would. Ensure they are fully cooked and crispy before using them in the sliders. This way, you can control the seasoning and quality of the chicken.
What type of slider rolls work best for Chicken Parmesan Sliders?
Any soft slider rolls or dinner rolls will work well for Chicken Parmesan Sliders. Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice because of their slightly sweet flavor, which complements the savory chicken and marinara sauce. Ensure the rolls are sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan Sliders in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Parmesan Sliders ahead of time. Assemble the sliders without baking them, cover the dish with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake the sliders as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed to ensure they are heated through.
Is there a substitute for fresh parsley in the recipe?
If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can substitute it with dried parsley. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of the fresh parsley for garnishing. Alternatively, you can omit it altogether or use another fresh herb like basil for a different flavor profile.
What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella is traditional for Chicken Parmesan Sliders, you can experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would work well. These cheeses melt nicely and add their unique flavors to the dish.
How can I make the sliders spicier?
To make the sliders spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the garlic butter mixture. Additionally, you can add a spicy marinara sauce or include a few slices of jalapeños in the assembly. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a bolder flavor.
Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 26 oz package crispy chicken tenders or chicken breast cutlets i.e. Perdue or Tyson
- 12 slider rolls
- 4 Tbsp salted butter melted
- 3 medium garlic cloves minced (or 1 tsp granulated garlic)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dry Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup thick marinara sauce plus additional for serving
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley optional, for garnishing
Instructions
- Cook the chicken tenders according to the package instructions on a sheet pan. Let them cool.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 12x8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cut the slider rolls in half and place the bottom halves in the dish. Alternatively, you can use a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Brush the bottom rolls with the garlic butter mixture. Place 6 slices of mozzarella cheese over the rolls. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the cheese, then arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top. Drizzle another 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese, then cover with the remaining 6 slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheese. Brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with the reserved Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese has melted.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders along the perforations. Serve with additional warm marinara sauce on the side.
