These Chicken Parm Sliders are mini sandwiches filled with juicy chicken, melted cheese, and tasty marinara sauce. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a game day feast!
I love how easy they are to make; just bake, stack, and enjoy! They disappear quickly at parties, and I can’t blame anyone—they’re that good! Who can resist cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I prefer soft, pillowy slider buns for their sweetness and texture. If you can’t find them, dinner rolls work great! Whole wheat or gluten-free buns can be a good alternative if you’re looking for healthier options.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a favorite of mine for its ease and flavor. If you’re cooking from scratch, poach or bake chicken breasts, then shred. You can use leftover turkey or even a plant-based chicken substitute like shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian twist!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is a time-saver, but feel free to use homemade if you have it. If you’re not a fan of marinara, any pasta sauce can substitute, or you can try pesto for a fresh change of flavor!
Cheese: I recommend a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for that classic taste. For a twist, use provolone instead of mozzarella, or try vegan cheese to make it dairy-free. Just watch the melting properties!
Fresh Basil: This herb adds a burst of freshness! If you can’t find fresh basil, dried basil can also work, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Ensure the Cheese is Perfectly Melted?
Getting that ooey-gooey melted cheese is key to great sliders. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven thoroughly to the right temperature before you start baking. This ensures even cooking.
- Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to allow the cheese to melt without browning too quickly.
- Remove the foil for the last few minutes to let the cheese bubble and the tops of the buns get a nice golden color.
- Keep an eye on the sliders during the final baking stage to avoid overcooking; melted cheese should be gooey but not burnt!
How to Make Chicken Parm Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
For Brushing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Optional: garlic powder or Italian seasoning for brushing buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake, making the total time around 35 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for those busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your sliders go in!
2. Mix the Chicken and Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the marinara sauce. Stir it together until every piece of chicken is coated in that delicious sauce. Yum!
3. Prepare the Buns:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves snugly in a baking dish. This will help keep all of the toppings contained and yummy!
4. Layer the Chicken:
Now, spread the saucy shredded chicken evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Make sure to get every corner covered—no bun left behind!
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella on top of the chicken layer. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy goodness.
6. Cap It Off:
Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese, making sure to cover every bit of that fabulous filling!
7. Brush the Buns:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil or melted butter with a sprinkle of garlic powder or Italian seasoning (if you like). Brush this over the tops of the buns, giving them a flavorful glaze.
8. Bake:
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely.
9. Get That Cheese Bubbly:
After 15 minutes, take off the foil and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want the cheese to be nice and bubbly, and the tops of the buns should be lightly toasted.
10. Garnish:
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle the fresh basil over the melted cheese to add a pop of freshness. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
These sliders are best served warm, so gather everyone around and enjoy your delicious Chicken Parm Sliders together. Happy eating!
These sliders offer the classic Chicken Parmesan flavors in a convenient mini sandwich perfect for parties, snacks, or a casual dinner. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed. Once thawed, cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the sliders.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you take them from the fridge, as they’ll need a bit more time to warm through.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ideally covered with foil to keep them moist.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the sliders with toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or different cheese varieties, such as provolone or fontina. You can also use marinara sauce alternatives, like pesto or Alfredo, to switch up the flavors!