These Chicken Parm Sliders are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Italian-American dish. Featuring crispy breaded chicken tenders, melted cheese, and marinara sauce, all nestled between soft slider buns, these mini sandwiches are perfect for game day, appetizers, or a simple dinner. With minimal prep time and a big flavor payoff, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of the classic chicken Parmesan, you’ll adore these bite-sized sliders. They pack all the familiar flavors into an easy-to-eat format, making them perfect for any occasion. Using frozen breaded chicken tenders and jarred marinara sauce makes this recipe incredibly convenient without compromising on taste. The garlicky butter brushed on top gives these sliders a golden, crispy finish, while the combination of mozzarella, Pecorino, and fresh basil makes each bite irresistible. They’re simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
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1 lb. frozen breaded chicken tenders or nuggets
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1 (12-oz.) pkg. sweet Hawaiian slider rolls
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1 garlic clove, grated or finely chopped
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4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
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1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Kosher salt, to taste
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2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
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2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
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1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano, divided
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1 cup homemade or store-bought marinara, plus more for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the chicken: Cook the frozen chicken tenders according to the package instructions. Let them cool slightly, then cut any large tenders into 2″ pieces.
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Preheat oven: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375°F. Place the slider rolls still attached on a cutting board. Cut the rolls in half parallel to the cutting board, keeping them attached. Place the bottom half of the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cut side up.
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Toast buns: Bake the bottom buns in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they just begin to get crispy.
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Prepare garlic butter: In a heatproof bowl, microwave garlic, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using) in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until the butter is melted, about 1 minute. Season with salt.
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Assemble the sliders: Layer the bottom buns with half of the shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle with fresh basil and half of the grated Pecorino Romano. Top with the cooked chicken tenders, marinara sauce, and the remaining mozzarella. Place the top buns on and brush them with half of the garlic butter mixture.
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Bake the sliders: Bake the assembled sliders for about 25 minutes, or until the sliders are warmed through and the buns are golden brown.
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Finish and serve: Brush the tops of the buns with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with the remaining Pecorino Romano. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Cheese Swap: Use provolone or a shredded Italian cheese blend instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken tenders with breaded plant-based nuggets to make these sliders vegetarian.
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Add Heat: Include more crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce for extra spice.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm the sliders in a 350°F oven, loosely covered with foil, until heated through and the cheese is melty. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals, though the buns may soften a bit.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen tenders?
Yes, you can use breaded and cooked fresh chicken tenders or even homemade breaded chicken cutlets.
What kind of rolls work best for sliders?
Sweet Hawaiian rolls are recommended for their soft texture and subtle sweetness, but you can also use regular slider buns or even mini hoagie rolls.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, the garlic butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes, or try adding a dash of hot sauce to the marinara for an extra kick.
Can I freeze these sliders?
While it’s best to enjoy these fresh, you can freeze the unbaked sliders before the final step. Assemble them, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use plant-based cheese and butter for a dairy-free version of the sliders.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or any cheese of your choice for a unique twist.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy buns, make sure to toast the bottom buns before assembling, and avoid over-saturating with marinara sauce.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
How do I keep the sliders from falling apart when serving?
Make sure the chicken is cut into small pieces and the sliders are well-assembled before baking. Serving them with a toothpick or slider skewer can help keep them intact.
Conclusion
These Chicken Parm Sliders are an easy, fun, and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan in a bite-sized format. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick weeknight meal, they’re full of flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal prep time and tons of customization options, they’re a guaranteed hit!
