Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved comfort food, but what if you could enjoy all its cheesy, saucy goodness in a fun, handheld version? Enter Chicken Parmesan Sliders—a quick and beginner-friendly take on the Italian-American classic. I remember the first time I made these for a game night with friends. They disappeared so fast I barely got one for myself! These mini sandwiches are perfect for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. Best of all, they are incredibly easy to make, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.

Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Why This Recipe is Special

What makes these easy Chicken Parmesan sliders stand out? First, they use simple ingredients like pre-cooked chicken tenders, marinara sauce, and soft Hawaiian rolls, making them incredibly quick and foolproof to assemble. Instead of frying chicken from scratch, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.

Plus, they’re:

  • Beginner-friendly – No complicated techniques or special equipment needed
  • Time-efficient – Ready in 30 minutes or less
  • Versatile – Easily adaptable for different flavors and dietary needs
  • Perfect for sharing – Great for parties, potlucks, or family dinners

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and how they come together!

Ingredients and Preparation

Essential Ingredients (and Their Roles)

  • Hawaiian rolls – Soft and slightly sweet, these are the perfect base for sliders.
  • Cooked chicken tenders – Saves time while keeping the dish crispy and flavorful. You can use homemade breaded chicken or store-bought frozen tenders.
  • Marinara sauce – Adds rich, tangy tomato flavor. Choose a high-quality sauce for the best taste.
  • Provolone cheese – Melts beautifully and provides a mild, creamy taste.
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese – Gives that signature gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
  • Fresh basil – Enhances the flavor with a touch of freshness.

Butter Topping (for Extra Flavor)

  • Butter (melted) – Helps create a golden, crispy top layer.
  • Garlic (minced) – Infuses aromatic depth.
  • Parmesan cheese (grated) – Adds a salty, nutty finish.
  • Sea salt & fresh parsley – Brings balance and a touch of color.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chicken alternative: Try frozen eggplant cutlets for a meatless version.
  • Cheese swap: Use cheddar or Swiss if you prefer a sharper taste.
  • Rolls alternative: Regular dinner rolls or mini ciabatta buns work well too.
  • Homemade chicken: If you prefer fresh chicken, bread and bake or fry thin chicken breasts for extra crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in the baking dish and set the top half aside.

Step 3: Lay provolone cheese slices on the bottom half of the rolls. This creates a barrier to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.

Step 4: Arrange the cooked chicken tenders evenly over the cheese. If they’re large, cut them to fit.

Step 5: Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly. Avoid using too much to prevent sogginess.

Step 6: Layer slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top, followed by chopped fresh basil for extra flavor.

Step 7: Place the top half of the rolls back on, pressing gently to secure the sliders.

Step 8: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, sea salt, and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.

Step 9: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.

Step 10: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy.

Step 11: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Beginner Tips and Notes

  • Avoid Soggy Sliders: Placing cheese under the chicken helps protect the bread from getting too wet.
  • How to Tell if It’s Ready: The sliders are done when the cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready!
  • Serving for a Crowd: If making for a party, keep them warm in a low-temperature oven (170°F) until serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Side Options: Serve these easy Chicken Parmesan sliders with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  • Dipping Sauce: Offer extra marinara sauce or garlic aioli on the side.
  • Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F to keep them crisp.

Try It and Share Your Thoughts!

Now that you have the perfect Chicken Parmesan sliders recipe, it’s time to try them for yourself! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below how it turned out or if you made any fun variations! Happy cooking!

FAQ About Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, place a layer of cheese directly on the bottom buns before adding the marinara sauce. Also, avoid overloading with sauce.

Can I use homemade breaded chicken instead of frozen tenders?

Absolutely! If you prefer, use homemade breaded and baked chicken breasts or tenders. Just make sure they are fully cooked before assembling the sliders.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes. This keeps the bread from becoming too soft. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the buns chewy.

More Relevant Recipes

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Ashely
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x

Description

These easy Chicken Parmesan sliders bring all the flavors of the classic Italian dish into a fun, bite-sized sandwich. Made with crispy chicken tenders, rich marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls, they’re perfect for game nights, parties, or quick dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Sliders

  • 12 Hawaiian rolls
  • 1 lb cooked chicken tenders
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

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

  1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Prepare the rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in the baking dish while setting the top half aside.
  3. Layer the cheese and chicken: Lay six slices of provolone cheese evenly over the bottom rolls. Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on top, cutting them if necessary to fit.
  4. Add marinara and mozzarella: Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly to cover. Layer the fresh mozzarella slices on top, followed by the chopped basil.
  5. Top and brush with butter mixture: Place the top half of the rolls over the layers. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, sea salt, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan. Brush this mixture generously over the rolls.
  6. Bake covered and then uncovered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, toast the bottom half of the rolls in the oven for 5 minutes before assembling.
  • To make it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle them over the sliders before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star