Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Food Favorites
I absolutely love making Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The combination of crispy chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese enveloped in a soft slider bun creates an irresistible flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Preparing them is surprisingly simple, and they bake up beautifully in just a short time. Perfectly sized for snacking, these sliders are always a hit with family and friends, making them my go-to crowd-pleaser on busy weeknights.
One evening, I wanted to create something special for dinner, and I thought about using classic Chicken Parmesan flavors but in a fun slider format. I marinated some chicken breasts in Italian seasoning, then baked them until golden and crispy. The addition of tangy marinara and fresh basil really elevated the dish, making it a delightful twist on a traditional recipe.
After a few tries, I perfected the timing and ingredients to ensure the chicken stayed juicy while the buns toasted to perfection. It’s amazing how much flavor you can achieve with minimal effort, and these sliders never fail to impress!
Why You'll Love These Sliders
- Crispy chicken paired with melty cheese creates a delightful texture
- Bursting with Italian flavors that everyone loves
- Great for meal prep and easy to reheat for leftovers
Mastering the Chicken Preparation
Achieving perfectly cooked chicken is crucial for sliders that are both juicy and crispy. After seasoning the chicken breasts, it helps to let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. When baking, make sure to keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a golden exterior. If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a great tool to ensure doneness without overcooking.
Slicing the cooked chicken into thin strips enhances the sliders' overall texture and allows each bite to be packed with flavor. For the best results, use a sharp knife and avoid pressing down too hard to keep the chicken juicy. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or even store-bought crispy chicken tenders as a quicker alternative.
Assembling the Perfect Slider
The assembly of the sliders is where you can really get creative. Using slider buns that are soft yet sturdy is essential for holding all the delicious layers. When adding the marinara sauce, consider not over-saturating the buns to prevent them from becoming soggy. A light layer is enough to impart flavor without compromising texture. I like to use a brush to evenly spread the sauce over each bun half.
Layering your ingredients thoughtfully can also elevate the sliders. For an extra melty experience, mix the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese together before sprinkling them over the chicken. This not only looks more appealing but boosts the overall cheesiness as they melt together during baking. Feel free to add sliced pepperoni or bell peppers for a personal touch.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders:
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Now that you have everything ready, let's get cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your sliders:
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden.
Assemble the Sliders
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Place the bottom half of the slider buns on a baking dish and layer with marinara sauce, chicken strips, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Top with the other half of the buns.
Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for a few more minutes to brown the tops. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Enjoy your sliders warm, and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add some sliced jalapeños or roasted red peppers to the slider assembly. Additionally, using homemade marinara will elevate the taste even more!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, place the sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil, to prevent drying out and help the cheese regain its gooey consistency.
If you want to make these sliders in advance, assemble them up to the baking step and cover tightly before refrigerating them. Bake on the day you plan to serve; just be sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if they're coming straight from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are fantastic on their own but can be paired with sides for a complete meal. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts the richness and adds a fresh contrast. Alternatively, some crispy garlic bread works great to soak up any leftover marinara. You might even serve them with a side of Italian-style coleslaw for a crunchy bite.
For gatherings, consider setting up a slider bar. Provide extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, colored bell peppers, or different sauces to let everyone customize their own perfect slider. This not only makes for an interactive meal but allows guests to explore different flavor combinations.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and cook the chicken before baking the sliders.
→ What can I serve with these sliders?
They pair wonderfully with a side salad, pasta, or crispy fries.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to the baking step and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders
I absolutely love making Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The combination of crispy chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese enveloped in a soft slider bun creates an irresistible flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Preparing them is surprisingly simple, and they bake up beautifully in just a short time. Perfectly sized for snacking, these sliders are always a hit with family and friends, making them my go-to crowd-pleaser on busy weeknights.
Created by: June Weatherby
Recipe Type: Simple Comfort Food Favorites
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 sliders
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden.
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Place the bottom half of the slider buns on a baking dish and layer with marinara sauce, chicken strips, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Top with the other half of the buns.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for a few more minutes to brown the tops. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add some sliced jalapeños or roasted red peppers to the slider assembly. Additionally, using homemade marinara will elevate the taste even more!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g