These Chicken Parmesan Sliders bring all the comforting flavors of traditional chicken Parmesan into a perfect handheld bite. Crispy fried chicken tenders, topped with gooey mozzarella, marinara sauce, and fresh basil, all nestled in soft slider buns, make for the ultimate comfort food.
They’re ideal for casual dinners, parties, or game days, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or the main course, these sliders will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb. chicken breast tenders
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup marinara sauce
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8 slider buns
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8 oz. mozzarella cheese, sliced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
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Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken tenders in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
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Slice the slider buns in half and place on a baking sheet. Toast the buns in the oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly golden.
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Spoon marinara sauce onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Place a crispy chicken tender on top, followed by a slice of mozzarella cheese.
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Put the assembled sliders back in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves and top with the other half of the bun.
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Serve hot, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Twist on the Classic: What Makes Chicken Parmesan Sliders Special
The beauty of these sliders lies in their simplicity and versatility. By using frozen breaded chicken tenders or nuggets, jarred marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella, you can save time without sacrificing flavor. The breaded chicken provides the perfect crispiness, while the melted mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce create the quintessential flavor profile of Chicken Parmesan. These sliders are then assembled in soft, fluffy Hawaiian buns, brushed with garlicky butter, and baked until golden brown.
Not only are these sliders easy to make, but they also offer endless customization options. If you’re in the mood for a bit of a change, swap the mozzarella for provolone or try a shredded Italian cheese blend. For those following a vegetarian diet, plant-based nuggets can be substituted for the chicken tenders, creating a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic. You can also experiment with adding different herbs and spices to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Any Occasion: When to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Chicken Parmesan Sliders are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for a wide range of occasions. They’re great as an appetizer for dinner parties, but they can also be served as a snack during game days or movie nights. The small size of the sliders makes them perfect for finger food, allowing guests to grab one or two without the hassle of using utensils. You can even create a slider station for guests to assemble their own sliders, adding a fun, interactive element to the event.
The flavor-packed nature of these sliders makes them a guaranteed hit, whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends. Their simplicity and taste ensure that they appeal to a wide range of people, from kids to adults. Plus, the sliders can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy days when you need to prepare food in advance.
Leftovers and Storage: How to Keep Chicken Parmesan Sliders Fresh
One of the best things about making Chicken Parmesan Sliders is that you can easily store any leftovers for later enjoyment. These sliders can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The key to reheating them while maintaining their deliciousness is to use an oven. Simply reheat the sliders at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This method ensures that the cheese stays melty and the buns remain slightly crispy.
If you’re short on time and need a quicker solution, you can also microwave the sliders in 30-second intervals until they are heated through. However, keep in mind that this method may make the buns softer. Either way, the flavor will still be there, and you’ll have a quick and easy meal or snack ready to enjoy.
Customizations: Experiment with Different Flavors and Ingredients
Chicken Parmesan Sliders offer a wonderful foundation for experimentation. While the recipe calls for basic ingredients like chicken tenders, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce, there’s plenty of room for creativity. For example, you can try different types of cheeses to change the flavor profile of the sliders. Provolone or even a smoked mozzarella could add an exciting twist to the traditional taste.
Adding other ingredients to the sliders, such as roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze, can elevate the flavor and add complexity. You can also vary the type of buns you use—while Hawaiian buns provide a soft, slightly sweet base, you could experiment with other options like pretzel buns or whole wheat buns for a different texture and taste.
For a healthier version of Chicken Parmesan Sliders, you could swap out the breaded chicken for grilled chicken, or even use a plant-based protein alternative. This modification can reduce the overall calorie count and provide a lighter alternative for those looking to enjoy the flavors of Chicken Parmesan without the added heaviness of fried food.
The Convenience Factor: Why Chicken Parmesan Sliders Are a Go-To
Chicken Parmesan Sliders are also incredibly convenient. You don’t have to worry about preparing a big, complicated meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can whip up a batch of sliders in under 30 minutes. This makes them perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something tasty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Additionally, they are a great choice for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying snack or meal to feed a crowd.
By using frozen chicken tenders and jarred marinara sauce, you can cut down on preparation time without compromising flavor. The ability to make these sliders ahead of time and store them for later adds to their convenience, making them a go-to recipe for anyone with a busy schedule.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Chicken Parmesan Sliders Today
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and incredibly tasty, look no further than Chicken Parmesan Sliders. These bite-sized sandwiches pack all the beloved flavors of Chicken Parmesan into a more convenient, handheld format. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Not only are Chicken Parmesan Sliders easy to prepare, but they also offer plenty of room for customization. With the ability to swap ingredients and experiment with different flavors, you can create a version that suits your personal taste. Plus, they are quick to assemble, making them the perfect solution for busy days when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and simple.
So why not give this recipe a try? It’s a fun, delicious, and convenient twist on a classic dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, Chicken Parmesan Sliders are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.