Chicken Parmesan Sliders: A Savory Twist on a Classic Favorite

Chicken Parmesan, with its crispy breading, melted cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce, is a universally beloved dish. But have you ever thought of turning this Italian classic into bite-sized, irresistible sliders? Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a perfect fusion of comfort food and convenience, bringing all the savory goodness of traditional Chicken Parmesan into an easy-to-serve, crowd-pleasing slider format. Whether you're hosting a game day party, a family dinner, or simply craving something delicious, these sliders are guaranteed to impress.

In this article, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of making Chicken Parmesan Sliders, with some helpful tips, ingredients, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll be ready to create a mouthwatering batch of sliders that everyone will love!

Ingredients

To make Chicken Parmesan Sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use chicken tenders for faster prep)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns (or small sandwich rolls)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 12 slices of mozzarella cheese (fresh or regular)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping the chicken. If you're using chicken breasts, cut them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces that will fit better on the slider buns. If you’re using chicken tenders, you can skip this step.

To bread the chicken:

1. Set up a breading station by placing three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken piece first in the flour, coating both sides, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Fry the chicken: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

2. Assemble the Sliders

Once the chicken is cooked and cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble the sliders.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the slider buns in half, and arrange the bottom halves in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Spread marinara sauce on each bottom bun. You want enough sauce to cover the bun but not make it soggy.
4. Place a piece of chicken on top of each bun. If your chicken pieces are too large, feel free to trim them to fit.
5. Add mozzarella: Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
6. Top with the bun: Place the top half of the buns over the chicken and cheese. Press down gently to ensure everything stays in place.
7. Add extra flavor: Sprinkle the top of the buns with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Bake and Serve

1. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the buns are lightly toasted.
2. Optional garnish: Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a touch of color and flavor.
3. Serve: Slice the sliders into individual portions and serve hot. Pair with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Helpful Tips

• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve!
• Add Veggies: If you’d like to add some extra veggies to your sliders, try layering in some sautéed spinach or bell peppers for an added touch of flavor.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.
• Air Fry Option: If you prefer a healthier option, you can air fry the breaded chicken pieces instead of frying them in oil.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, to customize your sliders to your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for these sliders?

Yes, if you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and layer it on the buns with marinara sauce and cheese before baking. However, the crispy breading and frying process adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish, which is part of the Chicken Parmesan experience.

2. Can I make Chicken Parmesan Sliders vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make these sliders vegetarian, you can swap the chicken for eggplant slices. Bread and fry the eggplant slices just like the chicken, then assemble the sliders with marinara sauce and cheese. You’ll still get that delicious Chicken Parmesan flavor in a plant-based version.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Sliders?

Yes, these sliders freeze well. To freeze them, assemble the sliders without baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, remove them from the freezer, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and bake as instructed.

4. What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan Sliders?

Chicken Parmesan Sliders are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or even a side of pasta for a complete meal. You could also offer extra marinara sauce or a creamy dip on the side for added flavor.

5. Can I use a different type of bread for the sliders?

Yes! While slider buns are the most common option, you can use any type of bread you prefer, such as Hawaiian rolls, mini ciabatta buns, or even garlic knots for extra flavor. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling and sauce without falling apart.

6. How do I reheat leftover sliders?

To reheat leftover sliders, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also wrap them in foil to prevent the buns from becoming too crispy. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but the buns may lose their crispiness.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on the beloved Chicken Parmesan dish. These sliders are quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to parties. With a crunchy breaded chicken patty, gooey melted mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, and soft slider buns, they offer all the best parts of the classic recipe in a fun, bite-sized form.

Try this recipe out for your next gathering, and get ready for rave reviews! With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a dish that everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!