These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty garlic all packed between soft rolls make for a mini meal that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for game day or a fun dinner, I love how easy they are to whip up. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy the classic flavor of chicken parmesan in a portable size? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for sliders. If you can’t find sliders, use any soft bread like a brioche or even a hoagie roll cut to size. I like brioche for its buttery flavor!
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can boil chicken breasts and shred them or use some leftover cooked chicken. Canned chicken also works in a pinch!
Marinara Sauce: Homemade marinara is fantastic if you have the time, but store-bought works just fine too. If you’re short on time, look for a low-sodium version. You can also substitute with pesto or Alfredo sauce for a different twist!
Cheese: Mozzarella is essential for that melty goodness. If you’re looking for a sharper flavor, feel free to mix in provolone or gouda. Vegan cheese is a great option if you’re avoiding dairy!
How Do I Keep the Sliders From Getting Soggy?
The key to avoiding soggy sliders is managing moisture levels. When you mix your chicken with marinara, make sure not to drown the chicken. A light coating will do. Also, using fresh ingredients helps keep everything drier during baking.
- Consider toasting the slider buns lightly in the oven before adding the chicken to create a barrier against moisture.
- Brush the tops of the buns with the garlic butter mixture but don’t soak them!
- After baking, serve them right away for the best texture.
Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (your choice: rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake, making your total time approximately 30 minutes. It’s a quick dish that brings great flavor to your table without much hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sliders cook evenly and turn nice and melty in the oven!
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken with marinara sauce. Mix it well until all the chicken is nicely coated in the sauce. This step is key to getting those tasty flavors all around!
3. Slice the Buns:
Next, carefully slice the slider buns horizontally. Make sure to keep the tops and bottoms connected; you’ll use them as a whole block later to hold everything together.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking tray. Now, spread the chicken and marinara mixture evenly over these bottom buns. Make sure to cover them generously!
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauced chicken. The cheese is going to melt beautifully and create that gooey goodness we all love.
6. Complete the Assembly:
Now, place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer to close up your sliders.
7. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. This mix is going to add a wonderful flavor to the tops of your sliders!
8. Brush the Buns:
Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns. Get that flavor soaking in!
9. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the entire tray with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is warmed through. The foil helps keep moisture in!
10. Brown the Tops:
Remove the foil and let the sliders bake for an additional 5 minutes so the tops get a nice, light golden color.
11. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the tops for a pop of freshness. Slice the sliders apart and serve them warm. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders!
These sliders combine tender garlicky chicken with melted mozzarella and Parmesan on soft buttery buns for an irresistible mini meal. Perfect as an appetizer or casual dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. The best ways to thaw it are overnight in the fridge or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for quicker results.
How Long Do Leftover Sliders Last?
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Sliders Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with cooked mushrooms, chopped veggies, or plant-based protein. Just make sure whatever substitute you use is well-seasoned to keep the flavor delicious!
How Can I Make These Spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mixing in some diced jalapeños with the chicken. You can also use spicy pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra kick!
