If you’re craving that classic Italian comfort but want it in adorable, party-ready form, these Chicken Parmesan Sliders will absolutely hit the spot! Gooey cheese, tender chicken, rich marinara, and a buttery, garlicky topping—all stacked inside soft Hawaiian rolls—make every bite pure joy for your taste buds. They’re quick enough for weeknight dinners, yet dressy enough to wow at your next get-together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort in Every Bite: These Chicken Parmesan Sliders take everything you love about a hearty Italian dinner and wrap it up into irresistibly soft rolls.
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: With simple assembly and minimal prep, these sliders go from oven to table in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser, Guaranteed: Whether it’s a family dinner or a game day party, everyone scrambles for seconds (so make a double batch!).
- Customizable for Any Craving: Switch up the cheeses, add heat, or sneak in some veggies—the flavor possibilities are endless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true beauty of Chicken Parmesan Sliders comes down to a handful of smart, flavorful choices. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the pillowy King’s Hawaiian rolls to the melty cheeses and aromatic herbs that bring this classic to life.
- 12 Kings Hawaiian rolls: These add a hint of sweetness and the perfect soft texture for sliders.
- 1 pound chicken tenders, cooked: Use rotisserie, grilled, or even breaded chicken—the foundation for that hearty “parm” bite.
- ½ cup marinara sauce: Splash in your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for savory, saucy goodness in every layer.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy richness.
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced: Brings authentic stretch and a gorgeous, gooey pull when you break the sliders apart.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds Italian flair and a burst of color and freshness at the finish.
- Butter Topping: A dreamy mix of ¼ cup melted butter, 1 tsp sea salt, 3 tsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese for that irresistible golden crown.
Variations
These sliders are endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make them your own! Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or shaking things up for a themed gathering, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Layer sliced pepperoncini or drizzle with a little Calabrian chili oil before baking for a zesty surprise.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap in gluten-free rolls to make these sliders friendly for everyone at the table.
- Veggie Lover’s Twist: Add a layer of sautéed spinach or roasted red pepper for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Cheese Swap: Try shredded mozzarella, fontina, or even smoked provolone for a unique flavor profile.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish to keep cleanup a breeze. Gently slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally as a single slab—don’t pull them apart! Place the entire bottom half in your baking dish, making sure they fit snugly. Set the tops aside—you’ll need them soon!
Step 2: Layer the Cheesy Chicken Goodness
Lay down your slices of provolone cheese directly onto the bottom buns, forming a melty, protective base. Top with your cooked chicken tenders (spread them out for even coverage), then gently spoon over the marinara sauce—don’t worry about being too messy! Next, scatter over the sliced fresh mozzarella and sprinkle the chopped basil for that fresh herb punch.
Step 3: Cap It & Brush with Garlicky Butter
Carefully place the reserved rolls tops on your glorious chicken and cheese stack. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sea salt, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan. Brush this savory goodness all over the tops of the rolls, making sure every nook is coated for maximum flavor and color as they bake.
Step 4: Bake, Uncover, and Serve
Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 20 minutes—this ensures the cheese gets perfectly gooey and everything melds together. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes. This last blast crisps up the tops to irresistible golden-brown. Slice into individual sliders, serve hot, and get ready for some serious “oohs” and “aahs!”
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Sliders
- Cheese Layer Protection: Always start with provolone directly on the bottom rolls—it shields them from sogginess as everything bakes.
- Super Flavorful Chicken: Toss your chicken tenders with a little Italian seasoning or garlic powder before layering for an extra bump of flavor.
- Custom Butter Basting: Don’t be shy brushing that garlicky butter mixture on the rolls—let it drip down the sides for maximum indulgence.
- Perfect Slicing: Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts and to keep all those glorious layers intact when serving.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or extra grated parmesan just before serving brightens up the sliders and echoes the Italian flavors inside. For a dash of color, add a scatter of finely chopped parsley, or even a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness and tang.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Parmesan Sliders with a fresh arugula salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or a simple Caesar. Garlic parmesan fries, roasted vegetables, or crispy zucchini chips make fantastic accompaniments if you’re feeding a crowd or planning a game day feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve sliders on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for family-style fun, or arrange individual ones in parchment cupcake liners for grab-and-go parties. For a playful twist, set up a DIY slider bar with extra marinara, toppings, and fresh herbs so everyone can personalize their Chicken Parmesan Sliders just how they like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover sliders (a rare occurrence!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and fresh for up to 3 days, ready to reheat whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
Chicken Parmesan Sliders can be frozen for future cravings! Individually wrap the cooled sliders in foil or plastic wrap, then stash them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat sliders in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 10 minutes, then uncover for a couple more minutes to crisp the tops. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the rolls rubbery and loses that signature texture.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Parmesan Sliders?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving shortcut and stays very tender in these sliders. Just slice or shred and use exactly as you would the cooked tenders.
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Can I make Chicken Parmesan Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders (minus the butter topping), cover and refrigerate them for up to a day. Add the butter topping and bake right before serving for the best fresh flavor and texture.
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What’s the best way to keep sliders warm at a party?
If you’re serving a crowd, keep Chicken Parmesan Sliders warm in a low oven (about 200°F) lightly covered with foil. They’ll stay hot but won’t get dried out while guests help themselves.
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Can I make Chicken Parmesan Sliders without basil?
Definitely! While fresh basil adds a wonderful layer of flavor, you can swap in fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs if basil isn’t on hand.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Chicken Parmesan Sliders a try! They turn ordinary moments into something deliciously memorable—whether it’s a family dinner or a lively party, these sliders bring everyone to the table, smiling and reaching for seconds. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing. Enjoy every melty, cheesy bite!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic dish, featuring tender chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or a party appetizer.
Ingredients
SLIDERS
- 12 Kings Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound chicken tenders, cooked
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
BUTTER TOPPING
- 1/4 cup (57g) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Split the rolls in half and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Layer the bottom buns. Top with provolone cheese, cooked chicken tenders, marinara, mozzarella, and basil.
- Assemble the sliders. Place the top half of the buns on top.
- Prepare the butter topping. Mix melted butter, sea salt, garlic, parsley, and parmesan in a bowl.
- Brush the buns. Brush the top of the rolls with the butter mixture.
- Bake. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
