Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Recipes
I love making these Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders for a cozy dinner or when I'm hosting a gathering. Picture soft, buttery slider buns filled with juicy, crispy chicken coated in marinara sauce and topped with gooey cheese. Each bite is a comforting hug, perfect for sharing or indulging solo. The best part? They come together in no time, so I can spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
During my first attempt at making these sliders, I was amazed by how quickly they disappeared. I used a combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for the chicken coating, which gave it a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasted with the soft buns. To elevate the flavor, I added a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving, and it really made the dish shine.
One of my go-to tips is to bake the sliders covered for the first 15 minutes and then uncover them for the last 10 minutes to get that beautiful golden cheese crust on top. It makes all the difference, creating an irresistible dish that everyone will love. I can't wait for you to try it!
Why You'll Love These Sliders
- Juicy chicken with a crispy coating
- Rich marinara sauce enhances the flavor
- Perfectly melted cheese on top
The Perfect Chicken Coating
For the best flavor and texture, using seasoned breadcrumbs is essential. This adds a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy chicken and melted cheese. If you don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs on hand, you can easily make your own. Simply mix plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This not only enhances the flavor but also maximizes the crispiness of the topping when baked.
Another tip for achieving a delightful crunch is to make sure your chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinara sauce before assembling the sliders. This not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps the breadcrumbs adhere better during baking. A well-coated chicken piece will result in a richer flavor and a better textural contrast with the soft buns.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. While they are delicious on their own, consider pairing them with a light salad to balance out the meal. A simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette can add a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the sliders. Furthermore, including some crunchy vegetable sticks or a platter of roasted vegetables as sides creates a vibrant and appealing presentation.
If you're looking to spice things up, adding a layer of spicy marinara sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can turn up the heat. You can also experiment with different cheeses; mixing in some provolone or even a sprinkle of goat cheese can elevate the flavor profile. I often like to serve these sliders with a side of homemade garlic dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Gather everything you need for these delicious sliders!
For the Sliders
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Make sure you have everything prepped before starting!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your sliders!
Prepare the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
Assemble the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each slider bun and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Add Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese on each slider. This will create a nice crunchy topping once baked.
Bake the Sliders
Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve warm.
Enjoy these delicious sliders with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding some Italian seasoning to the chicken mixture. You can also switch up the type of cheese or use whole grain slider buns for a healthier option.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to simplify your dinner prep, you can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Prepare the chicken mixture and layer everything onto the slider buns, then cover with foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they're heated through.
Alternatively, you can also freeze the assembled sliders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This allows you to enjoy these sliders on demand without compromising on flavor or texture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
One common issue when making sliders is that they can become soggy if the buns are not fresh or if too much sauce is added. To prevent this, use high-quality, fresh slider buns and ensure the chicken mixture is well-drained. It's okay to err on the side of less marinara initially, as you can always serve more on the side during serving.
If you find that the cheese isn't melting properly, make sure your oven is preheated adequately before baking. An oven thermometer can be helpful here, as many ovens can be off by several degrees. Baking uncovered during the last few minutes allows the cheese to bubble and brown nicely, creating that appealing golden finish that enhances both texture and appearance.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe and saves time.
→ How do I make these sliders ahead of time?
You can assemble the sliders and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ Can I freeze baked sliders?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Just wrap them tightly in foil and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve these sliders with?
These sliders pair well with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or even fries!
Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders
I love making these Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders for a cozy dinner or when I'm hosting a gathering. Picture soft, buttery slider buns filled with juicy, crispy chicken coated in marinara sauce and topped with gooey cheese. Each bite is a comforting hug, perfect for sharing or indulging solo. The best part? They come together in no time, so I can spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
Created by: Amelia Roberts
Recipe Type: Cozy Comfort Food Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 sliders
What You'll Need
For the Sliders
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each slider bun and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese on each slider. This will create a nice crunchy topping once baked.
Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve warm.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding some Italian seasoning to the chicken mixture. You can also switch up the type of cheese or use whole grain slider buns for a healthier option.
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