Chicken Parmesan Meatball Sliders

These Chicken Parmesan Meatball Sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on a favorite Italian classic. Juicy ground chicken meatballs are blended with Parmesan and herbs, baked until perfectly tender, then topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Served on soft slider rolls, these sliders make an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack for parties and family gatherings alike.

I first made these sliders for a casual weekend get-together and they disappeared fast. Now they’re a regular request whenever friends come over because everyone loves how tender and juicy the chicken meatballs are paired with the melty cheese and tangy sauce.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: lean and mild, a great base for juicy meatballs
• Panko bread crumbs: add light texture so meatballs stay tender, avoid fine crumbs
• Minced garlic: brings authentic Italian flavor and aroma
• Dried oregano: essential herb for classic Italian taste, use fresh for extra punch if available
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors without overpowering
• Beaten egg: binds the meatball mixture for shape and moisture
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: not grated; shredded melts better and adds nuttiness
• Marinara sauce: choose a good quality sauce or homemade for the best flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for that classic gooey topping
• Slider rolls: soft and slightly sweet, ideal for small sandwiches
• Butter and garlic powder (optional): creates a flavorful glaze to toast the rolls

Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius to get it ready for baking the meatballs. This ensures an even cooking temperature from the start.

Make the meatball mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, beaten egg, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly but gently to make sure all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the meat.

Form meatballs:

Roll the mixture into 12 meatballs, each about one and a half inches in diameter. Keeping uniform size helps them cook evenly and ensures they fit nicely into the slider rolls.

Bake the meatballs:

Place your meatballs evenly spaced in an oven-proof skillet or baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are cooked through and start to brown slightly on top. This brings out flavor and ensures the juices are locked inside.

Add marinara and cheese:

Remove the meatballs from the oven and spoon generous amounts of marinara sauce over each one. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. The cheese will melt as the sliders assemble or you can pop them back in the oven briefly if desired.

Toast the slider rolls with glaze:

Mix softened butter with garlic powder to create a savory glaze. Brush this mixture over the inside of each slider roll half. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for a few minutes until they turn lightly golden and fragrant. This adds a nice crunch and layer of flavor.

Assemble the sliders:

Place one meatball topped with marinara and mozzarella onto each toasted slider roll. Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a pretty finish and added flavor.

Serve:

Serve your Chicken Parmesan Meatball Sliders warm. They make perfect finger food for parties, family dinners, or casual snacking.

Shredded Parmesan cheese is a personal favorite ingredient here because it melts into the meatball mixture making each bite rich and savory without overpowering the delicate chicken. These sliders bring back memories of casual Sunday afternoons spent with family where simple food and good company made the best meals.

Storage tips

Store leftover meatballs and slider components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat meatballs gently covered in sauce for best results. Rolls can be toasted fresh before serving.

Ingredient substitutions

Ground turkey can replace chicken for a similar texture and flavor. If you do not have Panko bread crumbs, regular fine bread crumbs work but may result in a denser meatball. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can substitute oregano.

Serving suggestions

Serve these sliders with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair well with garlic Parmesan fries or simple pasta on the side.

These sliders deliver comfort and flavor with ease and are perfect for sharing any time you want a delicious and simple meal.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for these meatballs?

Ground chicken breast or thigh meat works well, with breast providing a leaner texture and thigh offering more juiciness.

→ How do you prevent the meatballs from drying out?

Adding panko crumbs and beaten egg helps retain moisture, while baking at 375°F ensures even cooking without drying.

→ Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can mix and form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.

→ What is the purpose of the garlic butter glaze on the slider rolls?

The glaze adds a savory, buttery flavor and gives the rolls a light crispy texture when toasted.

→ Is it possible to substitute Parmesan with another cheese?

Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used for a similar salty, nutty flavor in the meatballs.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store assembled or separate components in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.