Chicken Parmesan Sliders

These chicken parmesan sliders bring all the comforting flavors of the classic dish into a fun and easy-to-eat meal perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Crispy southern-style chicken tenderloins combined with rich marinara and melted mozzarella cheese stacked on soft slider buns make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s straightforward to prepare using mostly store-bought ingredients and bakes quickly in the oven.

I first made this recipe for a casual family party and was amazed how quickly the sliders disappeared. Now they’re a go-to for any occasion when I want something satisfying without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Frozen southern-style chicken breast tenderloins: provide crispy breaded texture& buy high-quality brands for best flavor and tenderness
• Slider buns: small and soft, ideal for party-sized portions& fresh buns work best to avoid crumbling
• Jarred marinara sauce: a convenient way to add tomato richness& choose one with simple, natural ingredients
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully to create gooey layers& opt for whole milk slices if possible
• Unsalted butter: used for brushing tops, adds richness and helps the buns toast evenly
• Garlic salt: gives a subtle savory kick& adjust according to taste
• Dried parsley flakes: a light herbaceous note for freshness
• Grated parmesan cheese: finishing touch that enhances the umami and adds a bit of sharpness

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Heat the frozen southern-style chicken tenderloins on a baking sheet in a 425°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until cooked through according to the package instructions. Remove them from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 350°F. This step ensures the chicken is crispy and fully cooked before assembling the sliders.

Assemble the Bottom Layer:

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a 9x13 baking pan. Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over these buns. This not only adds flavor but also acts as a moisture barrier to keep the buns from getting soggy.

Add the Chicken and Sauce:

Arrange the cooked chicken tenderloins on top of the marinara-covered buns in a single solid layer. It is okay if all the pieces do not fit perfectly as long as the surface is mostly covered. Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken for saucy richness.

Top with Cheese and Buns:

Place the slices of mozzarella cheese in a single layer over the saucy chicken. Then add the top halves of the slider buns to close the sandwiches.

Brush with Butter Mixture:

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic salt, and dried parsley flakes. Brush half of this mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns. This step adds flavor and helps the buns toast up nicely in the oven.

Bake Until Golden and Melted:

Bake the assembled sliders for 13 to 15 minutes at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are lightly toasted.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the sliders from the oven, brush the tops with the remaining butter mixture, and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese evenly over all the slider tops. Slice the sliders into 12 individual servings and serve warm.

My favorite part about this recipe is the crispy southern-style chicken tenderloins that create excellent texture contrast with the soft buns and gooey cheese. One memorable time, these sliders were the highlight of a game day snack spread where everyone kept going back for more until they were all gone.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to keep the buns from getting soggy. These sliders do not freeze well because the texture of the buns tends to degrade.

Ingredient Substitutions

If southern-style frozen chicken is unavailable, thinly breaded store-bought chicken cutlets or fresh chicken tenders can work using a similar cooking method. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with breaded eggplant slices or plant-based chicken alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are delicious served with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. They also pair nicely with crispy potato chips or seasoned fries.

This slider recipe is simple yet impressive, making it perfect for any casual occasion where you want rich flavors with minimal effort.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for these sliders?

Southern-style chicken breast tenderloins work best as they cook evenly and retain juiciness.

→ Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of sandwich slices?

Yes, fresh mozzarella can be used but slice it thinly to ensure even melting over the chicken.

→ How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Spreading marinara on the bottom buns and baking the sliders helps minimize sogginess while keeping flavors moist.

→ Is garlic salt essential in the butter mixture?

Garlic salt adds savory flavor to the butter brush, but you can substitute with fresh garlic or garlic powder if preferred.

→ Can these sliders be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them in advance and bake shortly before serving to keep buns fresh and cheese melted.