Chicken Parmesan Sliders

These Chicken Parmesan Sliders transform classic comfort food into irresistible bite-sized sandwiches perfect for any gathering. With tender fried chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls, these savory treats disappear almost instantly whenever I serve them. The aroma of garlic butter and Italian herbs wafting from the oven creates an anticipation that's impossible to resist.

Last weekend, I served these at a casual get-together, and they were gone before I could even announce they were ready. My friend's husband, who claims to dislike "fancy" chicken dishes, asked for the recipe before leaving.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Their slight sweetness perfectly balances the savory filling
• Breaded Chicken Tenders: Pre-cooked saves time; choose your favorite brand
• Pasta Sauce: A good quality marinara makes all the difference (Rao's is excellent)
• Cheese Blend: Mozzarella for stretch and melt, Parmesan for sharp flavor
• Garlic Butter Topping: Don't skimp; this elevates the entire dish

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature allows everything to heat through without burning the tops.

Prepare Baking Dish:

Generously grease a 9x13 baking dish or sheet pan. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the bottom buns.

Arrange Bottom Buns:

Place the bottom half of the slider rolls in the prepared dish, keeping them connected for easier assembly.

Add Chicken Layer:

Arrange pre-cooked breaded chicken tenders on the buns, slightly overlapping if needed to cover completely.

Apply Sauce:

Spoon pasta sauce evenly over chicken. Don't oversaturate - about 2-3 tablespoons per slider is perfect.

Add Cheese Mixture:

Combine shredded mozzarella and Parmesan in a bowl, then sprinkle generously over the sauce layer.

Top with Buns:

Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer, aligning with the bottom half.

Prepare Garlic Butter:

Melt butter and mix in garlic powder until thoroughly combined. For extra garlic flavor, increase to 1½ teaspoons.

Apply Butter Topping:

Pour the garlic butter evenly over the tops of the buns, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Bake in Stages:

Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes to melt cheese, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until tops are golden and slightly crisp.

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My first attempt at these resulted in slightly soggy bottoms. I discovered that placing the sauce directly on the bottom bun was the culprit. Now I always put the chicken down first as a protective barrier.

Versatile Variations

These sliders adapt beautifully to different dietary needs and preferences. Try using grilled chicken instead of breaded for a lighter option, or substitute plant-based chicken tenders for vegetarian guests. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or use arrabbiata sauce instead of traditional marinara. My gluten-sensitive friends appreciate when I use gluten-free rolls and chicken tenders.

Perfect Pairings

Create a complete slider buffet by serving these alongside other varieties like meatball sliders or Philly cheesesteak sliders. For sides, offer crisp vegetable platters, antipasto skewers, or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness. A cold pasta salad with Italian dressing complements the flavors perfectly. When hosting, I arrange everything on a large wooden board for an impressive presentation.

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Time-Saving Shortcuts

While these sliders are relatively quick to make, you can streamline the process even further. Use rotisserie chicken tossed with Italian breadcrumbs for a similar effect without frying. Pre-shredded cheese blends save time, though freshly grated melts more smoothly. The assembly is actually perfect for delegating - my children love placing the chicken and sprinkling cheese while I handle the hot ingredients.

Make-Ahead Considerations

Though best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook chicken the day before and refrigerate, then reheat slightly before assembly. Pre-measure and combine the cheeses and store in a zip-top bag. The garlic butter can be made in advance and gently reheated. Full assembly should happen just before baking to prevent soggy rolls.

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Final Thoughts

These Chicken Parmesan Sliders represent the perfect balance of convenience and irresistible flavor. Each bite delivers the comfort of a chicken parmesan sandwich transformed into something special through thoughtful preparation. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or looking for an easy family dinner, this recipe proves that simple ingredients combined with the right technique create something truly crave-worthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade chicken instead?

Yes, breaded and cooked chicken cutlets or tenderloins work perfectly.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

→ What type of rolls work best?

Hawaiian rolls, dinner rolls, or slider buns all work well.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in airtight container up to 2 days, reheat in 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Try pepperoni, fresh basil, or roasted red peppers for variation.