These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders are mini sandwiches filled with juicy chicken, melted cheese, and a tasty garlic twist. Perfect for a snack or game day!
Every bite is a little party in your mouth! I love to serve them with a side of marinara for dipping. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds—who could resist? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I prefer soft dinner rolls for their fluffy texture. If they’re not available, try using any small sandwich rolls or even homemade bread. They’ll work just as well!
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep or leftover chicken. If you need a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or mushrooms instead for a meaty texture.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is convenient, but homemade is always great! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use pesto for a twist in flavor.
Crown Jewels of Cheese: I highly recommend the combo of mozzarella and Parmesan. If you want to switch it up, provolone or even cheddar can also work well with this dish.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Layering of Ingredients?
Layering is essential for the perfect slider! Start with a good base of chicken and sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed to ensure every bite is tasty. Add cheese liberally; it helps bind everything together.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the buns, covering every inch.
- When adding cheese, don’t hold back! An even layer will melt perfectly and keep the sliders together.
- Brush that garlic butter generously on top! It adds flavor and helps crisp up the buns.
Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes of baking time, giving you a total of about 35 minutes from start to the delicious finished sliders. Perfect for a quick meal or snack time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sliders bake evenly and come out nice and warm.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a medium bowl, take your shredded cooked chicken and mix it with the marinara sauce, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Give it a good stir to combine everything and set it aside.
3. Slice the Slider Buns
Grab your slider buns and slice them horizontally. Be careful to keep the top and bottom halves still attached—like a little sandwich sheet—so your fillings stay snug inside.
4. Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet. Evenly spread your chicken marinara mixture over these bottoms. Don’t be shy; you want every bite to be flavorful!
5. Add Cheese
Now it’s time to load up on the cheese. Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken mixture, making sure you cover it well. Cheese makes everything better, right?
6. Top It Off
Carefully place the top halves of the buns back on top of the cheese. They’re now all stacked up and ready for their flavor boost!
7. Make Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine your melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This delicious mixture will add flavor and golden color to your sliders.
8. Brush and Sprinkle
Generously brush the garlic butter over the tops of the slider buns. This will make them extra tasty! Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tops for added flavor.
9. Bake the Sliders
Cover the sliders loosely with foil to keep them from getting too brown and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes.
10. Golden Magic
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil and allow them to bake for another 5-7 minutes. This will get the cheese gooey and the tops nice and golden brown!
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked to perfection, remove the sliders from the oven. Sprinkle a little extra parsley on top for a pop of color. Slice between the buns to separate them into individual sliders. Serve warm alongside some marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Happy Eating! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding it. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method: place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to bake them for a few extra minutes if they’re cold from the fridge to ensure they are heated through.
What Can I Substitute Instead of Marinara Sauce?
You can use pesto, alfredo sauce, or even a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer. Each will give a different flavor profile, so choose based on what you like best!
