Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chicken parmesan sliders! They’re an absolute game changer for busy weeknights or when I just want to whip up something delicious without a ton of fuss. Picture this: juicy, shredded chicken enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan, all nestled in soft slider buns. Yum! I remember the first time I made these; the whole house filled with that mouthwatering aroma, and my family couldn’t get enough. They’re quick to make—seriously, you can have them on the table in about 30 minutes! Plus, they’re perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering chicken parmesan sliders! I promise, it’s a simple list, and you might even have most of these ingredients hanging around your kitchen already. Let’s get cooking!
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 12 slider buns
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Just a quick tip: Make sure your chicken is nice and tender before shredding, and don’t skimp on the cheese! The more, the merrier when it comes to that gooey, melty goodness. You’ll love how it all comes together!
How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Alright, let’s dive into making these delicious chicken parmesan sliders! It’s easier than you might think, and I’m here to guide you through every step. Get excited—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your sliders bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and set it aside; we’re going to use it to hold all that cheesy goodness.
Mixing the Chicken Mixture
Now, let’s mix up the star of the show! In a bowl, combine your cooked and shredded chicken with the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. I like to use a fork or a spoon to really blend it all together, making sure each piece of chicken gets that saucy goodness. You want it to be flavorful and moist, so don’t be shy with that marinara!
Assembling the Sliders
Next up, it’s assembly time! Take your slider buns and cut them in half. Place the bottom halves snugly in your baking dish. Now, spoon that delicious chicken mixture generously over the buns—make sure to cover them evenly! Then, sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top, letting it rain cheese like confetti. Finally, place the top halves of the buns back on and brush them lightly with olive oil for that golden finish.
Baking Instructions
Pop those sliders in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and you’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is all melty and bubbly, and the buns turn a lovely golden brown. Wow, just thinking about it makes my mouth water! Once they’re done, let them cool for a minute (if you can resist the temptation) and then dig in!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of these scrumptious chicken parmesan sliders! Just a heads up, nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and their brands, so the values I’m sharing are approximate. For one slider, you can expect about:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Fiber: 1g
These sliders pack a decent punch of protein while keeping things tasty and satisfying. You can enjoy them without feeling guilty! Just remember, if you swap in different ingredients, the nutrition will change a bit, so keep that in mind while you’re cooking. Now, let’s get back to enjoying these sliders!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: You can whip these up in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights!
- Flavor-packed: The combination of tender chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible.
- Easy to customize: Want to switch things up? Add veggies, change the cheese, or use a different sauce to make it your own!
- Perfect for gatherings: These sliders are a crowd-pleaser, great for parties, game days, or family dinners.
- Kid-friendly: Little ones love these! They’re fun to eat and easy to hold—no mess, just yummy!
- Comfort food vibes: There’s just something so satisfying about biting into a warm, cheesy slider that feels like a warm hug.
Trust me, once you try these chicken parmesan sliders, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chicken parmesan sliders turn out absolutely perfect every time! I’ve got some handy tips and tricks that I’ve learned along the way to elevate your slider game. Trust me, these will take your sliders from great to *out of this world*!
- Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken from a previous meal, use that! It saves time and adds even more flavor.
- Mix up the cheeses: While mozzarella and parmesan are classics, try adding provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile. You could even sprinkle some goat cheese on top for a tangy twist!
- Add veggies: Sneak in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers into the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor. You won’t even notice they’re there!
- Season the buns: For a little extra flavor, try sprinkling some garlic powder or Italian herbs on the slider buns before baking. It adds a lovely aroma and taste!
- Make it spicy: If you like a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or top with sliced jalapeños before baking. It’s a fun way to spice things up!
- Serve with dipping sauces: Pair these sliders with a side of extra marinara or even a creamy ranch dressing for dipping. It takes the experience to the next level!
- Keep an eye on baking: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on those sliders as they bake. You want that cheese to be perfectly melted and bubbly, and the buns to be just golden—no one likes a burnt slider!
With these tips, you’ll be a chicken parmesan slider pro in no time! Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect combination—happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about chicken parmesan sliders is how easily you can switch things up to make them your own! Here are some fun variations to consider that will keep your taste buds dancing and add a little excitement to your meal!
- Cheese Swap: While mozzarella and parmesan are delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses! Try provolone for a sharper flavor, or even a mix of cheddar and gouda for a smoky twist. You could also go for a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bold kick!
- Veggie Delight: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Add sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or even some finely diced zucchini to your chicken mixture. They’ll blend right in and give your sliders a lovely freshness!
- Pesto Perfection: Swap out the marinara sauce for a rich, vibrant pesto. It adds a whole new layer of flavor and pairs beautifully with the chicken and cheese. Just imagine that herbal goodness melting into every bite!
- Buffalo Style: If you’re a fan of a little heat, mix some buffalo sauce into the chicken! Top it off with crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing after baking for a zesty, spicy treat!
- Italian Meatball Sliders: Instead of shredded chicken, use cooked meatballs! Just slice them in half, toss in some marinara sauce, and layer them in the buns with cheese. It’s like a new take on the classic meatball sub!
- Sweet and Savory: For a unique twist, add a layer of caramelized onions or even some apple slices before adding the chicken mixture. The sweetness complements the savory flavors beautifully!
- Herbed Buns: Brush your slider buns with garlic butter or sprinkle some Italian herbs on top before baking. It’ll make your sliders even more aromatic and flavorful!
Feel free to get creative! These variations will inspire you to mix things up and find your perfect combination. Happy cooking and enjoy those delicious sliders!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of these scrumptious chicken parmesan sliders, and now you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store them so they stay delicious for your next meal. First, let them cool down a bit before storing. Then, you can place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, but I bet they won’t last that long!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a couple of options for you. If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sliders on a baking sheet. Cover them lightly with foil to keep them from drying out, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You’ll love how the cheese gets all melty again!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop them in the microwave. Just place a slider on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it from getting rubbery), and heat for about 30-45 seconds. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overheat. And voilà, you’re back in business!
Whichever method you choose, enjoy those leftovers—they’re just as tasty the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Alright, now that you’ve got those mouthwatering chicken parmesan sliders ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them for a complete meal! Trust me, the right sides and dips can elevate your sliders to a whole new level of deliciousness!
First up, I always love a fresh, crisp salad. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad tossed with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sliders. You can even throw in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for extra texture!
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider whipping up some garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. They’re perfect for dunking into that marinara sauce—yum! Just imagine the warm, buttery bread with gooey cheese melting all over it. It’s the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Another great option is roasted vegetables! Think zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus tossed in olive oil and Italian herbs, then roasted until tender. They add a lovely pop of color and a nutritious touch to your plate.
And let’s not forget about dips! A side of marinara sauce for extra dunking is a must, but you could also serve up some creamy ranch or a zesty buffalo sauce for those who like things a little spicy. It adds a fun twist to the meal!
So, whether you go with a light salad, some hearty bread, or colorful veggies, these suggestions will perfectly complement your sliders and make for a delightful dining experience. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Sliders: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave Them
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious chicken parmesan sliders perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 12 slider buns
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Cut slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Spoon the chicken mixture over the buns.
- Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders.
- Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and buns are golden.
Notes
- Serve hot for best flavor.
- Can substitute chicken with turkey or a meat alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan sliders, easy sliders, chicken recipes