These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders are mini sandwiches that pack a flavorful punch! With tender chicken, tasty garlic, and cheesy goodness, they’re perfect for a snack or quick meal.
What’s better than a cheesy slider? A cheesy slider you can eat with one hand! I love making these for game nights—they disappear faster than you can say “more, please!”
They’re super easy to put together. Just bake, load on the toppings, and serve warm. Everyone will want seconds, so you might want to make extra! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Hawaiian slider buns: These soft, sweet buns are perfect for sliders. If you want a healthier option, try whole grain or oat buns. If you can’t find sliders, regular dinner rolls would work too.
Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my favorite for its ease and nice flavor. For a healthier option, use grilled chicken breast or even shredded turkey.
Marinara sauce: Any jarred marinara works. If you’re short on time, you could use pizza sauce. For a homemade touch, you can quickly simmer canned tomatoes with garlic and herbs.
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds that gooey texture that we love in sliders. If you want a sharper taste, try provolone or fontina. As for Parmesan, any grated hard cheese will also work!
Fresh basil: Fresh is best for that bright flavor. If you don’t have basil, try dried herbs or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a different twist.
How Do I Ensure My Buns Stay Soft and Delicious?
To keep your buns soft and fluffy, cover them while baking. Wrapping with foil not only prevents them from browning too quickly but also keeps moisture in. Here’s how to handle the baking process:
- Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking, then uncover it for the last 5 minutes to allow the tops to become golden.
- Be careful not to leave them too long uncovered, or they might dry out.
These tips will help you achieve that perfect combo of crispy tops and soft, airy insides! Enjoy making your sliders! 🍽️
Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian slider buns
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Topping:
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then around 20 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need a little over half an hour from start to finish, which makes it a perfect option for a quick meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent your sliders from sticking.
2. Prepare the Buns:
Carefully slice the Hawaiian slider buns horizontally so you have a top and bottom half while keeping them connected. This will form one large connected piece with 12 individual sliders.
3. Mix the Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken, marinara sauce, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it together until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
4. Build Your Sliders:
Place the bottom halves of the buns in your prepared baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over these bottom buns, ensuring they’re fully covered for delicious flavor in every bite!
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken mixture. This is where the cheesy goodness happens!
6. Top It Off:
Carefully place the top halves of the buns on top of the cheese layer, forming your finished sliders.
7. Brush with Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the chopped fresh basil. Brush this tasty garlic basil butter generously over the tops of the buns. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make them golden brown while baking.
8. Bake:
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for bubbly cheese and golden brown buns!
9. Final Touches:
Once out of the oven, garnish with any additional chopped fresh basil you like. It adds a nice pop of color and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sliders warm and watch them disappear! Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy family dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed and cooked before shredding. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, cook it until fully done, then shred it for the sliders.
Can I Make These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders in the baking dish and cover them with foil before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the total baking time to ensure they are heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the buns soft and the cheese melty.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your sliders with different proteins like shredded turkey or even vegetables for a meatless option. You can also swap out the marinara for pesto or a white sauce for a different flavor twist!
