These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders are mini sandwiches filled with juicy garlic chicken and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for fun meals or parties, they’re sure to impress!
Who doesn’t love bite-sized goodness? I often make these for game nights—we just can’t get enough of that cheesy, garlicky flavor. They disappear fast, so make extras! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Using soft Hawaiian rolls gives a sweet contrast to the savory filling. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat or homemade slider buns can work nicely too!
Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless is best for easy eating. If you need a non-chicken option, try these with breaded eggplant or mushrooms for a vegetarian version!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a great flavor. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be delicious substitutes that will still give that cheesy kick!
Breadcrumbs: Traditional Italian-style breadcrumbs are great, but if you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for a crunch!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy coating on your chicken is key! Here are some tips:
- Make sure to dry your chicken breasts with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the coating stick better.
- The three-step dredging process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) is crucial. Don’t rush it; coat evenly to lock in flavor.
- Fry the chicken cutlets in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Give them space!
- If you prefer, you can bake the chicken cutlets for a healthier approach. Just make sure they are brushed with oil for a nice color!
Following these easy steps will help you achieve crispy chicken that makes these sliders a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft Hawaiian rolls work well)
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
For the Sauce and Cheese:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 30 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at approximately 55 minutes from start to finish. It’s a perfect dish to whip up for family dinners or parties!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Butterfly or halve each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about ¼ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your ingredients: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and in the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, and finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, cook the breaded chicken cutlets until they are golden and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves into the prepared baking dish. Place one crispy chicken cutlet on each slider bottom and spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
7. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese generously over the sauce on each slider.
8. Complete the Sliders:
Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese. This will create a delicious little sandwich of goodness!
9. Brush with Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns to give them extra flavor.
10. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tops of the buns are golden brown.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, remove the sliders and garnish them with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy these cheesy, garlicky sliders at your next gathering or for a cozy dinner at home!
These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a hit every time—Hope you enjoy making them!
Can I Use Store-Bought Marinara Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce is a convenient option that can save you time. Just make sure to choose one with quality ingredients for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps keep the buns nice and soft!
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bread and fry the chicken cutlets a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge, then assemble the sliders and bake right before serving for best results!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you want a different protein, try using breaded eggplant for a vegetarian version or even thinly sliced turkey cutlets. They’ll still taste amazing with the marinara and cheese!