Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella all tucked into soft, garlic-buttered slider buns. This crowd-pleasing appetizer or easy dinner is baked to perfection and ready in under an hour.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Then, cut them into 12 pieces, each roughly the size of a slider bun.
- d.Place the chicken pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- e.Season both sides of the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up Breading Station
- b.Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first, place the all-purpose flour.
- c.In the second, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- d.In the third, combine the Italian breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bread and Fry the Chicken
- b.Coat each chicken piece by first dredging it in flour (shake off excess), then dipping it in the egg wash (let excess drip off), and finally pressing it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely.
- c.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
- d.Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- e.Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Sliders
- b.Without separating the individual buns, use a serrated knife to slice the entire sheet of slider buns in half horizontally.
- c.Place the bottom half of the buns into the prepared baking dish.
- d.Spread about 3/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom buns.
- e.Arrange the fried chicken pieces on top of the sauce, covering the buns completely.
- f.Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by the mozzarella cheese slices.
- g.Place the top half of the buns over the cheese.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Prepare Topping and Bake
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
- c.Brush this garlic butter mixture evenly over the tops of the slider buns.
- d.Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the buttered tops.
- e.Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- f.Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove from the oven and let the sliders rest in the pan for 3-5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to cut.
- c.Using a sharp knife, cut along the bun lines to separate into individual sliders.
- d.Serve immediately while they are hot and the cheese is gooey.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular Italian breadcrumbs.
- 2Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for quick and uniform cooking.
- 3Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying; cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets crispy rather than steamy.
- 4Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will provide superior flavor and melting quality compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- 5For a cleaner cut, use a sharp serrated knife to separate the sliders after baking.
- 6These sliders are best enjoyed immediately after baking for the ultimate crispy, cheesy experience.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with thick slices of breaded and fried eggplant for a delicious Eggplant Parmesan Slider.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
MeatballMeatball
Substitute the fried chicken with pre-cooked Italian meatballs, sliced in half, for a classic meatball slider.
Sauce SwapSauce Swap
Use a creamy vodka sauce or a basil pesto instead of marinara for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Supports Bone Health
The mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provide a good amount of calcium, a mineral crucial for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Provides Energy
The carbohydrates from the slider buns and breadcrumbs are the body's primary source of energy, fueling your brain and muscles for daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two sliders contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of buns and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.