These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders are mini sandwiches that pack a tasty punch! They feature juicy chicken, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic, all on a soft bun.
What’s better than a cheesy slider? A cheesy slider with garlic! I love making these for game nights because they disappear so fast, and you can eat them without any fuss. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Using soft slider buns is key for these sliders. If you can’t find them, any small dinner rolls work just as well. I’ve even used whole wheat or gluten-free rolls, and they turned out great!
Chicken: I like thinly slicing chicken breasts for quicker cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped, which saves time and still tastes fantastic.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add a nice flavor, but plain breadcrumbs work too. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but if you only have pre-grated, that’s fine too. Feel free to substitute with Pecorino Romano for a different taste.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is great for convenience, but homemade sauce elevates the sliders. Try adding some herbs for extra flavor, or for a twist, use BBQ sauce instead!
How Do I Keep My Chicken Crispy?
To achieve crispy chicken, proper breading and frying are essential! Make sure to follow these steps for the best results.
- Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This secures the coating.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it lowers the temperature!
- After frying, let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil while keeping them crispy.
By following these tips, your chicken will remain crispy even after baking with the cheese and sauce! Enjoy making these delicious sliders! 🍔
How to Make Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces or thinly sliced
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian style or plain)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or sliced fresh mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings a warm, cheesy meal to your table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Set Up Breading Stations:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, create your breading stations. In one bowl, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs.
2. Bread the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and coat it in the flour mixture first, ensuring it’s well covered. Then, dip it into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off before moving to the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them stick.
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each piece of breaded chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, take it off the heat and set it aside.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Cut the slider buns in half horizontally but don’t separate the pieces if they’re attached. Lay the bottom halves in a baking tray or dish. Brush the garlic butter evenly over the buns. Now, place one piece of fried chicken on each bun bottom, add a spoonful of marinara sauce, and generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake and Final Touches:
Place the assembled sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and sliders are heated through. Once done, remove them from the oven, add fresh basil on top for garnish if desired, and place the bun tops on.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the sliders warm and enjoy these delicious Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders at your next gathering or as a comforting meal!
These cheesy, flavorful sliders are sure to be a hit, so get ready for compliments from everyone around the table!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just skip the frying step and assemble the sliders with the chicken directly, then bake until the cheese melts.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have leftovers, store them 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 or until heated through.
Can I Prepare These Sliders in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare everything ahead of time. Bread the chicken and keep it refrigerated, then fry it just before assembling the sliders. Alternatively, fully assemble the sliders without baking and cover them tightly until ready to bake.
What Can I Serve with These Sliders?
These sliders pair perfectly with a fresh side salad, crispy fries, or roasted vegetables. They make an excellent party food option and are sure to please a crowd!
