Chicken Parmesan Sliders: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re a fan of the classic Chicken Parmesan, you’ll love this fun and irresistible twist—Chicken Parmesan Sliders! These sliders bring together all the savory flavors of the traditional dish but in a handheld, bite-sized format perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy family meal. With crispy, golden chicken, gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, and a touch of Parmesan, every bite is a flavorful experience that will have you reaching for more.

What makes these sliders so special is how easily they come together. The chicken breasts are breaded, fried to crispy perfection, and then topped with melty provolone and marinara sauce. Add in some mozzarella sticks for that extra cheese pull, and you’ve got a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these Chicken Parmesan Sliders will be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they’re easy to customize, making them a perfect addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Golden Chicken

The breaded chicken breast is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, providing the perfect base for the cheesy toppings.

2. Loaded with Cheese

These sliders feature a combination of provolone, mozzarella sticks, and Parmesan, creating a melty, cheesy experience in every bite.

3. Perfect for Parties

The sliders are the ideal finger food, making them a hit at parties, tailgates, or any casual gathering. They’re easy to serve and eat!

4. Simple to Make

Despite their impressive flavor and presentation, these sliders are easy to prepare and come together in a short amount of time.

5. Kid-Friendly

With all the flavors kids love—chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce—these sliders are sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, butterflied
• Buttermilk
• Flour
• Seasoned salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Provolone cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Frozen mozzarella sticks
• Slider buns
• Melted butter
• Sea salt
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Variations

1. Use Different Cheese

If you’re not a fan of provolone, feel free to substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

2. Baked Option

For a healthier twist, skip the frying step and bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. Spicy Kick

For those who like some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or drizzle a little sriracha sauce over the chicken before serving.

4. Vegetarian Version

Replace the chicken with breaded eggplant slices for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still packs all the same great flavors.

5. Add Extra Toppings

Customize your sliders with extra toppings like fresh basil, sautéed mushrooms, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Butterfly the chicken breasts to make them thinner and easier to cook. Place them in a bowl with buttermilk and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

In a shallow dish, mix the flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan. In another dish, beat the eggs. Dredge each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to ensure a thick coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on a baking sheet. Top each with a piece of fried chicken, a slice of provolone cheese, and a mozzarella stick. Spoon some marinara sauce over the cheese, then place the top buns on.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Brush the tops of the slider buns with melted butter, then sprinkle with sea salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the sliders for 10-12 minutes, or until the buns are golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Chicken: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh chicken breasts rather than frozen.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it gets crispy.
• Toast the Buns: If you prefer a little crunch in your sliders, toast the buns lightly before assembling the sliders for added texture.
• Check for Doneness: Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
• Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: For extra cheesiness and to ensure they hold their shape, freeze the mozzarella sticks before adding them to the sliders.

How to Serve

These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are perfect served on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side salad, crispy fries, or even roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, try serving with a side of garlic bread or a fresh caprese salad. You can also offer a small bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven or a toaster oven to keep the buns crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, but the buns may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They are more flavorful and juicy, though they may take slightly longer to cook.

2. Can I make the sliders without frying the chicken?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.

3. Can I use regular mozzarella instead of provolone?

Yes, you can use regular mozzarella, or even a combination of mozzarella and provolone for a different cheese flavor.

4. How do I prevent the mozzarella sticks from leaking cheese?

Be sure to freeze the mozzarella sticks before adding them to the sliders. This will help prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking.

5. Can I make these sliders gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the buns are gluten-free to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

6. How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, toast the slider buns lightly before assembling, and don’t add too much marinara sauce on top of the chicken.

7. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce will add an extra layer of flavor to these sliders. Just make sure the sauce is warm when you add it to the sliders.

8. How many sliders does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 6 sliders, but you can easily double it to serve more guests.

9. Can I make the chicken and freeze it ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread and fry the chicken in advance, then freeze it. Reheat the chicken in the oven before assembling the sliders.

10. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are the perfect fusion of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness, making them an instant favorite for any meal or event. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a new twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan, these sliders are sure to satisfy your cravings. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and totally customizable, they’re a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish in a whole new way. Get ready for some serious flavor with every bite!

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