Description
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a deliciously cheesy, saucy, and savory meal perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Featuring crispy breaded chicken tenders, melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and rich marinara sauce all layered in soft slider buns, this recipe is baked to golden perfection for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Cheeses and Sauces
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded from a block
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (divided into two 1/4 cup portions)
Chicken and Buns
- 24 oz frozen breaded chicken tenders (about 12 tenders)
- 12 slider buns
Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Shred the 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Measure out 1 cup marinara sauce, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley.
- Cook Chicken Tenders: Prepare the 24 oz frozen breaded chicken tenders according to the package instructions, usually by baking or frying until fully cooked. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly, then cut any large tenders into 2-inch pieces for slider size.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, stirring well to incorporate the flavors.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with some of the butter mixture to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble Bottom Buns: Slice the 12 slider buns in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle half (1 cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom buns, then spoon half of the marinara sauce evenly on top.
- Layer Chicken: Arrange the cut pieces of cooked chicken tenders evenly over the sauced buns.
- Top with Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the chicken pieces, then drizzle the remaining marinara sauce evenly across the top.
- Add Remaining Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Add Top Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the assembled chicken and cheese layer to create the sandwiches.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: Brush the remaining garlic butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns for added flavor and browning.
- Sprinkle Parmesan Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese over the tops of the buns.
- Bake Sliders: Bake the sliders uncovered in the preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheeses have melted completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the sliders for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can bake the frozen chicken tenders following the package directions but ensure they are fully cooked before assembly.
- For a crispier top, you can broil the sliders for the last 1-2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to add sliced pepperoni or extra herbs to customize the sliders.
- Use fresh slider buns for the best texture, or slightly toast buns beforehand for added crunch.
- Leftover sliders can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil or microwaved briefly, but baking maintains the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
