These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are the perfect fusion of crispy chicken, melty cheese, and tangy marinara, all packed into bite-sized sandwiches. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick family dinner, these sliders deliver classic Italian flavors in a fun, portable format that everyone will love!
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 sliders
- Serving size: 1 slider
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 680mg
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 100g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 120g (1 cup) breadcrumbs
- 50g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 5g (1 tsp) garlic powder
- 5g (1 tsp) Italian seasoning
- 2g (½ tsp) salt
- 2g (½ tsp) black pepper
- 60ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil for frying
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider rolls (brioche or Hawaiian rolls work well)
- 240ml (1 cup) marinara sauce
- 150g (1½ cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 30g (2 tbsp) melted butter
- 5g (1 tsp) garlic powder
- 5g (1 tsp) dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces (about the size of the slider buns). Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Set up a breading station with three bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the sliders: Split the slider rolls in half and place the bottoms on the prepared baking sheet. Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on each roll. Top with a fried chicken piece, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and place the top half of the rolls on top.
- Brush with garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and oregano. Brush the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake the sliders: Place the assembled sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the sliders from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken, as it can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy coating.
- Toast the slider rolls slightly before assembling for extra texture and flavor.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, meltier texture, though pre-shredded mozzarella will also work.
- Make ahead: Fry the chicken pieces in advance and assemble the sliders just before baking for a quick and easy party dish.
- Add extra sauce: Serve the sliders with a side of warmed marinara for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. Just spray the chicken with cooking oil before baking for a crispy texture.
- What type of bread works best for sliders? Soft, slightly sweet slider rolls like Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns are perfect for this recipe, as they balance the savory flavors of the chicken and cheese.
- Can I freeze the chicken Parmesan sliders? Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces separately. When ready to use, assemble the sliders and bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
- What sides pair well with chicken Parmesan sliders? Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the sliders.
- Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Absolutely! Use your favorite store-bought marinara to save time, or make your own from scratch for a fresher flavor.
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the comforting flavors of crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or making a quick family meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!