These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders are small but mighty! They feature juicy chicken, melted cheese, and a tasty garlic sauce, all nestled in soft buns. Perfect for sharing or devouring solo!
Honestly, who can resist such cheesy goodness? I love whipping these up for game nights—they’re always a hit. Just pop them in the oven and enjoy the fantastic smell filling the house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are perfect, but if you want a bit more flavor, try using garlic bread or brioche buns. Both will add a lovely twist!
Shredded Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken handy, rotisserie chicken works great, and it’s super convenient! You can also use turkey if you prefer.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is fine for ease, but homemade sauce can elevate the dish. You could replace it with BBQ sauce for a different flavor.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is a classic for this recipe, but you can mix in provolone or even cheddar to change things up. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives.
Butter: For a healthier option, you can use olive oil instead of butter in the garlic mixture. It will still taste amazing!
How Do I Get That Perfect Garlic Butter Flavor?
The garlic butter mixture is key to delivering that irresistible flavor. Here’s how to make it just right:
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Mince it well to release its flavor.
- Mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined. Don’t skip the seasoning; it makes a difference!
- Don’t hold back when spreading the garlic butter! Generously apply it to the bun bottoms for maximum flavor.
This garlic butter brings everything together, enhancing the moist chicken and melted cheese while making the buns slightly crispy. Trust me, this step is worth it!
How to Make Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of about 40-45 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing a baking dish lightly.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the marinara sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Take the slider buns and slice them in half horizontally. Lay the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over these buns for added flavor.
5. Layer the Chicken and Cheese:
Next, spoon the chicken and marinara mixture over the bottom halves of the buns. Make sure to distribute it evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken mixture.
6. Complete the Sandwiches:
Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese. Brush the tops of these buns with the remaining garlic butter mixture for that golden finish. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tops.
7. Baking Time:
Cover the assembled sliders loosely with aluminum foil and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese melts and the sliders are warm. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, remove the sliders and garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious and cheesy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders!
This is an easy and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand will work perfectly. Just shred it and mix it with the marinara sauce as instructed.
What Can I Substitute for Marinara Sauce?
If you prefer something different, BBQ sauce or a homemade garlic butter sauce can be delicious alternatives. Just ensure that whatever you choose complements the flavor of the chicken.
Can I Make These Sliders in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for a few hours. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers 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 until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven will keep the buns crispy!
