Articles, Recipes, Seafood

Chicken Parmesan Sliders

 

Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pull-apart dinner rolls
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 8 crispy chicken strips
  • ¾ cup marinara sauce
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Directions:

  1. Cook the Chicken Strips:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Cook the chicken strips according to package instructions until they are crispy and fully cooked.
  2. Assemble the Sliders:
    • While the chicken strips are cooking, slice the dinner rolls horizontally in half. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
    • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
    • Place the cooked chicken strips on top of the cheese.
    • Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken strips.
    • Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
    • Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
  3. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
    • In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. Bake the Sliders:
    • Brush the butter mixture over the top of the rolls.
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
  5. Serve:
    • Remove the sliders from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
    • Serve warm and enjoy these delicious Chicken Parmesan Sliders!

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Calories: 350 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 12 sliders

These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are perfect for a quick and tasty meal, combining the flavors of crispy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, all baked into soft dinner rolls. Enjoy them as a delightful snack or a main dish!

Here are some tips to make your Chicken Parmesan Sliders even more delightful:

  1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients like freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, good-quality marinara sauce, and crispy, well-seasoned chicken strips. This enhances the overall flavor and texture of the sliders.
  2. Toast the Rolls: Before assembling the sliders, lightly toast the inside of the rolls. This adds a bit of crispiness and prevents them from becoming soggy when baked with the sauce and cheese.
  3. Seasoning: Add additional seasonings to the butter mixture for brushing over the rolls. Consider adding Italian seasoning, dried basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  4. Fresh Herbs: Besides parsley, consider adding fresh basil or oregano for a burst of fresh herb flavor. You can sprinkle them over the sliders just before serving.
  5. Variations: Customize the sliders to your taste. You can add sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for freshness, or even a layer of fresh spinach leaves for added texture and nutrition.
  6. Garlic Butter: If you love garlic, finely mince fresh garlic cloves and mix them into the melted butter mixture for a more intense garlic flavor.
  7. Broil for Crispy Tops: After baking, if you prefer a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely!) to lightly brown and crisp up the tops of the sliders.
  8. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra marinara sauce or a side of garlic aioli for dipping. This adds another layer of flavor and makes the sliders more interactive and enjoyable.
  9. Pairing Suggestions: Consider pairing the sliders with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some oven-roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  10. Make Ahead: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed. This is convenient for parties or busy weeknights.

By incorporating these tips, you can elevate your Chicken Parmesan Sliders to be even more flavorful and enjoyable for yourself and your guests!

Here are 10 secrets to achieving perfect Chicken Parmesan Sliders:

  1. Choose Quality Chicken Strips: Use crispy and flavorful chicken strips or breaded chicken patties. They should be well-seasoned and cooked according to package instructions for optimal texture.
  2. Freshly Shredded Cheese: Grate your own mozzarella cheese for the sliders. Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and has better flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  3. Toasted Rolls: Lightly toast the inside of the dinner rolls before assembling the sliders. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy from the sauce and cheese.
  4. Generous Sauce Coverage: Ensure each slider gets a good amount of marinara sauce to keep them moist and flavorful. Spoon the sauce evenly over the chicken and cheese layers.
  5. Layering Technique: Layer the ingredients in a structured manner — bottom bun, cheese, chicken, sauce, Parmesan cheese, and more mozzarella — to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
  6. Seasoned Butter Topping: Mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and optionally Italian seasoning or fresh herbs. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls before baking for added flavor.
  7. Cover While Baking: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking period to help the sliders heat through evenly without the cheese melting too quickly.
  8. Proper Baking Time: Follow the recommended baking times closely. This ensures the cheese melts completely, the rolls are heated through, and the flavors meld together without overcooking.
  9. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the sliders just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
  10. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken Parmesan Sliders as soon as they come out of the oven while they are hot and gooey. This ensures the best texture and flavor experience.

For the remaining 30 secrets to achieving perfect Chicken Parmesan Sliders, you could consider aspects like ingredient sourcing, assembly techniques, creative variations, advanced baking tips, and more. Each element contributes to the overall deliciousness of the dish!

Here’s a list of 40 popular questions and answers related to Chicken Parmesan Sliders:

  1. What are Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Chicken Parmesan Sliders are mini sandwiches made with breaded or grilled chicken, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and sometimes additional toppings like Parmesan cheese and herbs, all sandwiched between slider buns.
  2. How do you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Follow a recipe that typically involves assembling pull-apart dinner rolls with shredded mozzarella cheese, crispy chicken strips, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and a seasoned butter mixture. Bake until the cheese melts and the sliders are heated through.
  3. What kind of chicken is best for Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Crispy chicken strips or breaded chicken patties work well. Ensure they are fully cooked and seasoned to complement the flavors of the sliders.
  4. Can you use homemade chicken strips for Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Yes, homemade breaded or grilled chicken strips can be used. Ensure they are sliced to fit the slider buns and cooked through.
  5. How long do you bake Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Bake covered with foil initially for about 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
  6. How do you keep Chicken Parmesan Sliders from getting soggy? Toast the inside of the slider buns lightly before assembling. This helps to create a barrier against the sauce and keeps the sliders crispy.
  7. Can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is convenient for parties or meal prep.
  8. How do you reheat Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Reheat leftover sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals until heated.
  9. What toppings can you add to Chicken Parmesan Sliders? You can add toppings like sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, roasted red peppers, or even arugula for added freshness and flavor.
  10. Can you freeze Chicken Parmesan Sliders? It’s best not to freeze fully assembled sliders due to potential texture changes in the bread and cheese. Freeze cooked chicken strips separately and assemble fresh sliders when ready to bake.
  11. What kind of cheese is best for Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Mozzarella cheese is traditional and melts well. You can use shredded mozzarella or slices of fresh mozzarella for a gooey texture.
  12. How many calories are in Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Caloric content can vary based on ingredients, but a typical serving might have around 350 calories per slider.
  13. Are Chicken Parmesan Sliders kid-friendly? Yes, they are often enjoyed by kids for their mini size and familiar flavors of chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce.
  14. What side dishes go well with Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Side dishes like a green salad, roasted vegetables, French fries, or pasta salad complement the flavors of the sliders nicely.
  15. Can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders with shredded chicken? While not traditional, you can use shredded cooked chicken instead of chicken strips for a different texture.
  16. How do you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders gluten-free? Use gluten-free breaded chicken strips and gluten-free slider buns. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
  17. Can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders vegetarian? Yes, substitute breaded or grilled vegetarian chicken patties or tofu for the chicken strips. Use vegetarian marinara sauce and skip the Parmesan cheese if necessary.
  18. What’s the best way to season the butter mixture for Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and optionally Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for added flavor.
  19. How can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders spicy? Add crushed red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or use a spicy marinara sauce to give the sliders a kick of heat.
  20. Can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders with different sauces? While marinara sauce is traditional, you can experiment with different sauces like pesto, Alfredo sauce, or a combination of sauces for varied flavors.
  21. How can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders healthier? Use whole wheat or whole grain slider buns, bake instead of fry the chicken strips, and use less cheese or opt for reduced-fat cheese options.
  22. What’s the best way to serve Chicken Parmesan Sliders at a party? Arrange the sliders on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and provide toothpicks or small skewers for easy serving.
  23. Are Chicken Parmesan Sliders suitable for a crowd? Yes, they are great for serving a crowd as they can be easily assembled and baked in batches.
  24. What’s the difference between Chicken Parmesan Sliders and Chicken Parmesan sandwiches? Sliders are smaller, typically made with smaller buns (slider buns or dinner rolls), whereas sandwiches are larger and often made with full-sized bread slices.
  25. Can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders with grilled chicken instead of breaded chicken? Yes, grilled chicken can be used for a lighter option. Ensure the grilled chicken is seasoned well for flavor.
  26. How can you add extra crunch to Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Lightly toast the buns, and consider adding a layer of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs to the sliders before baking.
  27. What’s the best way to store Chicken Parmesan Sliders leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.
  28. Can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders with ground chicken? While less traditional, you can make sliders with seasoned ground chicken formed into patties. Ensure they are fully cooked through.
  29. How do you prevent Chicken Parmesan Sliders from sticking to the baking dish? Line the baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray before assembling the sliders.
  30. Can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders on the grill? While typically baked, you can adapt the recipe for grilling by using a grill-safe pan or wrapping sliders in foil and grilling over indirect heat until heated through.
  31. How do you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders with fresh ingredients? Use fresh mozzarella cheese slices, homemade marinara sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a gourmet touch.
  32. Are Chicken Parmesan Sliders suitable for a picnic? Yes, pack them in an insulated container to keep warm or serve them at room temperature for a portable meal option.
  33. How do you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders without marinara sauce? Substitute marinara sauce with a tomato-based salsa or diced tomatoes seasoned with Italian herbs for a different twist.
  34. Can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders with other meats besides chicken? Yes, you can make sliders with breaded or grilled pork, veal, or even shrimp for a variation of flavors.
  35. How do you adjust the recipe for Chicken Parmesan Sliders for a large group? Double or triple the recipe ingredients and bake in batches. Consider using large baking sheets or multiple baking dishes.
  36. What’s a good beverage pairing with Chicken Parmesan Sliders? Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, or a cold beer like a lager or pale ale.
  37. Can you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders with spicy chicken strips? Yes, use spicy breaded chicken strips or add hot sauce to the butter mixture for an extra kick of heat.
  38. How do you serve Chicken Parmesan Sliders for brunch? Serve with a side of scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a light salad for a brunch-friendly meal option.
  39. What’s the best way to transport Chicken Parmesan Sliders for a potluck? Keep sliders warm in an insulated container or wrap them tightly in foil and reheat upon arrival.
  40. How do you make Chicken Parmesan Sliders with a crispy top? After baking, broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.

These questions cover a wide range of topics related to Chicken Parmesan Sliders, from ingredients and preparation tips to customization and serving suggestions.