Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Inspiration
I absolutely love making Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders for casual gatherings and family dinners. They are incredibly easy to prepare and always leave everyone asking for more. The balance of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce makes these sliders a favorite in our household. Plus, they are perfect for serving with a side salad or some roasted vegetables, making it a versatile meal option. I often find myself customizing the toppings to suit everyone's tastes, and that makes cooking these sliders even more fun!
Creating these Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders has become a delightful routine in my kitchen. I initially aimed for something quick and delicious, but the combination of juicy chicken breast, rich marinara, and bubbling cheese turned out to be a crowd-pleaser. I love how the flavors meld together while baking, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills the air.
One tip I want to share is to lightly toast the slider buns before assembling. This small step enhances the overall texture, making them crispy on the outside while absorbing just the right amount of sauce. These sliders are a perfect way to bring comfort food to any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Succulent chicken seasoned to perfection
- Melted mozzarella and parmesan for creamy texture
- Easy to make and perfect for gatherings
Key Techniques for Perfect Sliders
For achieving tender and juicy chicken, ensure that your skillet is hot enough before adding the seasoned chicken breasts. This will help to sear the meat, locking in moisture. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and check for a golden-brown exterior, which provides not only flavor but also a pleasing texture to each bite.
When assembling the sliders, evenly distribute the marinara sauce to prevent sogginess. This sauce not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during baking. I usually let the sauce sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before spooning it over the chicken, as this helps in achieving a better blend of flavors.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, these sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps to retain the crispy texture, ensuring that the cheese remains melty and the chicken stays moist.
Alternatively, if you want to enjoy these sliders later on, you can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes to ensure they are heated through without sacrificing texture.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders:
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Once you have all the ingredients ready, we can proceed to the next steps.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your sliders:
Prepare Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and slice into small strips.
Assemble Sliders
Split the slider buns in half and layer the bottom half with sliced chicken. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake
Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Garnish with fresh basil if desired, serve warm, and enjoy your delicious sliders!
Your sliders are now ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed bell peppers or onions to the slider assembly. This adds a tasty crunch and elevates the dish even further.
Ingredient Insights
Choosing the right type of slider buns can elevate your dish significantly. I prefer using soft, slightly sweet brioche buns which complement the savory flavors of the chicken and cheese. If you aim to keep it healthier, whole-grain buns work just as well, providing a nutty flavor and added nutrients.
The blend of mozzarella and parmesan gives these sliders their delightful creamy texture. Mozzarella provides stretchiness, while parmesan adds a sharp punch of flavor. In a pinch, you could substitute provolone for mozzarella and pecorino Romano for parmesan for a different spin, but be cautious of the saltiness if you’re already using seasoned cheeses.
Customizing Your Sliders
Don't hesitate to experiment with toppings and accompaniments. Adding a layer of fresh spinach or arugula on top of the cheese before baking can boost nutritional value and enhance flavor. You might also sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick, personalized to your family’s taste preferences.
For a fun variation, consider a pesto chicken parmesan slider. Simply replace the marinara sauce with pesto and add sun-dried tomatoes. This little tweak can change the entire flavor profile and make for an exciting addition to your slider rotation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover chicken for these sliders?
Absolutely! Shredded or diced leftover chicken works great and saves time.
→ What can I substitute for the marinara sauce?
You can use pesto or white garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.
→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them in advance and bake them right before serving. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders
I absolutely love making Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders for casual gatherings and family dinners. They are incredibly easy to prepare and always leave everyone asking for more. The balance of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce makes these sliders a favorite in our household. Plus, they are perfect for serving with a side salad or some roasted vegetables, making it a versatile meal option. I often find myself customizing the toppings to suit everyone's tastes, and that makes cooking these sliders even more fun!
Created by: Victoria Hall
Recipe Type: Everyday Comfort Food Inspiration
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 sliders
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and slice into small strips.
Split the slider buns in half and layer the bottom half with sliced chicken. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired, serve warm, and enjoy your delicious sliders!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed bell peppers or onions to the slider assembly. This adds a tasty crunch and elevates the dish even further.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 24g