Full Recipe for Chicken Parmesan Sliders:
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are the perfect combination of crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and savory marinara sauce, all sandwiched between pull-apart dinner rolls. They’re a great appetizer or main dish for any occasion!
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
Instructions:
- Cook Chicken Strips: Cook the chicken strips according to the package instructions.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the pull-apart dinner rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Layer Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Add Chicken: Place the cooked chicken strips evenly over the cheese.
- Add Sauce: Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Top with Rolls: Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped parsley.
- Brush Butter Mixture: Brush this mixture over the top of the rolls.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Final Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
To achieve the perfect Chicken Parmesan Sliders, here are some secrets and tips to ensure they turn out delicious and satisfying:
Secrets for Perfect Chicken Parmesan Sliders:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients:
- Chicken: Use high-quality chicken strips, preferably homemade or from a reputable brand. Organic or free-range chicken can enhance the flavor.
- Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded versions.
- Homemade Marinara Sauce:
- If possible, make your own marinara sauce. It allows you to control the flavor and freshness, making the sliders more delicious.
- Season the Chicken Well:
- Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning before cooking. This ensures that the chicken itself is flavorful.
- Toast the Rolls:
- Lightly toast the dinner rolls before assembling. This prevents them from becoming soggy and adds a nice crunch.
- Double-Coat the Chicken:
- For extra crispy chicken, consider double-coating the chicken strips in breadcrumbs or Panko. This will add a delightful crunch to the sliders.
- Balance the Cheese:
- Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mozzarella provides a gooey, melty texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory flavor.
- Brush with Garlic Butter:
- Enhance the flavor by brushing the rolls with garlic butter before baking. This adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Even Layering:
- Ensure even layering of ingredients. Spread the cheese and sauce evenly to ensure each bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cover with Foil First:
- When baking, cover the sliders with foil first. This helps the cheese melt evenly and prevents the tops of the rolls from burning.
- Finish Uncovered:
- Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to let the tops of the rolls get golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley after baking for a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve the sliders immediately after baking while they are hot and the cheese is gooey.
- Use a Sharp Knife:
- When slicing the sliders, use a sharp knife to cut cleanly through the layers without squishing them.
- Customize the Sauce:
- Add a touch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs to the marinara sauce for a personalized kick.
- Layer of Flavor:
- Add a layer of pesto or a spread of garlic aioli on the bottom rolls before adding the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese Inside and Out:
- Sprinkle some cheese on the chicken before adding the top roll to ensure cheesy goodness inside and out.
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness:
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Let It Rest:
- Allow the sliders to rest for a couple of minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together.
- Presentation:
- Serve the sliders on a decorative platter with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping, making them look as good as they taste.
Most Popular Questions and Their Answers Related to Chicken Parmesan Sliders:
- Can I use homemade chicken strips instead of frozen ones?
- Yes, you can use homemade chicken strips. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sliders.
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Absolutely! You can substitute or add cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Swiss.
- Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving.
- What type of rolls should I use?
- Pull-apart dinner rolls, slider buns, or even Hawaiian rolls work well for this recipe.
- Can I use leftover chicken?
- Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken can be used. Just chop it up and follow the recipe.
- How can I make these sliders spicier?
- Add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a kick.
- Can I freeze the sliders?
- It’s best to freeze them before baking. Assemble the sliders, then freeze. Thaw before baking as directed.
- Can I use whole wheat rolls?
- Yes, whole wheat rolls can be used as a healthier alternative.
- How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
- Ensure the chicken is not overly saucy and don’t add too much marinara sauce.
- Can I add vegetables to the sliders?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- What other sauces can I use?
- Alfredo sauce or pesto can be used as a substitute for marinara sauce.
- How long do leftovers last?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free rolls and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- What side dishes go well with these sliders?
- Serve with a side salad, French fries, or roasted vegetables.
- Can I use different herbs for the butter mixture?
- Yes, you can use herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Substitute chicken strips with vegetarian alternatives like breaded eggplant or tofu.
- Can I grill the sliders instead of baking?
- Yes, wrap them in foil and grill on medium heat until heated through.
- How do I ensure the cheese melts evenly?
- Cover the sliders with foil first to trap heat and then uncover to brown the cheese.
- Can I add bacon to these sliders?
- Yes, adding cooked bacon strips will enhance the flavor.
- How can I make the sliders more flavorful?
- Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing or add more spices to the chicken before cooking.
Enjoy making and devouring these delicious Chicken Parmesan Sliders!