These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders are mini sandwiches packed with juicy chicken and melty cheese, all topped with a hint of garlic. Perfect for a tasty snack or meal!
Trust me, once you try these sliders, you’ll want to make them for every game night! 🏈 They’re super easy to whip up, and everyone loves them—because who can resist cheese and garlic?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I love using soft, fluffy dinner rolls, but you can substitute with Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness. For a healthier option, use whole wheat slider buns.
Chicken Breasts: If you’re short on time, pre-cooked grilled chicken strips work well. For a vegetarian option, try using eggplant or cauliflower cutlets, breaded and fried just like chicken.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add great flavor. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead. I sometimes use panko for an extra crispy texture.
Parmesan and Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is the best for melting, but pre-shredded is fine too. For a twist, try provolone or a blend of your favorite cheeses!
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder is a good substitute if you’re in a pinch. If you want a milder taste, use roasted garlic instead.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
To get crispy chicken cutlets, it’s essential to follow a few key steps during the breading process:
- Set up your breading station carefully to avoid any mess. Using separate bowls helps keep things tidy!
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. A good test is to drop a breadcrumb in—if it sizzles, you’re ready!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary; this ensures the chicken fries evenly and gets that golden crust.
- Place fried chicken on paper towels right away to absorb excess oil, keeping it crispy!
These tips will help you make the most delicious Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders that everyone will love!
Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (dinner rolls)
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut in half horizontally to make 6 pieces total
For the Breading:
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For Assembly:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total preparation time for these delicious sliders is about 45 minutes. This includes about 15 minutes for prep, 15-20 minutes for cooking the chicken, and about 10 minutes for baking the sliders to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Don’t forget to season both sides with salt and pepper for added flavor!
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
In one shallow bowl, pour in the flour. In a second bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until well combined. In a third bowl, mix together the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken cutlet and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. This three-step process will give you crispy chicken cutlets!
4. Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat or spray it with cooking spray. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Next, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. On each bun bottom, layer a chicken cutlet, followed by about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, and then a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake to Melt Cheese:
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts beautifully.
7. Prepare Garlic Butter:
While the sliders are baking, in a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley to create a delicious garlic butter mixture.
8. Add Bun Tops:
After baking, remove the sliders from the oven and spread the garlic butter mixture on the inside tops of the slider buns. Place the tops back onto the sliders to finish off the assembly.
9. Final Bake:
Return the sliders to the oven uncovered for another 5-7 minutes. This will let the garlic butter soak into the buns and toast the tops slightly for a wonderful flavor!
10. Serve:
Once done, garnish your sliders with extra chopped parsley and maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve warm and enjoy these delightful Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders!
With their crispy chicken and cheesy goodness topped with garlic butter, these sliders are sure to impress at your next gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it first! The best way is to leave it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by sealing it in a bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Make These Sliders Gluten-Free?
To make these sliders gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Look for gluten-free bread or buns, and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well!
Can I Prepare the Sliders in Advance?
Absolutely! You can pre-bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also assemble the sliders with cooked chicken and marinara sauce and cover them tightly with foil before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to bake time if they are chilled.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the buns stay soft!
