These Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders are little buns filled with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and a splash of garlic flavor. Perfect for any meal or snack!
Honestly, these sliders are so tasty, you might want to keep them all to yourself! I love serving them with a side of marinara for dipping. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I recommend using soft dinner rolls for a fluffy texture. If you can’t find slider buns, small brioche or Hawaiian rolls work well. You could even use regular hamburger buns; just cut them down to size!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep things simple. However, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. If you’re pressed for time, store-bought rotisserie chicken will save you cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is key for that gooey texture. I like to mix it with Parmesan for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, part-skim mozzarella works fine. Vegan cheese could be substituted if you’re dairy-free.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought variety can save time. If you prefer homemade, blend canned tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. For a twist, try pesto in place of marinara!
How Do I Cook Chicken Cutlets Perfectly?
Cooking chicken cutlets may seem tricky, but it’s simpler than you think! The goal is to achieve a golden brown, tender chicken. Here’s how:
- Slice the chicken breasts thinly to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
- Season the chicken well to enhance flavor. Don’t rush the cooking process! Medium-high heat is perfect for a nice sear.
- Only flip the chicken when it’s golden brown; this helps develop a great crust.
Trust me, the patience will pay off with deliciously cooked chicken! Enjoy! 😊
Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or basil for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken, and then about 15 minutes baking everything together. Finally, give it a few minutes to cool before serving—so just the right amount of time to get everyone eager to dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a baking dish or simply line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Carefully slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and half of the minced garlic. Give them a nice rub to ensure they’re flavorful!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. Now remove them from the heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Next, take your slider buns and slice them horizontally without completely separating the top and bottom halves. Place the bottom halves in your greased baking dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each bun, then place a chicken cutlet on top of each one.
Drizzle a bit more marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. For added flavor, use the remaining minced garlic and sprinkle it on the cheese layer.
5. Finish Up:
Place the top halves of the buns back on top. Brush the melted butter generously over the tops of the buns. Lastly, sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch.
6. Baking:
Cover your dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the sliders to warm through. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the tops just a little.
7. Serve:
After removing them from the oven, let the sliders cool for just a few minutes. Serve them warm, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Bon appétit with your delicious, garlicky, cheesy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Sliders!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, just shred it and use it in place of the cutlets. Combine it with the marinara sauce and proceed with assembling the sliders as usual. This can save you time and add great flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Slider Buns?
No worries! You can use any small rolls or even cut regular hamburger buns in half. Just make sure the bread you choose is soft so it can hold all that delicious filling without falling apart.
Can I Make These Sliders Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute regular slider buns with gluten-free buns or rolls. Ensure all other ingredients, like marinara sauce and cheese, are certified gluten-free as well to avoid any cross-contamination.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them for a quick option. Enjoy! 😊
