If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy to put together, this Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender shredded chicken slow-cooked in rich marinara sauce, sandwiched between perfectly toasted slider buns, and smothered with gooey mozzarella and a crispy Parmesan garlic buttery topping. This recipe takes the classic chicken Parmesan you love and transforms it into a fun, shareable slider experience that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures, producing that irresistible combination of savory, cheesy, and garlicky goodness that makes this dish shine.
- 3 large boneless chicken breasts: These are the star, providing tender meat that soaks up all the sauce.
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: A rich, flavorful base that keeps the chicken moist and saucy.
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Packs in a punch of fragrant garlic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for an authentic Italian taste.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty cheese that creates gooey, irresistible layers.
- 24 slider buns: Perfectly sized to hold all the delicious fillings in slider form.
- ½ cup butter: Used to create a rich, savory coating on the slider tops.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the buttery topping with extra garlic goodness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses the butter mixture with herbal depth.
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the tops a crispy, cheesy crunch with bold flavor.
How to Make Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Slow Cook the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the minced garlic and 1½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken, then pour your jar of marinara sauce on top. Cover and let it cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. When it’s done, shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks to soak up all those flavorful juices.
Step 2: Toast the Slider Buns
While getting ready to assemble, preheat your oven’s broiler. Slice your slider buns in half and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Pop them under the broiler for a minute or two until they turn a gorgeous golden brown—this not only adds crunch but also prevents the buns from getting soggy.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Next, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Arrange the bottom halves of your toasted buns in a baking dish or on a lined rimmed baking sheet. Start layering with mozzarella cheese, followed by a generous scoop of the shredded chicken, and top with more mozzarella. Place the toasted top buns on each slider to complete the stack.
Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse the butter with savory notes. Once off the heat, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture is the secret to that scrumptiously crispy and flavorful slider topping.
Step 5: Finish Baking and Serve
Brush the buttery Parmesan mixture generously over the tops of the assembled sliders. Bake everything in the preheated oven until the tops are golden and toasty, about 10-15 minutes. Before serving, spoon some extra marinara sauce over the sliders for added saucy goodness that elevates every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the sliders right before serving to add a fragrant, bright contrast to the rich cheese and sauce. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also amp up the cheesy flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve these sliders alongside a crisp Caesar salad or some garlic-roasted vegetables to balance out the meal with fresh, crunchy elements. For a lighter touch, some simple oven-baked fries or a tangy coleslaw make fantastic companions too.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, line up the Chicken Parm Sliders on a wooden platter with small bowls of extra marinara sauce for dipping. You can even experiment by adding a slice of crispy bacon or a few pepperoncini peppers inside the sliders to create new flavor layers your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parm Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the buns from becoming soggy, it’s a good idea to store the shredded chicken and buns separately if possible.
Freezing
These sliders freeze beautifully. Wrap each assembled slider tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them perfect for meal prep or quick future meals.
Reheating
To reheat, remove any plastic wrap and place the sliders in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. You can also reheat them covered in the microwave if you’re short on time, though they won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen boneless chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Just extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
What type of slider buns work best?
Soft yet sturdy buns, like classic white or potato slider buns, work best because they hold together well without falling apart under the weight of the juicy chicken and cheese.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top of the cheese before baking to give your Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe a nice kick.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
While this specific recipe centers on chicken, you can swap the chicken for hearty breaded eggplant or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version while keeping the same delicious flavors.
How can I make the sliders less messy?
To minimize mess, be sure to drain excess sauce from the shredded chicken before assembling and toast the buns well to create a barrier that prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe is pure comfort food magic that combines ease with incredible flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special without a fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the perfect harmony of tender chicken, melty cheese, and flavorful sauce nestled inside buttery, toasted buns. Dive in and enjoy every bite!
Print
Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Parm Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Tender slow-cooked shredded chicken infused with garlic and Italian seasoning is combined with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce, all nestled inside toasted slider buns coated with a flavorful garlic parmesan butter. These sliders offer a perfect balance of savory flavors and gooey cheese, making them an irresistible handheld meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 large boneless chicken breasts (can use frozen)
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Slider Buns and Topping
- 24 slider buns
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Place boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic and 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce on top. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
- Broil the Slider Buns: Preheat your oven broiler. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Arrange the buns cut side up on a baking sheet. Place under the broiler just until the buns are golden brown and toasted, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Oven for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to bake the assembled sliders.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the toasted buns in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on each bottom bun, then add a generous portion of shredded chicken topped with more mozzarella cheese. Top each slider with the corresponding bun tops.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning until combined. Remove from heat, then mix in the grated parmesan cheese.
- Brush and Bake Sliders: Brush the melted butter mixture liberally over the top buns of the assembled sliders. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the buns are toasty and the cheese is melted.
- Serve with Extra Marinara: Remove sliders from the oven and spoon extra marinara sauce over the sandwiches for added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, drain excess liquid from the slow cooker before shredding the chicken.
- You can prepare this recipe a day ahead by slow cooking the chicken in advance and assembling just before serving.
- Use gluten-free slider buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or butter mixture.
