If you love quick and tasty meals, you’ll adore Chicken Parmesan Sliders. This simple recipe combines ground chicken, savory breadcrumbs, and gooey cheese all in a warm slider bun. I’ll walk you through easy steps to create these mouth-watering bites that are perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the world of flavor and fun! You won’t want to miss out on this delicious treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: With cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, these sliders are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative by adding different toppings or sauces to suit your taste preferences!
- Perfect for Parties: These sliders are easy to serve and eat, making them an ideal choice for gatherings, game days, or potlucks.
Ingredients
For Chicken Parmesan Sliders, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider buns or mini brioche buns
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. Ground chicken gives a lean base. The seasoned breadcrumbs add texture and flavor. Parmesan cheese enhances the taste and richness. Garlic powder and dried oregano bring in warm, savory notes. The egg helps bind everything together.
When you mix the chicken with these ingredients, the flavors blend well. You create a mixture that is both tasty and fun to work with. Marinara sauce adds tanginess and moisture, while mozzarella cheese brings that delightful gooeyness we all love.
Slider buns are perfect for holding everything together. Fresh basil leaves finish it off with a pop of color and flavor. Be sure to use high-quality olive oil for drizzling; it adds depth to the dish. With these ingredients, you are set to make delicious Chicken Parmesan Sliders that will impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat Oven and Mix Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix 1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Finally, mix in 1 large beaten egg. Use your hands to blend it well.
- Form Chicken Patties: Once mixed, shape the chicken mixture into 12 small patties. Make sure they fit your slider buns.
- Cook Patties in Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in some extra virgin olive oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Assembling the Sliders
- Toast Slider Buns: While cooking, toast the slider buns in the oven for around 3 minutes. They should be warm and slightly crisp.
- Layer Components for Each Slider: On each toasted bun, place one chicken patty. Spoon marinara sauce over the patty, then sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake and Serve: Carefully place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. After baking, add a fresh basil leaf on top of each slider and place the bun on to finish. Serve warm and enjoy your Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Sliders!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Sliders
Cooking Temp and Time
To make great sliders, you need the right heat. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken patties in a skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side. When they are golden brown and reach 165°F (74°C), they are done. This helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
How to Ensure Perfect Patty Size
For even cooking, make your patties the same size as the slider buns. Use a scale or your hands to shape each patty. Aim for about 2 ounces per patty. This way, they fit perfectly on the buns and cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Ideas
When serving, arrange the sliders on a nice platter. Drizzle some marinara sauce around the edges for a pop of color. Top each slider with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds elegance too.
Pairing with Side Dishes
These sliders pair well with a fresh salad or crispy fries. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables for a healthier side. A side of garlic bread is a great option for more flavor.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and quality chicken to elevate the flavor of your sliders.
- Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella.
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a kick of heat that complements the marinara sauce.
- Keep Them Warm: If serving a crowd, keep the sliders warm in a low oven until ready to serve to ensure they stay gooey and delicious.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
Using Ground Turkey or Beef You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or beef. This change still gives you a tasty slider. Ground turkey is lean and healthy. Beef adds a rich flavor. Both options work well in this recipe. Just ensure you cook them until they reach 165°F (74°C).
Alternative Cheeses If you want a cheese swap, try provolone or gouda. These cheeses melt nicely. They also add a unique flavor. Mixing cheeses can give your sliders a twist. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar also works great!
Topping Variations
Adding Vegetables Adding veggies can enhance your sliders. Sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers are great choices. You could also add fresh arugula for a peppery kick. These toppings will add color and nutrients. Plus, they make your sliders more exciting.
Different Sauces Mix up your sauce for a new taste. Try pesto or alfredo for a creamy twist. You can also use a spicy marinara if you like heat. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite. Each sauce can change the whole flavor profile!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Refrigeration Guidelines You can keep leftover chicken parmesan sliders in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Freezing Instructions To freeze, wrap each slider in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips
Best Methods for Reheating Sliders For the best taste, reheat sliders in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. If you like crispy edges, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the buns soft. Heat them in 30-second intervals until warm.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Sliders ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare these sliders ahead of time. Make the chicken patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also bake them, let them cool, and then keep them in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan Sliders? These sliders pair well with many sides. Try serving them with a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or a side of marinara for dipping. You can also add pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch.
How to make these sliders healthier? You can use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for a leaner option. You can also use whole grain slider buns. Add spinach or zucchini to the chicken mix for extra veggies.
Cooking & Ingredient FAQs
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce saves time and still tastes great. Just choose a brand with simple ingredients. This way, you can enjoy your sliders without extra work.
What’s the best way to cook ground chicken? The best way is to use a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach 165°F (74°C) inside. This ensures they are safe and juicy.
In this post, we explored making chicken Parmesan sliders with simple ingredients. We walked through preparation, cooking, and assembling steps. I shared tips for perfect sliders, serving ideas, and variations to try. Remember, these sliders are easy to customize and store. They can be a fun meal for any occasion. Enjoy making them your own and delighting your family and friends. Happy cooking!
