Ready for a fun twist on classic comfort food? This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe packs that irresistible crunch with melty cheese and zesty marinara—all tucked inside a soft slider bun. Trust me, these little sandwiches are a total game changer for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
These sliders quickly became a favorite in my house because they deliver that perfect combo of crispy, cheesy, and saucy with every bite. Plus, the whole process is surprisingly straightforward, even if you’re not used to breading chicken.
- Crunchy coating: The double breading with Parmesan and breadcrumbs creates an unbelievably crisp crust that stays crunchy even after baking.
- Melty cheeses included: Combining provolone with mozzarella sticks inside the sliders gives you layers of gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Easy assembly: The sliders bake all together in one dish, making cleanup simple and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or casual party finger food, these sliders are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here brings something special to the table. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, the Parmesan ups the flavor in the crust, and those mozzarella sticks? They’re the secret to instant melty magic without any fuss.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: When butterflied and pounded thin, they cook quickly and evenly—no dry chicken here.
- Buttermilk: This tangy marinade keeps the chicken juicy and helps the breading stick better—plus, it adds subtle flavor.
- Flour: Mixed with seasoning, flour forms the first layer of coating that creates a good base for the egg wash.
- Seasoned salt and black pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning every layer of the breading.
- Eggs: The key moisture binding agent in the breading process.
- Breadcrumbs: Ensure crispiness and texture, especially when combined with Parmesan cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and helps the crust brown beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor and adds a fresh herbal note.
- Olive oil and butter: This combo guarantees a rich, golden crust on the chicken when frying.
- Provolone cheese: Melts perfectly over the chicken to create that oozy layer everyone loves.
- Marinara sauce: Adds acidity and classic Italian flavor that balances the richness.
- Frozen mozzarella sticks: These make adding mozzarella ultra easy and fun—just bake and layer inside.
- Slider buns: Soft but sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Butter topping ingredients: Butter, sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, and Parmesan come together to create a flavorful, glossy finish on top of the sliders.
Make It Your Way
I like to tweak this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I swap fresh mozzarella slices for the frozen sticks if I’m short on time, or add a bit of crushed red pepper to the marinara for a kick.
- Variation: Once, I swapped the slider buns for ciabatta rolls for a heartier bite—loved the extra chewiness and rustic feel.
- Dietary tweak: For gluten-free options, using gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns still gives you great texture and flavor.
- Seasonal twist: Adding fresh basil leaves inside instead of parsley gives a lovely summer vibe.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate Your Chicken
The key to tender, juicy chicken in this recipe is flattening the breasts evenly. I like to butterfly mine first, then gently pound them between sheets of wax paper to about ¾ inch thick for consistent cooking. Cutting them into smaller pieces helps them fit the slider buns perfectly. Don’t skip the buttermilk soak—it makes such a noticeable difference in moisture and flavor after marinading for at least 30 minutes or even overnight if you plan ahead.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
I always make three separate bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and a third with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. This assembly line approach speeds up the process and cuts down mess. Pat your chicken dry a bit before dredging in each step to avoid clumping breading. Don't rush this layer—it’s what builds that crisp crust we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Get That Golden Crisp on the Stove
Heating a combo of olive oil and butter in the skillet adds both richness and helps achieve a gorgeous golden crust on the chicken. Medium-high heat works best. I flip the chicken after about 4 minutes on each side, watching for that perfect color. If the heat is too high, the crust burns before the chicken cooks through; too low, and it won’t crisp up nicely.
Step 4: Assemble Sliders and Bake
Arrange the bottom buns in a casserole dish, layer on the crispy chicken, spoon over the marinara sauce, then cover with provolone slices and the baked mozzarella sticks. The mozzarella sticks melt inside perfectly as the sliders bake. Don’t forget to brush the tops with the seasoned butter mixture—that finishing touch makes the slider tops shiny, flavorful, and deliciously savory.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil initially to keep everything moist, then uncover for the last few minutes so the buns get that slight golden, toasty finish. This step locks in all those flavors and textures, making every bite special.
Top Tip
I’ve made this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe dozens of times now, and here are a few nuggets of wisdom that helped me nail it every single time. These tips really elevated the texture and flavor, so I’m convinced they’ll help you too!
- Even Thickness Is Essential: Always pound your chicken evenly to avoid dry edges or undercooked centers. It makes cooking time predictable.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: That tangy soak tenderizes and flavors the meat deeply. If you can’t find buttermilk, use one of the simple substitutions I included below.
- Butter and Oil Blend: Using both fat types in the pan helps brown without burning and adds richness you won’t get from oil alone.
- Season the Coating Layers: Seasoning the flour and breadcrumb mixtures ensures every bite is flavorful—not just the chicken.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these sliders with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan just before serving. The fresh herb adds a pop of color and brightness, while the Parmesan amps up the cheesy notes. A drizzle of extra marinara on the side for dipping is also a must in my book.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted vegetables to keep things balanced. For a heartier feast, I sometimes serve them alongside homemade french fries or a simple pasta salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game day, I arranged these sliders on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh basil leaves and mini bowls of extra marinara and pesto for dipping. It’s an instant conversation starter and everyone feels like they get to customize their bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheating can be tricky because you want to retain that crispy crust, so I recommend warming them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes rather than the microwave.
Freezing
These sliders freeze well if you wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven as above. The texture holds up surprisingly well!
Reheating
I find that baking the sliders covered in foil to start, then uncovering them in the last few minutes, restores that fresh-from-the-oven texture beautifully. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the breading soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicier, but you’ll still want to pound them to even thickness and adjust cooking time slightly since they can be thicker.
There are several easy substitutions: mix 4 tablespoons milk with enough sour cream to make 1 cup; or 2 tablespoons milk plus enough plain yogurt to total 1 cup; or add 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until curdled.
Make sure to pat off excess buttermilk before dredging, and press the breadcrumb mixture gently but firmly onto the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying and don’t move the chicken too soon—it needs time to set the crust.
Yes! You can prep the chicken and bread it a few hours ahead, then assemble the sliders just before baking. Alternatively, fully assemble and cover them, refrigerate for a few hours, then bake right before serving.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, these Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe hold a special place in my recipe box. They’re the perfect blend of childhood comfort and grown-up flavor that always brings everyone to the table smiling. If you’re craving something that’s both easy and impressive, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did.
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Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious Chicken Parmesan Sliders featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts, melted provolone and mozzarella sticks, and savory marinara sauce, all served on buttery slider buns. A perfect handheld meal combining classic Italian flavors with a fun slider twist.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup flour
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 18 frozen mozzarella sticks
- 6 slider buns
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting the seam to create thinner slices about ¾ inch thick. Cut each slice in half or thirds to fit the size of the slider buns. Place buttermilk in a gallon freezer bag, add chicken, and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In bowl 1 combine flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper. In bowl 2 whisk the eggs. In bowl 3 mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour mixture, then dip briefly in eggs, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake Mozzarella Sticks: Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake mozzarella sticks for 7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Sliders: Arrange slider buns in a casserole dish. Place cooked chicken on the bottom buns. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken piece, then top with provolone slices and baked mozzarella sticks. Cover with top buns.
- Add Butter Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Brush this butter mixture over the tops of the buns. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 8 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 3 minutes until tops are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove sliders from oven and serve warm. Enjoy your chicken parmesan sliders!
Notes
- Slider buns are typically about 4 inches in diameter; grocery store bakery buns work well.
- Substitute buttermilk with 4 tablespoons milk plus enough sour cream to make a cup.
- Alternatively, use 2 tablespoons milk plus enough plain yogurt to equal a cup.
- You can also mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice with milk to make buttermilk substitute and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Pounding the chicken evenly helps with quick and even cooking.
- Use fresh parsley in both breadcrumb mix and butter topping for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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