These Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders are the ultimate comfort food. The crispy golden bun tops perfectly complement the melty mozzarella and rich marinara sauce, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The addition of parmesan and fresh basil offers a savory finish that makes each bite irresistible.
Ideal for parties, game days, or even a simple family meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to assemble, bake, and serve – making them the perfect choice when you need something hearty, cheesy, and delicious. You can even make them ahead of time and reheat them for a quick meal when needed!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and marinara sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken mixture and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until heated through. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Evenly spread the shredded chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the buns.
- Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Place the top halves of the buns on the cheese and chicken mixture.
- Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 sliders
Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a perfect blend of Italian comfort food with the convenience of handheld sliders. This recipe brings the classic flavors of chicken parmesan into an easy-to-serve, bite-sized format that’s ideal for parties, family gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re hosting a game day, preparing a special meal for your loved ones, or just craving a hearty dish, these sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Background of the Recipe
The idea of turning a classic dish into sliders has been gaining popularity in recent years. Traditional chicken parmesan, known for its breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, has been transformed into these easy-to-eat, bite-sized sandwiches. Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders capture the essence of the beloved dish but in a form that’s both fun and practical. They’re much easier to serve than the classic chicken parm, and they offer a unique twist on the original recipe, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
These sliders feature shredded chicken, which makes them ideal for using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, saving both time and effort. The chicken is mixed with a flavorful marinara sauce, topped with generous amounts of melted mozzarella and parmesan, and nestled between slider buns. The result is a gooey, cheesy, and savory bite that’s packed with comfort food flavor.
Why This Recipe is the Best
There are several reasons why this Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders recipe stands out as a top choice for any meal or event:
- Convenient and Easy to Make: One of the main advantages of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. The ingredients are simple and easy to find in any grocery store, and the cooking process requires minimal effort. With only a few steps involved – mixing, assembling, and baking – these sliders are perfect for busy cooks or anyone looking for a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: If you’re looking for a dish that’s great for meal prep, these sliders are a fantastic option. They can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and baked when ready to serve. This makes them a perfect solution for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd during a party or gathering.
- Family-Friendly: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or feeding a crowd, these sliders are an ideal choice. The combination of crispy buns, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and melty cheese is universally loved by people of all ages. Kids especially love the smaller, bite-sized portions, making it easy for them to enjoy the flavors without feeling overwhelmed by a larger plate of food.
- Versatile and Customizable: Another reason this recipe is a winner is its versatility. While the basic recipe calls for shredded chicken and marinara sauce, it can be easily customized to suit different preferences. You can add extra toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, olives, or even a spicy kick with jalapeños. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute the slider buns with whole-grain options, or even turn them into a gluten-free version by using gluten-free buns.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing for a casual dinner, hosting a BBQ, or serving snacks during a sports event, these sliders fit the occasion. They’re portable, easy to serve, and perfect for guests who prefer finger foods. You can even cut them into smaller portions to serve as appetizers or hors d’oeuvres at a cocktail party. The versatility of this dish makes it a great choice for any type of gathering.
- Affordable and Budget-Friendly: Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders are not only delicious but also budget-friendly. By using cooked chicken (especially leftovers or rotisserie chicken), you save on the cost of chicken breasts or thighs. Additionally, the ingredients like marinara sauce, cheese, and slider buns are affordable and easily accessible, making this an economical recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Health Benefits of Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Although these sliders are rich in flavors, they can be made more health-conscious by making small tweaks to the ingredients. Here are some ways to elevate the health factor of the dish:
- Protein-Packed: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, making these sliders a filling and satisfying meal. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health, so adding chicken to your diet is always a smart choice. By using shredded chicken, you can ensure that every bite is tender and flavorful while still being packed with nutrients.
- Customizable for Dietary Preferences: As mentioned, this recipe is highly customizable. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can opt for lettuce wraps or keto-friendly buns instead of traditional slider buns. For those who are gluten-free, simply substitute the buns with gluten-free options or skip the buns altogether and enjoy the chicken and cheese on its own.
- Incorporating Vegetables: While the recipe as written is focused on the chicken and cheese, you can sneak in additional vegetables to boost the nutritional content. Consider adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetables are an excellent way to increase the health benefits of this recipe while still maintaining its delicious flavors.
Perfect Pairings
Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic Italian touch, serve them with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You could also serve them alongside a bowl of vegetable soup or a hearty minestrone for a more filling meal. If you want to keep things light, opt for roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw to balance out the richness of the sliders.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Sliders
To ensure that your Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders turn out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use Shredded Chicken for Tenderness: Shredding the chicken helps distribute the flavors of the marinara sauce evenly, creating a moist and tender filling for your sliders.
- Opt for Fresh Mozzarella: For the best cheese pull and flavor, use fresh mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and adds that signature gooey texture to your sliders.
- Don’t Overfill the Buns: When assembling the sliders, avoid overfilling the buns, as this can make them difficult to handle. Stick to a modest amount of filling so that the buns don’t become soggy.
- Bake with Foil First: Covering the sliders with aluminum foil during the first part of baking helps keep the buns from getting too dry while allowing the cheese to melt evenly.
Conclusion
Shredded Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of classic chicken parmesan in a more convenient, bite-sized form. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a party, these sliders are guaranteed to impress with their delicious, cheesy goodness. With the ability to customize ingredients, make them ahead of time, and feed a crowd on a budget, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for all types of occasions. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this easy and flavorful recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any meal!