Cheesy Chicken Sliders

These Chicken Parm Sliders turn traditional comfort fare into addictive mini sandwiches you'll want at every get-together. Packed with crispy chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and stretchy cheese tucked into pillowy Hawaiian rolls, they vanish from plates in seconds at my parties. You can't beat the mouthwatering smell of buttery garlic and herbs filling your kitchen as they bake – it draws everyone in before they're even done.

I made these for a casual hangout last week and they disappeared before I could even tell folks they were ready. Even my friend's picky husband who normally turns his nose up at "fancy" chicken dishes asked me for my recipe before heading home.

Key Components and Shopping Advice

• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Their natural sweetness works wonders with all the savory elements
• Breaded Chicken Tenders: Get the ready-made kind to save time; pick whatever brand you enjoy
• Pasta Sauce: Don't skimp here – quality marinara makes these shine (I love using Rao's)
• Cheese Combo: Mozzarella brings the stretch factor, Parmesan adds that sharp kick
• Garlic Butter Finish: This step truly transforms the whole dish

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Warm The Oven:

Get it going at 350°F. This temp lets everything heat thoroughly without burning those tender tops.

Ready Your Pan:

Butter up a 9x13 dish or sheet pan. This stops sticking and adds extra flavor to your bottom buns.

Set Up Base Layer:

Put the bottom halves of your rolls in your greased pan, keeping them connected for easier handling.

Layer On Chicken:

Put your breaded chicken pieces across the buns, letting edges overlap if needed for full coverage.

Spread The Sauce:

Drizzle pasta sauce over your chicken. Don't go overboard – about 2-3 tablespoons per slider works best.

Load Up Cheese:

Mix your shredded mozzarella and Parmesan in a bowl, then scatter generously over your sauce.

Cap With Bun Tops:

Place upper halves of rolls over your cheese layer, lining them up with bottoms.

Mix Garlic Butter:

Melt your butter and stir in garlic powder until smooth. Want more punch? Up it to 1½ teaspoons.

Brush On Butter:

Pour your garlic butter mix across the top buns, then dust with Italian seasoning.

Two-Part Baking:

Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes to melt cheese inside, then uncover and cook another 10 minutes until tops turn golden and crispy.

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The first time I tried making these, I ended up with soggy bottom buns. I figured out I'd put sauce directly on the bread. Now I always add chicken first as a barrier and they turn out perfect every time.

Tasty Alternatives

These little sandwiches can be tweaked for just about any taste or diet need. Swap the breaded chicken for grilled pieces if you want something lighter, or try meatless chicken alternatives for your vegetarian friends. Want some heat? Mix red pepper flakes into your butter or replace regular marinara with spicy arrabbiata sauce. My friends with gluten issues always appreciate when I grab gluten-free rolls and chicken options.

Ideal Side Dishes

Make a whole slider spread by putting these next to other mini sandwiches like meatball or Philly cheesesteak versions. For sides, go with fresh veggie trays, antipasto skewers, or a basic Caesar salad to cut through the richness. A cold pasta salad with Italian dressing fits right in with these flavors. When I'm hosting, I put everything on a big wooden board and it always looks super impressive.

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Quick Preparation Tricks

While these don't take too long to make, you can speed things up even more. Grab rotisserie chicken and toss it with Italian breadcrumbs instead of using fried options. Bags of pre-shredded cheese save minutes, though freshly grated kinds do melt better. The assembly part works great as a family project – my kids love putting on chicken pieces and sprinkling cheese while I handle the hot stuff.

Prep-Ahead Options

These taste best fresh from the oven, but you can get components ready beforehand. Cook your chicken a day early and keep it in the fridge, just warm it slightly before building your sliders. Mix your cheeses ahead and store them in a plastic bag. You can even make the garlic butter in advance and warm it up when needed. Just don't fully assemble until right before baking or you might get soggy rolls.

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Closing Thoughts

These Chicken Parm Sliders hit that sweet spot between easy-to-make and totally delicious. Every bite gives you that chicken parmesan comfort transformed into something extra special. Whether you're feeding a bunch of hungry sports fans or just looking for a quick family dinner win, this recipe shows how simple ingredients plus a little care can create something everyone will want seconds of.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I use my own chicken?

Sure! Breaded and cooked cutlets or tender chicken pieces are great options.

→ Can I prep these in advance?

Put them together up to 4 hours early, chill, and bake just before enjoying.

→ What type of buns work well?

Hawaiian rolls, small dinner buns, or regular slider rolls are all great choices.

→ How do I store extras?

Put leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, and reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

→ Can I mix in more toppings?

Absolutely! Add things like fresh basil, pepperoni, or even roasted peppers to switch it up.