Crispy Chicken Parmesan Slider Stack
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I love diving into a plate of crispy chicken parmesan sliders on a cozy weekend. The perfect blend of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. These sliders are not just an easy dinner option, they double as a party favorite and gather my friends around the table. By using fresh ingredients and baking instead of frying, I ensure each slider is guilt-free yet full of taste. Give them a try for a delightful treat any day of the week!
One day, I decided to put a twist on traditional chicken parmesan by turning it into sliders. I experimented with baking the chicken instead of frying to keep it healthier while maintaining that satisfying crunch. I found that coating the chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs and baking it perfectly creates a crust that pairs wonderfully with the gooey cheese and tangy sauce.
To elevate the dish, I added fresh basil to the marinara. This simple addition made a world of difference, bringing a fragrance that took my sliders to the next level. I can't wait for you to experience this delicious, layered stack, perfect for sharing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy chicken that holds up beautifully in a slider
- Rich marinara sauce with a hint of fresh basil
- Melted cheese that stretches in all the right ways
Perfecting the Chicken
To achieve the perfect crispy texture for your chicken, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs. Panko has a coarser texture, which allows for more air and helps create a crunchier finish. After breading your chicken, let it sit for about 10 minutes before baking. This resting time allows the coating to adhere better, reducing the chance of it falling off during cooking.
Make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking. If they are uneven, consider pounding them gently with a meat mallet to uniform thickness. This technique not only helps with cooking time but also prevents any parts from drying out. Your goal is to bake the chicken until golden brown, which can take anywhere from 20 to 25 minutes based on thickness.
Assembly Tips
When assembling your sliders, consider warming the slider buns slightly in the oven or on a skillet to enhance their flavor and texture. A quick toast can prevent the buns from becoming soggy once the sauce is added. Once you spread the marinara, don’t be shy with the cheese! A generous sprinkle of mozzarella not only adds creaminess but creates that delightful stretch when you take a bite.
For an extra burst of flavor, try mixing some of the marinara with fresh basil before spreading it on the buns. This elevates the taste and adds a refreshing note that complements the rich cheese and chicken. If you're aiming for a spicy kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into your marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to assemble your delicious sliders!
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 8 slider buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Make sure to have everything ready before you start assembling your sliders!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a deliciously crispy chicken parmesan slider stack.
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dip each breast into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before slicing into smaller pieces.
Assemble the Sliders
Cut the slider buns in half. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom half, add a piece of baked chicken, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and top with the other half of the bun.
Final Bake
Return the assembled sliders to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Now that you know how to make these sliders, gather your friends and dig in!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a slice of pepperoni or some spicy aioli to your sliders for additional flavor.
Make-Ahead Suggestions
These sliders can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. After baking the chicken and assembling the sliders, you can cover them with foil and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before the final bake. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even melting of the cheese.
If you want to freeze them, assemble the sliders but skip the final bake. Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to allow for heating through.
Serving Variations
These sliders are incredibly versatile. For a twist on the classic, consider adding roasted red peppers or sautéed spinach as an additional filling. Both options not only bring extra nutrients but also introduce interesting textures and flavors that complement the existing ingredients beautifully.
If you’re hosting a gathering, you can make a platter of assorted sliders. Offer variations with different types of cheese, such as provolone or pepper jack, or experiment with flavored chicken, like garlic herb or lemon pepper. This way, you cater to varying tastes and preferences, making your meal more appealing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor to your sliders.
→ How can I make these sliders vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms, prepared in a similar way!
→ Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in advance and assemble the sliders right before serving for the best taste.
→ What side dishes pair well with sliders?
A simple side salad, sweet potato fries, or chips make great accompaniments to the sliders.
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Slider Stack
I love diving into a plate of crispy chicken parmesan sliders on a cozy weekend. The perfect blend of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. These sliders are not just an easy dinner option, they double as a party favorite and gather my friends around the table. By using fresh ingredients and baking instead of frying, I ensure each slider is guilt-free yet full of taste. Give them a try for a delightful treat any day of the week!
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 8 slider buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dip each breast into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before slicing into smaller pieces.
Cut the slider buns in half. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom half, add a piece of baked chicken, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and top with the other half of the bun.
Return the assembled sliders to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a slice of pepperoni or some spicy aioli to your sliders for additional flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g