Crispy golden crust, juicy chicken, and melty cheese all tucked into a soft slider bun—this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish you'll want to make again and again. Trust me, it’s an easy way to bring that Italian flair to your table without a fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something special yet easy. I remember making these for a family movie night, and everyone kept breaking into second helpings. It’s the perfect mix of crunchy, cheesy, and saucy flavors all packed into one handheld slider.
- Crunchy & Tender: The buttermilk marinade and breading combo give the chicken a crispy outside with a juicy, tender inside.
- Cheesy Goodness: Layering provolone and mozzarella sticks inside makes every bite gooey and satisfying.
- Perfect Slider Size: Great for parties or family dinners where everyone can grab their own little sandwich.
- Easy Assembly: Using an assembly line for breading speeds things up and keeps your kitchen less messy.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe plays a role that elevates the slider beyond ordinary. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading stick, while the Parmesan adds an irresistible depth of flavor to the crust. Quality slider buns hold it all together without falling apart.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Butterflying and pounding these thin helps them cook evenly and quickly while staying juicy.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizing marinade and helps the breading bind well.
- Flour: A dry base for the breading process, seasoned to taste.
- Seasoned salt & black pepper: These bring balanced savory notes into the breading mixture.
- Eggs: Help the breadcrumb coating stick firmly to the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: Mix with Parmesan and parsley to add crunch and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami and a little tang to the breading, boosting flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the heavy flavors and offers herbal freshness.
- Olive oil and butter: Combined for perfect browning and richness.
- Provolone cheese: Melts over the chicken for smooth, creamy texture.
- Marinara sauce: A classic, tangy tomato layer that complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
- Frozen mozzarella sticks: Surprise pockets of gooey cheese inside each slider.
- Slider buns: Soft, sturdy, and just the right size to cuddle the fillings.
- Butter topping: A simple mix of melted butter, seasoning, and Parmesan brushed on the buns for a flavorful golden finish.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you’ve got in your fridge or dietary preferences. Don't be shy about swapping cheeses or even adding some heat with a touch of red pepper flakes.
- Variation: Some of my friends love swapping provolone for fresh mozzarella for a creamier melt—totally delicious if you want to try a different texture.
- Make it spicy: Mix some crushed red pepper into the breadcrumb mixture for a little kick.
- Dietary swaps: You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this gluten-friendly without sacrificing crunch.
- Seasonal twist: Add a layer of roasted red peppers or fresh basil leaves inside for a bright summery feel.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Pound Your Chicken
Start by butterflying each chicken breast and cutting to create thinner slices about ¾ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy inside. I like using wax paper and a meat pounder because it’s less messy and I can gently flatten to uniform thickness. Then, cut the chicken pieces smaller to fit your slider buns perfectly.
Step 2: Buttermilk Marinade Magic
Drop the chicken into buttermilk in a sealed bag and let it soak for at least 30 minutes—overnight if you have the time. I swear this step results in tender, flavorful chicken that's well prepped to hold on to that crispy breading.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station & Coat
I always set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the crumb mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and parsley. This 'assembly line' makes breading efficient and less messy. Shake off excess buttermilk, dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mix until well coated.
Step 4: Cook the Mozzarella Sticks and Get Ready to Sear
Pop the frozen mozzarella sticks in the oven at 450°F for 7 minutes so they’re warmed through but still firm enough to hold their shape when assembled. Meanwhile, reduce your oven to 350°F and heat the olive oil with butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Pan-Fry Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Cook the breaded chicken pieces about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. You want that crust crisp and nicely browned but don’t overcook or the chicken will dry out. When done, set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
Arrange the bottom slider buns in a casserole dish, layer on the crispy chicken, spoon marinara sauce on top, then add provolone slices and the pre-baked mozzarella sticks. Crown with the top buns.
Step 7: Butter Up the Buns and Bake
Mix melted butter with sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, and Parmesan for that irresistible topping. Brush it onto the slider buns generously. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 8 minutes, then remove foil and bake 2-3 more minutes until just golden on top.
That final bake melts the cheese together and crisps the buns with a flavorful finish. Now, dig in!
Top Tip
When I first tried this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe, I learned how critical each breading step is for that unbeatable crunch. Letting the chicken pieces sit a minute after breading before frying helped the crust stick without falling off.
- Rest Your Breading: After coating in breadcrumbs, place chicken on a rack for 10 minutes to set the crust.
- Oil & Butter Combo: Using both gives you even browning and rich flavor when frying the chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each piece enough space for crisp edges rather than steaming.
- Butter Topping Finish: Brush the buns generously for that golden cheesy, garlicky shine that makes sliders special.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan on top right before serving to amp up that fresh color and cheesy pop. A side of crushed red pepper flakes is great for anyone who likes a little heat.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to side to balance the richness. Roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes or crunchy garlic bread also make wonderful partners if you want something heartier.
Creative Ways to Present
For family celebrations, I have layered these sliders in a pretty baking dish, sprinkled them with extra cheese and herbs, and served them straight from the oven buffet-style. It becomes a fun, shareable centerpiece everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the sliders whole rather than separately so the bread doesn’t get soggy. Reheat gently to keep that crisp crust intact.
Freezing
I've frozen these sliders wrapped tightly in foil and then in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and defrost nicely overnight in the fridge. For best texture, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes, then unwrap and bake a few more minutes to crisp the tops. This restores that fresh-baked goodness much better than microwaving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and offer a bit more juiciness and flavor, but make sure to adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can be thicker.
No worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing milk with lemon juice, vinegar, sour cream, or yogurt as described in the notes. This keeps the chicken tender and helps the breading stick.
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and crispy—just flip once halfway through for even browning. This is a lighter option if you want to skip frying.
You can try dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based option. Be mindful that the flavor and texture will change slightly, but it can still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to shake up your typical dinner routine with something cozy, flavorful, and just plain fun, this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe is a keeper. It’s got that irresistible combo of crunch and gooey cheese that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. I’ve made it for casual get-togethers and quiet nights at home, and it never fails to impress. Grab your apron and slider buns — these are waiting to become a new favorite!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a delicious and satisfying twist on classic chicken parmesan, served on soft slider buns. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in buttermilk, breaded with a seasoned mixture, fried to golden perfection, and layered with marinara sauce, provolone, and gooey mozzarella sticks. Finished with a fragrant butter topping on toasted slider buns, these sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 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
Toppings and Assembly
- 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 the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast and cut the seam to create two thinner slices approximately ¾ inch thick. Cut each piece into halves or thirds to match the size of your slider buns. If needed, gently pound the chicken to flatten it evenly using wax paper.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the buttermilk in a thick gallon freezer bag and add the chicken pieces. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In bowl one, combine flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper. In bowl two, whisk the eggs. In bowl three, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk bag and allow excess to drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake Mozzarella Sticks: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the frozen mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces until golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a casserole dish. Layer each with cooked chicken pieces, spoon marinara sauce over the chicken, top with provolone slices and baked mozzarella sticks, then cover with the top bun halves.
- Butter the Buns: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Brush this butter mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns.
- Bake Sliders: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the 350-degree oven for 8 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 3 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and toasted on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve the sliders warm. Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Parmesan Sliders!
Notes
- Slider Buns: Use soft buns about 4 inches in diameter for perfect slider size; bakery or store-bought buns work well.
- Buttermilk Substitutes: Use 4 tablespoons milk mixed with enough sour cream to make 1 cup; or 2 tablespoons milk with plain yogurt to 1 cup; or 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice plus milk to 1 cup, let sit 5-10 minutes until curdled.
- For crispier chicken, fry in oil instead of pan-searing before baking the sliders.
- You can prepare the chicken and breading a day ahead and refrigerate for convenience.
- Use homemade or high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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