The ultimate shareable party food! This Chicken Parmesan Slider bake is cheesy, saucy, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Is there anything more universally loved than Chicken Parmesan? It’s the ultimate comfort food, but cooking it from scratch for a crowd can feel like a major project. Forget the fuss! We’ve captured all that iconic flavor in a fun, shareable format that’s utterly easy to make and perfect for any party. The secret? A brilliant shortcut using crispy chicken tenders and turning them into a spectacular slider bake. Covered in a savory garlic-herb butter topping, this recipe is ready to devour. It’s the ultimate Game Day food or crazy-easy weeknight dinner that will disappear fast. Let’s get this party started!
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it works so well:
The Shortcut Secret: Using high-quality breaded chicken tenders (frozen or from the deli) is our #1 time-saver. It delivers that satisfying crunch and flavor without the mess of breading and frying chicken yourself.
The “Bake” Method: Instead of assembling sliders individually, we create a stunning slider bake. You assemble the sliders right in the baking dish, pour that incredible melted butter topping over everything, and bake it until golden brown. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece for your table.
The Flavor Bomb Topping: The combination of melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese brushed over the top of the rolls creates an irresistible, savory, buttery crust that takes these from good to legendary.
Fun & Shareable: Sliders are inherently fun! They’re the perfect hand-held size for parties, making them ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, or kids’ sleepovers.
The Key to Slider Success (No Sogginess!)
The only potential pitfall with slider bakes is ending up with a soggy bottom. Here’s how we guarantee perfect results every time:
The secret to no sogginess! A solid layer of cheese protects the rolls from the marinara sauce.
The Cheese Barrier: We create a layer of cheese on the bottom half of the rolls before adding the marinara. This acts as a crucial barrier, preventing the sauce from making the bread soggy.
Toasty Bottom Layer: Some recipes call for a quick 3-minute bake of the bottom rolls alone before assembling. This extra step toasts them slightly, creating an even stronger defense against sogginess.
Don’t Over-Sauce: Be generous but not drowning. A cup of marinara sauce is usually perfect for 12 sliders, spread evenly.
Want a lower-GI version? Use whole-grain or open-face buns, swap to part-skim cheese, reduce the butter topping, and add extra veggies or a side salad. For the chicken, grilled strips or lightly breaded tenders work well.
How to Make It: Your Step-by-Step Guide
The process is a simple assembly line of deliciousness.
Cook the Chicken: Prepare your breaded chicken tenders or nuggets according to the package directions (usually baking or air frying). Let them cool slightly.
Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Slice the Rolls: Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls or slider buns in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom “sheet” of bread.
The First Layer: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. If you want an extra-crispy base, bake this alone for 3-5 minutes.
Assemble the Sliders: Layer on the provolone or mozzarella cheese slices, covering the bread completely. Add the cooked chicken tenders, then spread the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken. Top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
The Buttery Topping: Place the top half of the rolls on the filling. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and any other spices. Generously brush this butter mixture over the entire top of the rolls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tops of the rolls are a beautiful golden brown.
Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice along the perforations to create individual sliders. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping!
Don’t skip the butter topping! It creates that irresistible, savory, golden-brown crust.
Customize Your Slider Bake
The beauty of this framework is its flexibility.
The Chicken: Use chicken nuggets, tenders, or even cut-up breaded chicken patties. For a lighter version, use grilled chicken strips.
The Cheese: Swap mozzarella for provolone, or use a blend of Italian cheeses.
The Rolls:Hawaiian rolls (sweet or savory) are classic, but any soft slider buns or dinner rolls will work.
Add-ins: Add a layer of pepperoni under the cheese for a pepperoni pizza twist, or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
FAQs (Your Questions Answered)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can fully assemble the sliders (through step 6), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since everything will be cold.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven, covered in foil, until warmed through. This keeps the buns from getting too hard.
What can I serve with them?
A simple green salad, a pasta salad, or a bowl of marinara sauce for extra dipping are all perfect companions. For a party, serve them alongside other game day favorites like wings and veggies.
How do I prevent the tops from getting too dark?
Ensure your oven rack is in the center position and not too close to the top heating element. Keeping the sliders covered with foil for the majority of the baking time protects them.
The perfect party food! These sliders are made for sharing with friends and family on game day.
The Final Bake: Serve It Fast, Share the Joy
See? Waving off a crowd doesn’t require a whole day in the kitchen. With just a few smart shortcuts and one baking dish, you’ve made a fun, shareable meal that wows! Get ready—this dish is going to disappear faster than you can say, “more, please!”
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Slider bake is exactly what we do here at Flavor Flux: empowering you to create delicious, uncomplicated food that brings serious joy to your table.
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These Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a fun, shareable twist on a classic! Perfect for game day or a easy family dinner, made with Hawaiian rolls and a savory butter topping.
Total Time:40
Yield:12 sliders
Ingredients
12 frozen breaded chicken tenders or nuggets
1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
2 tbsp butter, melted (for greasing pan)
6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook the Chicken: Prepare the frozen chicken tenders according to package directions (usually bake at 400°F for 15-20 mins). Let cool slightly.
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tbsp of melted butter.
Slice Rolls: Without separating individual rolls, slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
Layer 1: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
Layer 2: Cover the bottom rolls with the slices of provolone cheese.
Layer 3: Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on top of the cheese.
Layer 4: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
Layer 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Top: Place the top half of the rolls onto the cheese layer.
Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the roll tops are golden brown.
Serve: Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then use a sharp knife to slice along the roll perforations to create individual sliders. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble the sliders completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Chicken: For a lighter version, use grilled chicken strips instead of breaded tenders.
Sogginess Prevention: The layer of cheese on the bottom and toasting the bottom rolls briefly (3-5 mins at 350°F before assembling) are the best tricks to prevent a soggy bottom.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven, covered in foil, for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
