Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Name: Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 6 slider buns; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh basil, for garnish

Highlighted under: Modern Comfort Food Inspiration

I love making Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of tender, breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese sandwiched in soft slider buns is always a hit. I appreciate how easily they come together and that I can prepare them ahead of time. Plus, they’re a fun twist on a classic Italian dish that everyone can enjoy, making them perfect for sharing and satisfying everyone's cravings.

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2026-02-08T08:36:37.003Z

When I first made Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders, I was searching for a quick yet impressive dish. The moment they came out of the oven, the delicious aroma filled my kitchen, leaving my family eager for dinner. What I discovered is that to achieve the ultimate flavor, using freshly grated cheese and homemade marinara really elevates this dish.

One crucial tip I would share is to ensure the chicken breast is pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking. This small detail made a significant difference in the texture. Plus, these sliders are easily customizable with your favorite toppings or sauces!

Why You'll Love These Sliders
Juicy chicken with crispy, golden-brown breading
Savory marinara sauce balanced with rich, melty cheese
Perfectly portioned for a satisfying bite

Getting the Breaded Chicken Just Right

Achieving perfectly breaded chicken is all about the technique. When setting up the breading station, make sure to dredge the chicken evenly in the egg wash before coating it thoroughly with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. This step ensures a good adhesion of the breading, resulting in a crispy exterior when baked. Remember to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly to maximize texture and avoid any loose pieces during baking.

If you find that your breading isn't sticking well, it might be due to moisture on the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before starting the breading process to eliminate excess moisture. Alternatively, if you want a lighter version, consider using panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier coating.

Perfecting the Marinara and Cheese Combo

The marinara sauce plays a crucial role in balancing the richness of the breaded chicken and cheese. It’s best to use a quality store-bought sauce or, if you have time, a homemade version simmered with garlic and basil for extra flavor. Pour a generous amount over the chicken to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor, but be careful not to oversaturate the slider bun to prevent it from getting soggy.

For the cheese, opting for freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully compared to pre-packaged shredded varieties. Fresh mozzarella has a creamy texture and stretches wonderfully. To amplify the flavor, consider mixing in a bit of provolone or adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning directly to the mozzarella.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious sliders:

For the Sliders

1 lb chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slider buns
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil, for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Here's how to prepare your Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Chicken

Set up a breading station: in one bowl combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, and in another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.

Bake the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Assemble the Sliders

Once the chicken is done, place a piece on each slider bun, pour marinara sauce on top, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Place the assembled sliders back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Garnish and Serve

Remove sliders from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, you can broil the sliders for a minute after baking to get the cheese bubbly and golden. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

These Baked Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare and bread the chicken in advance, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time on busy weeknights but allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake them directly from the fridge.

You can also assemble the sliders ahead of time, adding the marinara and cheese just before you pop them in the oven. Cover with foil after assembling if you're preparing them for later to keep them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your slider experience, serve these with a side of garlic bread or a classic Caesar salad for a complete meal. A light, refreshing side will balance out the richness of the sliders. For a fun twist, try a dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy aioli to accompany the sliders; it adds an exciting dimension.

If you're hosting a gathering, you might consider serving the sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy serving. This hands-on approach allows guests to grab one while mingling, making it a fantastic finger food option for any casual occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken; just ensure it’s heated through before assembling the sliders.

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bread and bake the chicken earlier in the day, then assemble and bake the sliders right before serving.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ What type of sauce can I use instead of marinara?

Feel free to experiment with different sauces like pesto, garlic butter, or even alfredo for a unique flavor profile.