Chicken Parmesan Sliders take everything you love about classic Chicken Parm – crispy chicken, marinara, and gooey cheese – and stack it into soft, buttery slider buns then bake with an epic garlicky, buttery topping.
These little sandwiches are a total win for parties, potlucks, or even busy weeknights when you need something quick and comforting. They’re easy to make, family-approved, and disappear fast.
Check out my Buffalo Chicken Sliders, my Hawaiian Sliders, and my Meatball Sliders too!
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
Would you like to save this recipe?
Why you’ll love this recipe
They pack all the bold, cheesy, saucy goodness into soft slider buns—no knife and fork required. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or game day snacking, these sliders are a total crowd-pleaser.
You can prep them ahead, freeze the extras, and even mix things up with different cheeses or toppings.
Plus, they’re one of those rare dinners that both kids and grown-ups get excited about. Fast, flavorful, and fuss-free… what’s not to love?
Add some variety to your spread with easy appetizers like Crescent Roll Pigs in a Blanket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep them from getting soggy?
If you are super worried about this, you can toast the buns before loading them up. You can layer cheese strategically too – add some before the marinara sauce to create a layer between the bun and the sauce. I would definitely do this if making ahead.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of frozen tenders?
Yes! Just shred or slice it into small pieces. You won’t get the crispy coating, but it’s a great shortcut and still super tasty. Be sure to season the chicken, too.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Totally. Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the oven time to make sure everything heats through.
How do I keep the sliders from falling apart when serving?
Let them rest for about 5 minutes after baking, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice and a spatula to lift them out cleanly.
What to serve with Sliders
I serve these up with some baked potato wedges, or some loaded fries. Depending on what’s going on – if it’s part of a buffet spread for a party, you will want to include other things like maybe an Italian Deli Pasta Salad or other salads.
Love Chicken Parm? You’ll enjoy my One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta or Chicken Parmesan Soup too!
How many sliders do I need to feed a crowd?
Plan on 2 to 3 sliders per adult if you’re serving them as a main dish, especially if there are hearty sides. For kids or if the sliders are part of a bigger spread (think game day or potluck), 1 to 2 per person is usually enough.
For a crowd of 12 adults, you’ll want at least 24–36 sliders to be safe – especially if people come back for seconds. Spoiler: they will.
Slider Serving Calculator:
| Number of People | Sliders per Person | Total Sliders Needed |
| 4 adults | 2–3 each | 8–12 sliders |
| 6 adults | 2–3 each | 12–18 sliders |
| 10 adults | 2–3 each | 20–30 sliders |
| 12 adults | 2–3 each | 24–36 sliders |
| 20 adults | 2–3 each | 40–60 sliders |
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Slider buns. Use soft, fluffy buns like Hawaiian sweet rolls or classic dinner rolls.
- Frozen breaded chicken tenders. Bake them first for max crisp. Cut into 2-inch pieces if they’re large. Chicken patties, chicken strips or chicken nuggets work too (I love the Just Bare ones). You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken or baked chicken breast. Be sure to season the chicken.
- Mozzarella cheese. Shred a block for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can make it less melty.
- Marinara sauce. Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade marinara for extra flavor.
- Grated parmesan cheese. Used inside the sliders and sprinkled on top for extra cheesy goodness.
How to make Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Scroll for Recipe
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
STEP 1: Prep your ingredients
Shred the mozzarella, measure out the marinara, parmesan, and butter.
Cook the chicken – Bake frozen chicken tenders as directed. Let them cool, then cut into slider-sized pieces.
STEP 2: Make the buttery topping and prep the pan
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Prep the pan – Brush a 9×13 baking dish or a baking sheet with a little of the butter mixture.
STEP 3: Assemble
Build the base – Slice slider rolls in half and place the bottoms in the dish. Start layering – Sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella and spoon on half the marinara. Add the chicken – Arrange the cut pieces evenly over the sauced buns.
More cheese please – Add parmesan, the rest of the marinara, then the remaining mozzarella.
Top it off – Place the top buns on, brush the tops of the rolls with remaining butter, and sprinkle on more parmesan.
STEP 4: Bake and serve
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until golden brown and melty. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Variations and Customizations
These sliders are super flexible, so feel free to make them your own.
Swap the chicken:
Use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even crispy cauliflower bites for a vegetarian version. Chicken nuggets or chopped-up breaded patties work well too. Just use what you have on hand.
Try different cheeses:
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or an Italian blend melt beautifully. A little sharp cheddar adds great flavor too.
Add some heat:
Stir chili flakes into the marinara or drizzle hot sauce over the chicken before assembling. You can also use spicy marinara if you like a kick.
Make it herby:
Tuck in fresh basil or parsley between the layers. A sprinkle of dried oregano works great too.
Add veggies:
Roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach can be layered in for a little extra goodness without overpowering the flavors.
Use different rolls:
Try potato rolls, brioche, or mini ciabatta buns if you want something other than Hawaiian rolls.
Change up the sauce:
Not into marinara? Swap in pizza sauce, garlic butter, or even a little Alfredo for something different.
Making ahead
Assemble ahead:
Build the sliders right up to the final butter topping step. Cover the dish tightly with foil and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
To prevent soggy sliders, definitely toast the buns, and add a layer of cheese to them before adding sauce.
When you’re ready to bake:
Let the sliders sit at room temp for about 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F. Brush on the garlic butter topping and bake as usual – just add a few extra minutes if everything’s still cold.
Bonus:
You can also prep just the components (shredded cheese, chicken tenders, buttery topping) ahead of time, then assemble in minutes when you’re ready to go.
Chicken Parmesan Sliders are totally freezer-friendly – whether you freeze the whole thing cooked, or just stash the parts for later. Here’s how to do both:
Freezer Instructions
Option 1: Freeze After Baking (recommended)
Bake the sliders, then let them cool completely. Wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. You can freeze the whole batch or portion them out for easy lunches later on.
Thaw the sliders in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. For a crispier top, leave the foil off for the last few minutes.
Option 2: Freeze Before Cooking
Add the cooked chicken tenders and marinara to a freezer-safe bag or container. Wrap the slider buns and shredded cheese tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Pop everything into a large freezer bag or grocery sack to keep it all together and easy to grab when you’re ready to make it.
Thaw all the components in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. Once thawed, assemble the sliders as usual and bake at 350°F until everything is hot and melty—about 15 to 20 minutes.
Get free recipes in your inbox!
Find me on Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram.
If you make this recipe, please comment and let me know how it turned out and leave a star rating!
Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients
Sliders
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded from a block)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated (divided))
- 24 oz frozen breaded chicken tenders (about 12)
- 12 slider buns
Buttery topping
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions
- Shred the 2 cups mozzarella cheese. Measure out the 1 cup marinara sauce, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, and 3 tablespoons butter and 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley.
- Prepare 24 oz frozen breaded chicken tenders according to package instructions. Let cool slightly, then cut any large tenders into 2-inch pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (if you turned it off after baking the tenders), brush a 9×13 baking dish with some of the buttery topping.
- Slice12 slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom half in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella (1 cup) over the buns.
- Spoon half of the marinara sauce over the buns.
- Arrange the chicken pieces evenly on top.
- Add ¼ cup parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken.
- Drizzle the remaining marinara over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella.
- Place the top half of the slider buns over everything.
- Brush the remaining butter mixture over the tops of the buns.
- Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese over the tops.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes, until the tops are golden, and the cheese is melted
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if using, and devour!
Would you like to save this recipe?
Notes
- Shred the mozzarella yourself—it melts so much better!
- Let the sliders rest for a few minutes before serving to keep everything in place.
- Use a serrated knife if needed to cut the sliders after baking.
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Leave a Reply