Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Sliders: Easy Weeknight Bites (Print Version)
Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Sliders are juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. My easy recipe makes weeknight dinners a breeze, perfect for family fun!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken & Buns
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin, cut into slider-sized pieces)
02 -
12-pack slider buns (brioche preferred)
→ Sauce & Cheese
03 -
1.5 cups marinara sauce (good quality)
04 -
1.5 cups shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
05 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garlic Butter Boost
06 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
07 -
4 cloves garlic (minced, or more if you're like me!)
08 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
→ Fresh Finishes
09 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that chicken ready. Pound your chicken breasts until they're about 1/2 inch thick. I usually put them between two pieces of plastic wrap and go at it with a rolling pin – it's surprisingly therapeutic! Then, cut them into slider-sized pieces. I generally aim for about 2-3 pieces per bun, depending on the chicken's size. Season them generously with a little salt and pepper. Don't forget that step; I always do and have to sprinkle it on after, oops!
02 -
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're golden brown and cooked through. We're not looking for super crispy here, just nicely browned and ready to soak up all that sauce. I remember rushing this step once, and the chicken was a little pale; learned my lesson to let it get that nice color!
03 -
While the chicken is cooking, melt your unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for a minute or two, just until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It's honestly one of my favorite parts of making these Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Sliders. Be careful not to burn the garlic; I've done that before, and it just tastes bitter, yuck!
04 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if they come that way. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Brush a good amount of that glorious garlic butter all over the cut sides of the bottom buns. This is where the magic starts, trust me. I used to skip this step, but it really makes a difference in flavor and preventing sogginess.
05 -
Spoon about half of your marinara sauce evenly over the bottom buns. Next, arrange your cooked chicken pieces on top of the sauce. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the chicken, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese. Place the top halves of the buns on top, then brush them with the rest of the garlic butter. Don't be shy with that butter!
06 -
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the tops of the buns are golden brown. Oh, the anticipation! When they come out, the cheese will be gooey, the buns perfectly toasted, and the whole kitchen will smell incredible. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving, if you can wait!
# Notes:
01 -
Pound your chicken thin for quicker, more even cooking.
02 -
Leftovers are best reheated in the oven to keep the buns from getting soggy.
03 -
If you're out of fresh garlic, a teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
04 -
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick if you like some heat!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
04 -
rolling pin
05 -
pastry brush
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 30-40g