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Let me share my family's favorite slider recipe that combines everything we love about chicken parmesan in perfect handheld bites. I created these Chicken Parmesan Sliders for a game day party and they've become our most requested dish. The combination of crispy chicken gooey cheese and that amazing garlic butter on top makes them absolutely irresistible.
What Makes These Special
I love how these sliders transform classic chicken parmesan into something so fun and easy to share. Every bite gives you that perfect mix of crispy chicken tangy marinara and melty cheese all wrapped in soft buttery buns. They disappear so fast I always make a double batch.
Let's Get Our Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Nice thin cutlets work best here.
- Buttermilk: Makes the chicken so tender.
- Breading Mix: My special blend of seasonings.
- Cheese: Two kinds for extra goodness.
- Slider Buns: Soft and fresh is key.
- Butter Topping: This makes everything amazing.
Getting Started
First thing I do is prepare my chicken. Getting it nice and thin is key - I butterfly and pound it until it's just right. Then it takes a little buttermilk bath which makes it incredibly tender. This is my grandmother's trick and it never fails.
Building Our Sliders
Now comes the fun part. I layer everything in a baking dish starting with those soft buns. Each one gets topped with our crispy chicken a spoonful of marinara and that amazing cheese combination. The smell while you're assembling these is absolutely incredible.
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Time to Bake
That butter topping is pure magic. I brush it all over the tops of the buns making sure to get every spot. When they come out of the oven all golden and glistening you'll see why everyone hovers around the kitchen waiting for them.
My Best Tips
Here's what I've learned from making these countless times: make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken and always use fresh soft buns. Those little details make such a difference in the final result.
Sauce Choices
While I love classic marinara sometimes I'll use my homemade vodka sauce when I'm feeling fancy. Any good quality sauce works here just make sure it's not too watery.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I'll add pepperoni or try different cheeses. The basic recipe is so good but it's also really flexible. My kids love when I add extra mozzarella sticks.
Perfect Partners
We love serving these with a big Caesar salad or some garlic parmesan fries. Set out some extra marinara for dipping because trust me everyone will want more sauce.
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Saving Some For Later
If you somehow have leftovers they keep beautifully in the fridge. Just wrap them well and reheat in the oven to keep everything crispy.
Freezer Friendly
These are great for stocking your freezer. I make extra chicken cutlets and freeze them separately then just assemble when needed. It makes weeknight dinners so easy.
Everyone Can Enjoy
For my gluten-free friends I use GF breadcrumbs and buns. They turn out just as delicious and no one can tell the difference.
Make Ahead Magic
The chicken can be prepared ahead of time which makes assembly super quick when you're ready to serve. Perfect for when you're hosting a party.
Feeding a Crowd
Need to make more? This recipe doubles or triples beautifully. Just use multiple baking dishes and you're good to go.
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Kid-Friendly Version
My little ones prefer their sliders without sauce so I often leave it off some. You can customize each one to make everyone happy.
Party Perfect
These look so pretty on a platter garnished with fresh basil or parsley. I love setting out different dipping sauces and letting everyone customize.
The Perfect Reheat
When reheating use your oven or air fryer never the microwave. A few minutes at low heat brings back all that crispy buttery goodness.
Game Day Star
These are absolutely perfect for watching sports. They're easy to eat while cheering for your team and substantial enough to keep hungry fans happy.
Why We Love These
These Chicken Parmesan Sliders have become such a special part of our family gatherings. They're more than just a meal they're part of our memories now. Give them a try and I bet they'll become a favorite in your house too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
- You can bread the chicken and prepare the butter topping ahead of time. For best results, cook and assemble just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- → Why marinate in buttermilk?
- Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it juicy. You can use several substitutes like milk with sour cream or yogurt if needed.
- → Can I use regular mozzarella instead of sticks?
- Yes, you can use sliced mozzarella, but the mozzarella sticks add a unique crunch and fun cheese pull to the sliders.
- → What's the best way to pound chicken?
- Place chicken between wax paper and use a meat mallet to pound to even thickness. This ensures even cooking and proper sizing for the buns.
- → Can I freeze these sliders?
- While best served fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Assemble and bake the sliders fresh when ready to serve.