Chicken Parmesan Sliders are an ideal choice for game day snacks or a simple family meal. Shredded chicken, two kinds of cheese, and tangy marinara are layered on sweet Hawaiian rolls to create bite-sized, handheld comfort food.
Quick to assemble and full of flavor, these sliders are always a crowd-pleaser — gooey cheese and warm sauce make them impossible to resist.
Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a kid-friendly snack, these sliders are easy to eat and appeal even to picky eaters. With extra cheese and bright marinara, they disappear fast.
Pair them with something sweet like homemade brownie bites for dessert, or balance the meal with fresh fruit skewers if you want a lighter finish.
Recipe Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make Chicken Parmesan Sliders:
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count)
- Shredded rotisserie chicken (about 2 cups)
- Marinara sauce (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups)
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted)
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
Ingredient Notes
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, they make the perfect size and flavor for sliders.
- Shredded chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken, a rotisserie bird, or cooked chicken breasts shredded by hand or with forks.
- Parmesan and mozzarella: Parmesan adds savory depth while mozzarella gives you that melty, stringy texture.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sliders — Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the sheet intact. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared dish.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix until well blended, then spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls. Sprinkle or layer mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture.
Step 4: Place the top half of the rolls back on the sliders. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Step 5: Brush the seasoned butter over the tops of the rolls. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 6: Remove from the oven, let the sliders rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Cut along the roll lines and serve warm.
Pro Tip
For extra crispiness, broil the sliders for 1–2 minutes after baking to get the tops golden and toasty. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat sliders on a sheet pan in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This preserves texture better than the microwave.
Freezing: Wrap sliders individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven before serving.
Additions & Substitutions
Additions:
- Breaded chicken strips: Replace shredded chicken with breaded chicken tenders or cutlets for a crunchier slider.
- Fresh mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella slices for a creamier, slightly fresher cheese profile.
Substitutions:
- Cheese: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino or try a milder cheddar for a different flavor.
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle heat.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan Sliders
These sliders go well with a simple side salad, a warm bowl of soup, crispy fries, or skillet fried potatoes. Light sides like roasted vegetables or fruit skewers also pair nicely.
FAQs about Chicken Sliders
Yes. Use shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or cook chicken breasts and shred them. For a crispier option, use cooked breaded chicken tenders.
You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Add the butter topping right before baking to keep the tops fresh.
Try buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce in place of marinara for a different flavor profile.
Recipe Card
Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 (12 count) Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, marinara sauce, Parmesan, and mayonnaise until combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the bottom half of the rolls and top with mozzarella.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush over the roll tops.
- Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5–10 more minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Let rest a few minutes, garnish with basil, slice along roll lines, and serve warm.
Notes
Pro Tip: Broil 1–2 minutes after baking for extra golden, toasty tops — watch closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition
Calories: 172 kcal per slider (approx.). Nutrition values are estimates.