The Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Sliders: Your New Go-To Recipe for Game Day and Beyond

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Now imagine all those Italian-American flavors packed into perfectly portioned sliders that disappear from the plate in minutes. These Chicken Parmesan Sliders transform the classic chicken parmesan into an irresistible finger food that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for an easy weeknight dinner solution, or planning a casual gathering with friends, these sliders deliver big flavor in a small package. The soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect base for layers of savory chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese, all topped with a buttery garlic-Parmesan crust that bakes to golden perfection.

What makes these sliders truly special is how they combine convenience with homemade quality. Using pre-made chicken tenders saves time without sacrificing taste, while the assembly process is so simple that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. The best part? You can make them ahead, refrigerate until needed, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sliders check all the boxes for what makes comfort food truly satisfying. First, they’re incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or late-night snack. Second, they’re crowd-friendly. The familiar flavors of chicken parmesan appeal to both adults and kids alike, making them ideal for mixed-age gatherings. Third, they’re practical. The connected roll format means less assembly work and easier serving.

The genius of this recipe lies in its layering technique. Each component builds on the last, creating a harmony of flavors and textures in every bite. The tender chicken provides substance, the marinara adds moisture and tang, the mozzarella brings creaminess, and the buttery herb topping ties everything together with aromatic richness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sliders

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (one package)
• 20 oz bag frozen chicken tenders
• 1-½ cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese slices
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Tips

Hawaiian rolls are essential to this recipe because their slight sweetness balances the savory elements perfectly. Their soft texture also holds up well to the moisture from the marinara without becoming soggy. If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, potato rolls make an acceptable substitute.

For the chicken tenders, feel free to use either frozen or fresh. Frozen tenders offer convenience and consistent sizing, which helps with even layering. If using fresh tenders, consider seasoning them with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder before cooking for extra flavor.

The marinara sauce is where you can personalize these sliders. A good-quality jarred sauce works perfectly well, but if you have time, homemade marinara takes them to the next level. Choose a sauce that’s not too chunky, as it needs to spread easily across the rolls.

Mozzarella slices melt beautifully and provide that classic cheese pull everyone loves. While pre-sliced cheese works great, you can also use fresh mozzarella if you prefer a more gourmet touch. Just pat it dry before using to prevent excess moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by cooking your chicken tenders according to package instructions. If baking, preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the package and arrange tenders on a baking sheet. If air frying, follow the recommended time and temperature for your specific air fryer model. The goal is to cook them until they’re golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, set them aside to cool slightly while you prep the other components.

Assembling the Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. This moderate temperature ensures the cheese melts thoroughly while the tops brown perfectly without burning.

Take your Hawaiian rolls and, without separating them, use a long serrated knife to slice through the entire sheet horizontally. Think of it like opening a book—you want to keep all the rolls connected as one unit. This connected format is what makes assembly so easy and ensures uniform baking.

Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan, cut side up.

Spread about half a cup of marinara sauce across the bottom layer of rolls using a spoon or spatula. You want enough to add flavor and moisture but not so much that the bread becomes soggy. Aim for a thin, even layer that reaches the edges.

Arrange the cooked chicken tenders over the marinara in a single layer. Depending on the size of your tenders, you may need to cut some pieces to ensure complete coverage across all twelve rolls. The goal is to have chicken in every bite, so overlap slightly if needed.

Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken layer, again aiming for even coverage. This second layer of sauce keeps the chicken moist during baking and adds that signature chicken parmesan sauciness.

Layer the mozzarella cheese slices over the sauce-covered chicken. Overlap the slices as needed to ensure every slider gets plenty of that melty cheese goodness. The cheese creates a barrier that helps keep the top bun from getting too wet.

Carefully place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer, completing your slider stack.

Creating the Signature Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 30-40 seconds). To the melted butter, add the garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a fragrant butter mixture.

Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush this butter mixture over the entire top surface of the rolls. Make sure to get into all the crevices between rolls for maximum flavor. This buttery coating will bake into a golden, crispy crust that adds another layer of texture and taste.

Baking to Perfection

Place the assembled sliders in your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted completely. The edges of the rolls should be slightly crispy while the centers remain soft.

If the tops are browning too quickly but the cheese hasn’t fully melted, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil and continue baking for a few more minutes.

Serving Your Sliders

Remove the pan from the oven and let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes before cutting. This resting time allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to separate and serve. Use a sharp knife to cut along the perforations between rolls, creating individual sliders.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is still gooey. Place extra marinara sauce in a small bowl on the side for those who want to dip.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These sliders are perfect for meal prep. Assemble them completely up to the point of adding the butter topping, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, add the butter topping, and bake as directed, possibly adding 5 minutes to the baking time.

Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.