If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, and utterly comforting meal, these Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders with Marinara Butter are here to steal the show. Combining juicy ground chicken patties seasoned to perfection, nestled in soft slider buns, topped with melty mozzarella, and slathered with a rich marinara butter, these sliders are a total game changer. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a weekend get-together, or just craving something deliciously cheesy and saucy, this recipe brings the classic chicken parmesan into a fun, handheld form that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about sliders – they’re bite-sized, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing. What makes these sliders extra special is the use of ground chicken, which keeps them light yet packed with flavor thanks to the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. The marinara butter is a genius touch that adds buttery richness with a hint of tangy tomato, making each bite irresistibly moist and flavorful. Plus, these sliders come together quickly, making them perfect for any weeknight or casual entertaining. I also adore how versatile they are—you can dress them up with fresh basil or keep it simple and delicious.

If you’re a fan of easy, comforting meals, you might want to check out my take on One Pot Chicken Parmesan Orzo or the crowd favorite Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs With Marinara, which share some of the same delicious flavors.

Ingredients at a Glance

1 lb ground chicken
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 egg
8 slider buns
1 cup marinara sauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment Breakdown

Mixing bowl – To combine the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices.
Skillet or grill pan – For cooking the chicken patties evenly until golden and cooked through.
Baking dish or sheet pan – To assemble and bake the sliders with cheese melted on top.
Small saucepan – To melt butter and mix with marinara sauce for the flavorful marinara butter.
Spatula or tongs – For flipping patties and handling slider buns.

How to Prepare Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders with Marinara Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 egg. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep patties tender.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form into small, slider-sized patties. Make sure they are compact but not too dense.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Marinara Butter

In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in 1 cup marinara sauce until smooth and heated through. This marinara butter will be brushed onto the slider buns for a rich, flavorful finish.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves of the buns in a baking dish. Brush the bottoms generously with the marinara butter. Place a chicken patty on each bun bottom, then top each patty with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Melt

Place the assembled sliders in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the sliders from the oven. Brush the top halves of the buns with the remaining marinara butter and place them on top of each slider. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a burst of color and fresh aroma.

Spring to Winter: Ideas

Spring & Summer: Add fresh tomato slices and arugula for a bright, fresh bite.
Fall: Incorporate roasted red peppers or caramelized onions for a deeper flavor profile.
Winter: Serve alongside a cozy bowl of minestrone or your favorite soup for a comforting meal.
Anytime: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture or sprinkle on top before baking.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

Overmixing the chicken: This can make your patties tough. Mix just until combined.
Skipping the marinara butter: It’s the secret ingredient that makes these sliders extra juicy and flavorful.
Not cooking patties thoroughly: Use a thermometer if unsure to ensure they reach 165°F.
Using dry slider buns: Brushing the buns with marinara butter keeps them moist and delicious.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the bread from getting soggy and to melt the cheese again. You can also freeze the cooked patties separately for up to 2 months; just thaw before assembling and baking.

Reader Q&A

Can I use other ground meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or lean beef can work well, but the flavor and texture will vary. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey is a great choice.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer excellent gluten-free options that won’t compromise the texture.

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and marinara butter in advance. Assemble the sliders just before baking to keep the buns fresh and avoid sogginess.

What’s the best way to reheat these sliders without drying them out?

Reheat them in the oven covered loosely with foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the buns soft and the cheese melty. Avoid the microwave, which can dry them out.

Reader Favorites

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Orzo – A creamy, comforting one-pot meal with all the classic flavors.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs With Marinara – Perfect for game day or a hearty dinner.
Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets – Light, crispy, and bursting with citrus flavor.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have the recipe and tips for making these Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders with Marinara Butter, it’s time to get cooking! These sliders are guaranteed to become a favorite for any occasion, combining juicy chicken, savory herbs, and gooey cheese wrapped in soft buns with a luscious marinara butter finish. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting friends, or craving a delicious bite, these sliders deliver on taste and ease. Happy cooking!

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