Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders | Easy & Irresistible

This Crispy golden skin and tender chicken center make this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe absolutely irresistible. It's the perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and saucy in a friendly slider-sized package you'll want to make again and again.

The image shows several sandwiches stacked on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three layers: the bottom layer is a crispy brown fried patty with a crunchy texture, topped with a smooth white melted cheese slice. Above the cheese is a bright red tomato sauce spread, and the top layer consists of golden brown fried sticks placed side by side under a shiny golden bun sprinkled with green herbs and coarse salt. The sandwiches are close together, and a white bowl filled with more red sauce is visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe for a casual gathering, and the feedback blew me away. It's got that perfect crispy crust, gooey cheese, and marinara tang all nestled in a soft slider bun. Plus, it’s super fun to eat and share.

Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The buttermilk marinade and seasoned breadcrumb coating create a crunch that stands up to all those delicious toppings.
Cheesy Goodness: The combo of provolone and mozzarella sticks inside each slider makes every bite ooze with melted cheese.
Quick and Convenient: This recipe is designed to move smoothly from prep to the table in under an hour with straightforward steps.
Fun Crowd-Pleaser: Slider size means everyone can dig in and customize to their liking — perfect for parties or family dinners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe does its part to build the perfect balance of flavor and texture — from the tender chicken to the crunchy, flavorful breading, right down to the cheesy, buttery finish.

Flat lay of two large boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of buttermilk, a small white bowl of flour, a small white bowl of seasoned salt and black pepper mixed, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white bowl of olive oil, two tablespoons of butter on a small white plate, six slices of provolone cheese arranged neatly, a small white bowl of marinara sauce, eighteen frozen mozzarella sticks stacked orderly, six slider buns with golden tops, a small white bowl of melted butter mixed with sea salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of chopped fresh parsley, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese placed in symmetry, all arranged with realistic proportions and perfect balance placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to butterfly and slice, they’re the perfect slider size when pounded thin.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tang — if you don’t have it, a quick homemade substitute works great.
Flour with seasoned salt and pepper: Creates a seasoned first coating that helps the breading stick and tastes amazing.
Eggs: Acts as glue for the breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs with Parmesan and parsley: Parmesan amps the savory flavor while parsley adds freshness to the crust.
Olive oil and butter: Gives the chicken pan-fried golden crispiness with extra richness.
Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a mild, creamy layer.
Marinara sauce: The classic Italian tang that ties everything together.
Frozen mozzarella sticks: Yes, frozen! They melt inside the slider for a gooey surprise you’ll love.
Slider buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns around 4 inches are just right for holding all the components without falling apart.
Butter topping with sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, and Parmesan: An extra layer of flavor and golden crunch on top of the buns.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore the classic version of these sliders, I love how easy it is to put your own spin on the recipe. Whether you want a little kick or need to keep it lighter, these sliders are incredibly adaptable.

Spicy Variation: I sometimes toss a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap out marinara for a spicy Arrabbiata sauce — adds such a nice heat that balances the cheesy richness.
Dairy-Free Swap: For a dairy allergy, try vegan cheese slices and a dairy-free milk substitute in the marinade — still crispy and flavorful!
Gluten-Free Option: Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and a GF flour blend work well for the breading — just be sure to check the slider buns or opt for GF rolls too.
Add Veggies: Feel free to layer in some fresh spinach or roasted red peppers inside the slider for a veggie boost and fresh color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe

A close-up view of a sandwich held by a woman's hand showing three main layers. The top layer is a shiny, golden-brown soft bun sprinkled with small green herbs. Below it is a layer of melted white cheese stretching out to the side. Under the cheese, there is a crispy, breaded fried chicken piece with a rough, crunchy texture and a light golden color. The bottom layer is a soft white bun, slightly thicker than the top. The sandwich sits on a worn metal baking tray with more similar sandwiches in the background, all placed on a white marbled surface with a sprig of green parsley nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken Thin

Start by butterflying each chicken breast, cutting the seam to create two thinner slices, about ¾ inch thick. Then, lay them between wax paper and pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until evenly flat. This ensures quick, even cooking and a crisp crust without toughness. I find that pounding them evenly helps get consistent breading each time.

Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk

Pop the chicken slices into a thick freezer bag with buttermilk, and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat and adds subtle tang. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes is fine, but overnight makes it even juicier. I always whip up a quick buttermilk substitute using milk and lemon juice when I forget to buy the real thing — and it works like a charm.

Step 3: Breading Assembly Line

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with seasoned salt and pepper, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. After removing chicken pieces from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off. Then dredge each piece first in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. I recommend pressing the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken for an extra crispy crust.

Step 4: Cook the Mozzarella Sticks & Chicken

Preheat your oven to 450°F and bake the frozen mozzarella sticks for about 7 minutes to soften them slightly. Then lower the oven temperature to 350°F. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, and pan-fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through—approximately 4 minutes per side. This combination of butter and oil gives that perfect golden crisp. Remove from the heat once done.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in a casserole dish. Layer each with a piece of cooked chicken, a spoonful of marinara sauce, a slice of provolone cheese, and a couple of mozzarella sticks. Finish by placing the bun tops over the loaded sliders.

Step 6: Butter Topping and Bake

Mix melted butter with sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan. Brush this flavorful butter generously on the bun tops. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 8 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 2-3 minutes to get that bubbly, golden brown crust on top.

Serve immediately and watch everyone happily devour these crunchy, cheesy sliders.

Top Tip

From making this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few little tricks to really nail it every time.

Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy inside while crispy outside.
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: That marinade is key to tenderizing and adding subtle tang — the sliders definitely lack that punch if skipped.
Press the Coating: When applying breadcrumbs, pressing them firmly onto the chicken helps create a crust that holds up well to handling and baking.
Butter Mixture Magic: Brushing the topping mix on the buns before the final bake adds golden flavor and a fancy touch that makes these feel truly special.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe

The image shows two white square dishes placed side by side on a white marbled surface. The left dish holds six halves of light golden brown burger buns arranged neatly in two rows of three, each with a soft, slightly porous texture. The right dish contains six breaded, golden brown fried pieces, roughly round and irregular in shape, spread evenly in two rows of three, resting directly on the bun halves beneath them. The fried pieces have a crispy, rough surface with visible herbs and seasoning. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness right before serving. A little additional grated Parmesan on the side is also a nice touch if some guests want to add more cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

These sliders are quite filling, so I like pairing them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to add balance. Crispy baked fries or sweet potato wedges always feel like a fun side if you're serving these sliders at a casual party.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I arrange the sliders on a wooden board with little bowls of extra marinara, garlic aioli, and peperoncini on the side. It’s easy to serve and looks beautiful — plus, everyone loves customizing their own slider just a bit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. When packing, I separate the buns from the chicken to avoid sogginess, then reassemble before reheating.

Freezing

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe freezes surprisingly well. I wrap each assembled slider tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze them individually. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes—uncovered for crispy outsides but melty cheese inside. Microwaving works in a pinch but often leaves the crust soggy, so oven is best for maintaining that crispy, cheesy magic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I make the chicken extra crispy in this slider recipe?

To get that perfect extra crispy crust, make sure to pound the chicken evenly thin and firmly press the breadcrumb mixture onto every piece before frying. Also, frying in a combo of butter and olive oil at medium-high heat locks in golden crunch.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate and bread the chicken a day ahead and refrigerate it. Also, you can bake the mozzarella sticks in advance and assemble before the final bake. Just brush the buns with butter topping and bake just before serving for freshness.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries if you don’t have buttermilk! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with enough milk to make one cup. Let it sit 5-10 minutes until it curdles, then use it in place of buttermilk.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones, and use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging. Just check your slider buns to make sure they’re gluten-free as well. Cooking times remain the same, and you won’t sacrifice any flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe has become a staple at my house whenever I want comfort food that feels special but doesn't take all day. It’s one of those recipes where every bite is a little celebration of crispy, cheesy, savory goodness. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try, and soon you’ll have your go-to slider everyone keeps asking for!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe