Imagine pulling a tray of golden-brown, buttery sliders out of the oven, the smell of garlic and melting mozzarella filling your kitchen while your kids actually come running to the table without being asked twice.
We’ve all been there: it’s 5:30 PM, the soccer gear is everywhere, and the last thing you want to do is stand over a frying pan breading chicken.
Hate turning on the oven for a long roasting session?
These sliders are the solution. They deliver all the comfort of a classic Italian meal but in a fraction of the time, using smart shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor. By using pre-cooked chicken and sweet rolls, you transform a labor-intensive dish into a 20-minute miracle that feeds the whole family and leaves you with minimal cleanup.
It is the ultimate encouraging win for any busy mom’s repertoire.
At-A-Glance
- Dietary: Kid-Friendly, Nut-Free
- Time: 25 Minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost per serving: $2.25
Why This Recipe Works
The logic behind these sliders is all about moisture control and flavor layering. Using Hawaiian sweet rolls provides a soft, pillowy contrast to the savory chicken.
We use melted butter instead of oil for the topping because the milk solids in the butter brown beautifully, creating a bakery-style crust that holds up against the marinara.
Additionally, placing the cheese both below and above the chicken acts as a “moisture barrier.” This prevents the bread from becoming soggy while the sauce warms through. It’s a simple scientific trick that ensures every bite is perfectly balanced between crispy, saucy, and cheesy.
Key Ingredients & Notes
- 12 Sweet Hawaiian Rolls: These provide the perfect size and a hint of sweetness to balance the salty cheese. Slice the entire block horizontally at once to save time.
- 12 Breaded Chicken Tenders (Pre-cooked): Using high-quality frozen or deli chicken tenders is the ultimate time-saver. Ensure they are crispy before assembling.
- 1.5 cups (150g) Shredded Mozzarella: Low-moisture mozzarella melts better and won’t release excess water into your bread.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Marinara Sauce: Choose a thick sauce so it stays on the chicken rather than running into the rolls.
- 1/4 cup (55g) Unsalted Butter: Melting this with garlic powder creates that irresistible savory topping.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Serrated bread knife
- Pastry brush
- Small microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab your baking pan.
- Slice the Rolls: Now comes the fun part! Slice the entire pack of rolls in half horizontally so you have one giant top and one giant bottom. Place the bottom half into your pan. Don’t worry if it looks a little snug; that’s actually better for keeping the sliders upright.
- Create the Cheese Barrier: Layer half of your mozzarella cheese directly onto the bread.
- Add Chicken & Sauce: Nestle one chicken tender onto each roll area, then spoon a little marinara over each piece of chicken.
- Top it Off: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top like you’re frosting a cake. Cover with the top half of the rolls.
- Butter & Bake: Whisk your melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder and brush it generously over the tops. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is gooey and the tops are toasted.
You did it, Mama!
Expert Tips
The Soggy Bottom Fix:
To ensure the bottom bun stays crisp, toast the inside of the bottom bun in the oven for 3 minutes before adding any toppings.
Chicken Sizing:
If your chicken tenders are too large, simply chop them into bite-sized nuggets so they fit perfectly within the square of the roll.
Variations & Substitutions
- Keto-Friendly: For a Keto version, swap the Hawaiian rolls for low-carb slider buns and use unbreaded grilled chicken strips.
- Pesto Twist: If you are missing marinara, a thick pesto sauce makes for an amazing “Green Chicken Parm” variation that is just as delicious.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble them up to 4 hours in advance, but wait to add the butter topping and bake until right before serving to keep the bread fresh.
How do I stop the tops from browning too fast?
If the rolls look dark but the cheese isn’t melted, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Use an air fryer at 320°F for 3 minutes to bring back the crunch!
Recipe updated in 2026 to reflect the most accurate timing and additional insights.
Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Serrated bread knife
- Pastry brush
- Small microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 12 sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 12 pre-cooked breaded chicken tenders
- 1½ cups 150 g shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup 120 ml thick marinara sauce
- ¼ cup 55 g unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the bottom rolls to create a cheese barrier.
- Place one chicken tender on each roll section. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the chicken and sauce.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the sliders.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush generously over the tops.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Prevent soggy buns: Toast the bottom buns alone for 3 minutes before assembling.
- Even portions: Cut oversized chicken tenders into smaller pieces for better fit.
- Perfect browning: Tent loosely with foil if tops brown before cheese melts.
