Name: Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 (12 pack) Hawaiian rolls; 12 frozen chicken nuggets or tenders; 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce; 6 slices mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup butter, melted (plus more for greasing the dish); 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders made with Hawaiian rolls are a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Crispy chicken nuggets topped with marinara and melted cheese, all nestled in soft, slightly sweet rolls. They come together quickly and are great for casual meals or parties.

A close-up view of a cluster of small, round bread rolls with a golden-brown crust, topped with a sprinkling of finely grated cheese and herbs. One roll is being pulled away by a person's fingers, showing melted white cheese stretching in long, gooey strands connecting it to the rest of the rolls. The rolls sit on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible underneath. The bread looks soft inside with a slight shine on the cheese topping, indicating a warm, freshly baked texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (12 pack) Hawaiian rolls
12 frozen chicken nuggets or tenders
1 cup marinara or pasta sauce
6 slices mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup butter (plus more for greasing the dish)
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the chicken nuggets according to the package directions and set them aside.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 3: Cut the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 3 minutes to lightly toast the bread.
Step 4: Place a cooked chicken nugget on each bottom roll, spoon marinara sauce over the nuggets, then layer with mozzarella slices. Top with the upper halves of the rolls.
Step 5: Melt the butter in the microwave and stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 3–5 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for about 5 minutes before serving. They should pull apart easily, or use a sharp knife along the roll separations if needed.
Step 8: Serve the sliders warm, with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly cooked chicken tenders instead of frozen nuggets for a homemade touch.
Add fresh basil or oregano on top for extra fresh herb flavor.
Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a twist on traditional flavor.
For a spicier version, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the bread from getting soggy. You can also reheat individual sliders in the microwave for 30–60 seconds if short on time, but the bread may be softer.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a glass baking dish filled with freshly baked square bread rolls arranged in two layers. The top layer consists of golden brown, slightly shiny rolls with a soft texture, being brushed with a red silicone brush that is spreading a glistening butter or oil mixture dotted with black pepper and herbs. The bottom layer of rolls is visible through the glass, slightly lighter in color and soft. Between the two layers, a thin layer of melted cheese and a hint of a reddish filling can be seen. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chicken instead of frozen nuggets?

Yes, you can use your choice of cooked chicken, such as grilled or breaded homemade tenders. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before assembling the sliders.

What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?

If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, soft dinner rolls or slider buns will also work well. Just adjust baking times slightly if the bread texture differs.