Easy Chicken Parm Sliders with Chicken Nuggets: The Ultimate Quick Dinner Recipe

Craving the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan but short on time? Look no further than these incredibly easy Chicken Parm Sliders with Chicken Nuggets! Imagine succulent chicken nuggets, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all piled high on sweet Hawaiian rolls and baked to golden perfection with a savory buttery parmesan garlic topping. It’s a delightful, bite-sized twist on a beloved classic that comes together in minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or a fun family meal.

Pull apart Chicken Parm Sliders with chicken nuggets. — Golden brown chicken parm sliders, ready to be pulled apart and enjoyed.

Fans of traditional chicken parmesan will be absolutely thrilled by how effortlessly these sliders capture that iconic taste. By using pre-cooked chicken nuggets, we’ve streamlined the preparation process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Each mini sandwich offers a harmonious blend of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese, all nestled in a soft, slightly sweet bun that’s brushed with an irresistible garlic butter glaze. These sliders aren’t just easy to make; they are ridiculously delicious and guaranteed to become a new family favorite!

Hawaiian roll chicken parm sliders in 9x13 casserole dish. — Unbaked chicken parm sliders neatly arranged in a baking dish, ready for the oven.

Beyond their incredible flavor, sliders are inherently fun to eat. There’s something undeniably charming about miniature foods, and these chicken parm sliders with nuggets truly are perfection in a small package. Just like our popular Italian sliders recipe, Cuban sliders, and Philly cheesesteak sliders, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. They are a fantastic way to satisfy cravings for comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen, offering a delightful alternative to larger sandwiches or subs.

Why You Will Love This Easy Slider Recipe

These chicken parm sliders are more than just a quick meal; they’re a culinary win for a multitude of reasons. Here’s why you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation:

Quick and Easy: Forget complicated steps or lengthy ingredient lists. This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly, relying on a handful of simple, readily available ingredients that transform into a gourmet-tasting dish in no time. Perfect for those busy evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
Classic Flavor, Miniature Form: Experience all the beloved tastes of a hearty chicken parm sub, but in a convenient, bite-sized package. The combination of crispy chicken, rich marinara, and melted cheese truly delivers that authentic Italian-American comfort food experience.
Incredibly Versatile: Whether you need a satisfying main course for dinner, an impressive appetizer for your next party, a crowd-pleasing snack for game day, or a fun lunchbox idea, these sliders fit the bill. They are universally loved by both kids and adults, making them a go-to for any occasion.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your family’s preferences. Add a pinch of heat, extra veggies, or different cheeses to create your unique spin. (See our variations section below for ideas!)
Minimal Cleanup: Cooked in a single casserole dish, cleanup is almost as easy as preparation, adding to the appeal of this stress-free meal.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Parm Sliders

This section provides detailed ingredient notes and suggests substitution options, ensuring you have everything you need for the perfect batch of chicken parm sliders. You can find all exact measurements and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Chicken Slider Ingredients: Tyson chicken nuggets, butter, Hawaiian rolls, marinara sauce, and shredded cheese. — All the simple ingredients laid out, ready for assembly.

To whip up these delightful sliders, you’ll need just a few key components:

Chicken Nuggets: We’ve found that frozen chicken nuggets (like Tyson) work wonderfully for convenience and a consistent crispy texture. However, feel free to use your favorite brand or even homemade chicken nuggets if you have them. Important: Ensure your chicken nuggets are fully heated and cooked according to their package directions before you assemble the sliders. This ensures they are warm and delicious when the sliders come out of the oven.
Slider Buns: Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are our top recommendation for all slider recipes. Their signature sweetness and incredibly soft, fluffy texture perfectly complement the savory fillings. If Hawaiian rolls aren’t available, any soft dinner roll or mini brioche bun will work, though the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls adds a unique touch.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality jarred marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce is your best friend here. Choose a brand you love for its flavor profile. You can opt for a classic, a garlic-and-herb infused variety, or even one with a slight spicy kick. Homemade marinara can also be used if you have extra on hand!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and provides that classic, stretchy cheese pull we all love. You can also use sliced mozzarella cheese, layering it carefully over the nuggets. For an extra layer of flavor and creaminess, consider a combination of shredded mozzarella and a thin slice of provolone cheese – pure deliciousness!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the salt content of the topping. If using salted butter, you might want to slightly reduce any added salt in your seasoning blend.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is essential for the flavorful topping. For the best flavor, freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference, but pre-grated works fine too.
Garlic Powder: This provides a concentrated garlic flavor that permeates the buttery topping. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can use finely minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves) in place of the powder, just be mindful it can brown quickly.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that enhances the Italian-inspired flavors of the sliders. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a pinch of dried oregano and basil will suffice.

How to Make Quick Chicken Nugget Parmesan Sliders

This section provides a step-by-step guide with helpful photos to walk you through the process of making these incredibly delicious sliders. For the complete printable recipe, including exact measurements and baking times, please refer to the recipe card located further down this page.

Making these chicken parm sliders is surprisingly straightforward. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Buns
Using a large serrated knife, carefully slice the entire block of slider buns horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms. The goal is to keep all the individual buns connected, so you have a top “sheet” and a bottom “sheet” of rolls. This makes assembly much quicker and easier.

Buns in casserole dish with marinara sauce on top. — Bottom halves of slider buns spread with marinara sauce in a baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange in Baking Dish
Lightly coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Carefully place the bottom halves of the sliced buns into the prepared baking dish. They should fit snugly. If your dish is slightly smaller or larger, adjust as needed, but a 9×13 is ideal for a standard pack of 12 Hawaiian rolls.

Step 3: Layer with Sauce and Chicken Nuggets
Spread about half of your marinara sauce evenly over the bottom layer of buns. Then, place a single heated chicken nugget on the center of each individual bun. Once the nuggets are in place, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken nuggets, ensuring each one is nicely coated.

12 Hawaiian rolls in a casserole dish topped with marinara sauce and chicken nuggets. — Chicken nuggets placed on marinara-covered buns, ready for more sauce and cheese.

Step 4: Add the Mozzarella Cheese
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken nuggets and marinara sauce. Make sure to cover everything thoroughly so you get a wonderful blanket of melted cheese in every bite. If using sliced cheese, arrange the slices to cover the nuggets.

Sliders buns topped with tomato sauce, nuggets, and shredded cheese. — Mozzarella cheese generously sprinkled over the chicken nuggets and marinara.

Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Buttery Garlic Topping
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (or use a small saucepan on the stove). Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined. This aromatic mixture is what gives the tops of your sliders their incredible flavor and golden crust. Gently place the top halves of the buns back onto the cheese-covered chicken nuggets. Then, using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire butter mixture over the tops of the buns, ensuring an even coating. This step is crucial for that irresistible golden-brown finish.

Golden brown garlic parmesan topped slider buns in casserole dish. — The tops of the sliders brushed with the savory garlic parmesan butter, ready for baking.

Chef’s Note: While I may have been a tad enthusiastic with the parmesan garlic topping in the past, a generous but even application is key for optimal flavor and texture. Don’t be shy, but aim for full coverage without drenching the buns!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake the chicken sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and the sliders are warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to allow the tops of the buns to turn a lovely golden brown and crisp up slightly. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage to prevent burning.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before pulling or slicing them apart. Serve immediately and enjoy this quick and easy dinner recipe!

Easy Chicken Parm Sandwiches made with chicken nuggets and served with broccoli. — Finished chicken parm sliders, served alongside a healthy side of broccoli.

Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Parm Sliders

These versatile chicken parm sliders are delicious enough to stand alone, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice counterpoint to the richness of the sliders.
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini roasted with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper make a healthy and flavorful side.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with fresh vegetables and Italian dressing is a perfect accompaniment, especially for parties or potlucks.
French Fries or Tater Tots: For a more indulgent, kid-friendly meal, a side of crispy fries or tater tots is always a hit.
Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup or a minestrone soup would complement the Italian flavors beautifully.
Garlic Bread: You can never have too much garlic! Serve with extra garlic bread for dipping in any leftover marinara sauce.

These sliders are not just for dinner! They make fantastic appetizers for game nights, casual get-togethers, or even a fun addition to a packed lunch (though best reheated).

Chicken Nugget Slider Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted and customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Get creative with these delicious variations:

Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes directly into the marinara sauce, or drizzle a touch of your favorite hot sauce over the chicken nuggets before adding the cheese. This gives a fiery twist to the classic flavors.
Meat Lover’s Dream: For those who can’t get enough meat, layer crispy bacon bits or thin slices of pepperoni on top of the chicken nuggets before adding the marinara and mozzarella. This adds an extra layer of savory flavor and texture, making it a true carnivore’s delight.
Crispy Chicken Tenders: No nuggets on hand? Crispy chicken tenders can be used as a substitute. Depending on their size, you might need about 6-8 tenders, cut to fit the slider buns, to ensure each bun has a good portion.
Mini Meatball Sliders: For an alternative to chicken, replace the chicken nuggets with pre-cooked mini meatballs. They fit perfectly on the Hawaiian rolls and offer a different, yet equally delicious, Italian-inspired flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Parm Sliders: For a bold fusion, use buffalo-flavored chicken nuggets, or toss regular chicken nuggets in buffalo sauce before assembling. You can even add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles with the mozzarella for an authentic buffalo flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option (Eggplant Parm Sliders): For a meat-free version, replace chicken nuggets with breaded and fried eggplant slices. Follow the same layering process for a delicious vegetarian option.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheeses! Provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar can add unique flavor dimensions alongside or in place of mozzarella.
Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, finely diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions can be added in between the chicken and cheese layers for extra flavor and nutrients.

Chicken Parm Sliders served with broccoli on a white plate. Bag of frozen chicken nuggets and glass baking dish with remaining sliders are in the background. — A close-up of the delicious chicken parm sliders, with the remaining tray in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Parm Sliders:

Can I use raw chicken and cook it on the sliders?
For this recipe, it’s highly recommended to use pre-cooked chicken nuggets or tenders. Baking raw chicken on the sliders might result in uneven cooking or the buns becoming soggy before the chicken is safely cooked through. If you prefer using raw chicken, it’s best to cook and crisp it separately before assembling the sliders.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a few hours in advance. Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Avoid preparing more than a few hours ahead, as the buns can become soggy from the sauce.
How do I store leftover chicken parm sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. You can also microwave them, but the buns might not be as crispy.
Can I freeze these sliders?
While you can freeze assembled sliders before baking, the texture of the buns and sauce might change slightly upon thawing and baking. It’s generally best to enjoy them fresh. If you do freeze, wrap them tightly in foil and then in plastic wrap. Bake from frozen, covered, until heated through, then uncover to brown.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
While Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are recommended for their unique sweet and soft texture, any soft dinner rolls or mini brioche buns can be used as a substitute. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.
What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
Use your favorite brand of jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce. Look for one with good flavor that isn’t too watery. You can also use homemade marinara sauce if you prefer.

More Kid-Friendly Recipes to Explore

If your family loves these easy sliders, you’re in for a treat! Here are more delicious, kid-approved recipes from our collection that are perfect for any occasion:

Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Bread
Fun and Sweet Candied Grapes
Hearty and Simple Tater Tot Casserole
Fluffy Marshmallow Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls

Chicken Parm Sliders with Chicken Nuggets

Author: Jaclyn

Prep:

20 mins

Cook:

15 mins

Total:

35 mins

Chicken parm sliders are an easy weeknight dinner recipe made with chicken nuggets, Hawaiian sweet rolls, a jar of marinara sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then topped with melted butter and seasonings.

Servings:

12
sliders

Ingredients

12 chicken nuggets prepared according to package instructions
12 Hawaiian rolls
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
¼ cup butter
⅓ cup parmesan cheese grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350℉ (175°C). Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
Using a large serrated knife, slice through the slider rolls horizontally to separate the top of the rolls from the bottoms. Do not separate the individual buns. Place the bottom halves in the prepared casserole dish. Cover the bottom buns with an even layer of marinara sauce. Place one pre-heated chicken nugget on each bun, then top with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese. Carefully place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer.
Melt butter in the microwave or using a small saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Brush this flavorful mixture evenly onto the top of the buns.
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are warmed through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and slightly crispy on top.

Nutrition

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This recipe was proudly shared on Meal Plan Monday.