Healthier Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe
This healthier chicken parm sliders recipe offers a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic Italian dish. Lightly breaded chicken breast, topped with a light pizza sauce and a generous sprinkle of part-skim mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese, providing all the flavor of the classic chicken parm but with fewer calories and less fat. These sliders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings. If you want more easy chicken recipes try these chicken mini tacos, ground chicken burger, chicken salad wraps or crispy hot honey chicken.
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I love chicken parmesan sliders, but sometimes the meal can be a bit too heavy for my liking and it can be time consuming for a quick weeknight meal. My version comes together in literally 30 minutes or less and has less calories and fat than traditional chicken parm sliders.
WHY LOVE CHICKEN PARM SLIDERS
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: You can enjoy the classic, comforting flavors of chicken parmesan without the extra calories and fat that come from traditional chicken parmesan.
- Balanced Flavor: The use of part-skim mozzarella cheese and a light pizza sauce allows you to enjoy the same rich, savory flavors of traditional chicken parm with less fat and fewer calories.
- Convenient and Versatile: These sliders are not only easy to prepare but also versatile. They can be served as a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or even as a fun appetizer for gatherings. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for portion control and sharing.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Add fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients, or choose a low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce sodium intake.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can enjoy these sliders, making them a great option for family meals. The smaller size of the sliders makes them particularly appealing to younger diners.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR CHICKEN PARM SLIDERS
- Whole Wheat dinner rolls: To keep things wholesome, I use whole-grain slider rolls, which add a boost of fiber and nutrients compared to refined white bread. I used the Honey Wheat Hawiian rolls for this recipe but you can substitute for any roll or slider bun you prefer.
- Breaded chicken breasts: To cut down on cooking time, I used these pre-breaded chicken breasts by Just Bare which has great nutritional value per serving as well. You can also substitute breaded chicken tenders or chicken strips as well.
- Pizza sauce: My favorite brand of pizza sauce is Classico but you can use any marinara or tomato sauce you like.
- Mozzarella cheese: Part skim cheese helps lower the fat content.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated, shredded or sliced works for this recipe.
- Spices: a blend of red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, basil and garlic powder are added to the pizza sauce for some additional flavor.
- Parsley: Topping it with a bit of color and garnish.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS DISH
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN PARM SLIDERS
Full recipe directions including recipe amounts are located in the recipe card below.
Pre heat air fryer to 375 degrees f. Preheat oven to 350 degrees f.
Once air fryer is heated, cook pre-breaded chicken breasts to package instructions. Typically 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Cooking times will vary depending on brand and type of breaded chicken used. Remove from the air fryer once the chicken is done cooking.
In a small bowl, add the seasonings to the pizza sauce and stir to combine. Set aside.
While the chicken is cooking, on a cutting board, remove all 12 slider buns from the package and slice the hawaiian sweet rolls in half through the center of the of buns. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish or on a sheet pan to build the chicken parm sliders.
On the bottom layer of the buns, add approximately 1/2 cup of pizza sauce. Next layer the chicken pieces on top of the buns.
Add the remaining pizza sauce and layer the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the parsley and place the tops of the buns on top.
Bake in the oven for approximately 7-10 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing the mini sandwiches.
OPTIONS TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Herbs: Add some fresh basil or spinach leaves can be added for an extra layer of flavor
Low Carb: To make a lighter version use rotisserie chicken or chicken patties in lieu of the breaded chicken
Sauce: Make a garlic butter sauce to spread on top of the rolls for some saucy goodness
Toppings: You can add toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS
Allow the sliders to cool to room temperature. Once at room temperature, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQ’s
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook and bread the chicken cutlets, make the marinara sauce, and slice the cheese ahead of time. Assemble the sliders just before serving. For best results, keep the sliders warm in the oven until ready to eat.
While mozzarella is the traditional choice, you can also use provolone or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
Pair them with a simple salad, garlic bread, or some crispy fries. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh pasta salad would also complement the individual sliders nicely.
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method helps keep the sliders crispy.
This is such an easy recipe that the entire family can enjoy. It makes the perfect addition to your next game night or party. If you make this recipe and enjoy it, feel free to leave a comment down below. Follow me on my social media as I share more healthy recipes, fitness workouts and motherhood. Give a follow at: Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest!
Healthier Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 Baking Dish
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pkg Honey wheat rolls
- 5 whole Breaded chicken cutlets
- 1 cup Pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella
- 1/2 cup Parmesan
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Basil
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pre heat air fryer to 375 degrees f. Preheat oven to 350 degrees f.
- Once air fryer is heated, cook pre-breaded chicken breasts to package instructions. Typically 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Cooking times will vary depending on brand and type of breaded chicken used.
- Remove from the air fryer once the chicken is done cooking.
- In a small bowl, add the seasonings to the pizza sauce and stir to combine. Set aside.
- While the chicken is cooking, on a cutting board, remove all 12 slider buns from the package and slice the hawaiian sweet rolls in half through the center of the of buns. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish or on a sheet pan to build the chicken parm sliders.
- On the bottom layer of the buns, add approximately 1/2 cup of pizza sauce. Next layer the chicken pieces on top of the buns. Add the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining pizza sauce and place the tops of the buns on top.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 7-10 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing the mini sandwiches.
