Chicken nugget parmesan sliders are a simple, delicious take on the classic pizzeria sandwich. You’ll be surprised how satisfying frozen chicken nuggets can taste when turned into these sliders.
We always keep a large bag of frozen chicken nuggets in the freezer. My kids still happily eat them, even as they get older. They’re tasty, convenient, and make assembling chicken parmesan sliders a breeze.
Ingredients
To make these sliders you will need:
- Hawaiian rolls – party-size pack of sweet Hawaiian rolls.
- Chicken nuggets – your favorite brand, cooked according to package directions.
- Marinara or spaghetti sauce – use your preferred jarred or homemade sauce.
- Cheese – sliced provolone or sliced deli-style mozzarella.
- Butter – melted.
- Seasoning – minced fresh garlic and an Italian seasoning blend.
How to Make
These sliders come together quickly and with minimal effort.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Using a serrated knife, slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so you have a single bottom layer and single top layer. Place the bottom layer on the prepared baking sheet, keeping the rolls attached. Set the top layer aside.
3. Spread marinara evenly over the bottom layer of buns.
4. Place one cooked chicken nugget in the center of each sauced bun.
5. Cover the nuggets with sliced provolone. Depending on the pack size, arrange slices so each slider gets a good amount of cheese; break slices if needed to cover the row.
6. Return the top layer of rolls to cover the assembly.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture evenly over the top and sides of the rolls, using it all.
8. Tightly cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes. Uncover and bake 2–3 more minutes until the tops are golden and slightly toasted.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool a few minutes, then pull the sliders apart to serve.
Storing Leftovers
Sliders are best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and place the wrapped sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Variations
If you’re not in the mood for chicken parmesan, the same method works for other flavors. Try:
- Cheddar barbecue chicken nugget sliders: swap marinara for barbecue sauce and use cheddar slices.
- Mini chicken sandwiches: spread mayo, add pickles and cheese for a classic bite.
- Buffalo chicken nugget sliders: toss nuggets in hot sauce, add ranch or blue cheese and cheese slices.
Tips
- Always cook the nuggets according to package instructions before assembly.
- If the baked sliders don’t pull apart easily, carefully cut them with a paring knife between rolls.
- There’s no need to make sauce from scratch—jarred marinara works perfectly and saves time.
Recipe Summary
These chicken nugget parmesan sliders are a family-friendly, quick meal that’s great for busy weeknights, parties, or game-day snacking. They’re easy to customize and come together in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Chicken Nugget Parmesan Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 party size pack sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 24 chicken nuggets cooked according to package instructions
- 3/4 – 1 cup marinara sauce
- 7 slices provolone cheese
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Open the rolls and cut them in half with a serrated knife to make a bottom and top layer.
- Place the bottom layer on the prepared baking sheet, keeping rolls together; set the top layer aside in the correct order so it fits back on easily.
- Spread sauce across the bottom bun layer, coating evenly.
- Place nuggets—one per bun—on top of the sauce.
- Layer provolone slices to cover the nuggets. Break the last slice to fill any gaps down the center.
- Place the top layer over the assembled sliders.
- Whisk melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush evenly over the tops and sides of the buns.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes. Uncover and bake 2–3 more minutes until tops are golden.
- Let cool slightly, then pull apart and serve.
Notes
- Be sure to fully cook the nuggets before assembling the sliders.
- If sliders don’t separate easily after baking, gently cut between rolls with a paring knife.
- Store-bought marinara is perfectly acceptable—no need to make sauce from scratch.