Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sliders with Marinara Cheese
Chicken sliders with marinara cheese are the perfect combination of juicy chicken, melty cheese, and rich marinara sauce. They are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a hit for lunch, dinner, or snacks. Whether you’re making these for a game day gathering, a special occasion, or just a simple family meal, they are sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is quick and convenient, especially if you use PERDUE® Crispy Chicken Strips. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, and you’ll have delicious sliders ready to eat in less than 30 minutes. Plus, you can customize them to fit your taste. Whether you prefer more cheese, extra marinara, or even adding some sautéed vegetables, the options are endless.
What You Need for Chicken Sliders with Marinara Cheese
To make these amazing chicken sliders, you will need:
- 1 package (12 oz) PERDUE® Crispy Chicken Strips
- 1 package (12) slider buns
- 1 jar (23 oz) low sodium marinara sauce
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 squares
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
These ingredients are all easy to find at your local grocery store, making it a simple recipe to whip up whenever you’re in the mood for something tasty!
How to Make Chicken Sliders with Marinara Cheese
Making chicken sliders with marinara cheese is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:
-
Prepare the Slider Buns: Start by spooning 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over the bottom of each slider bun. This will create a lovely base for your sliders, adding flavor and moisture.
-
Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped garlic and dried oregano, mixing them well. This buttery mixture will not only flavor the tops of the sliders but also add a delicious richness.
-
Prepare the Air Fryer: Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your sliders don’t stick while cooking.
-
Arrange the Sliders: Place the slider bun bottoms in a single layer in the basket. On top of each bun, add a crispy chicken strip.
-
Air Fry the Chicken: Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for about 3-5 minutes, until the chicken is heated through. Meanwhile, this is a good time to preheat your oven if you want to keep the sliders warm when they’re done.
-
Add Sauce and Cheese: After 3-5 minutes, carefully flip the chicken strips. Now, spoon more marinara sauce over the chicken, then place 2 squares of mozzarella cheese on top of each strip.
-
Top and Brush: Cover the sliders with the top halves of the buns. Brush the tops with the melted garlic butter and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
-
Final Air Fry: Air fry for another 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops of the sliders are golden brown.
-
Serve: Once done, remove the sliders from the air fryer and let them stand for about 1-2 minutes. This will help them set a little, making them easier to serve. Enjoy your chicken parmesan sliders while they’re still warm!
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Sliders with Marinara Cheese
These chicken sliders are fantastic on their own, but there are many ways to serve them. You can offer them with a side of fresh veggies, potato chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Additionally, you may serve them with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. For an extra kick, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil leaves.
How to Store Chicken Sliders with Marinara Cheese
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry! You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer briefly or heat them in the oven until warmed through, ensuring the cheese melts properly again. Avoid microwaving them if possible, as this may make the buns soggy.
Easy Tips to Make Chicken Sliders with Marinara Cheese
- Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter: This adds a lot of flavor! Make sure to brush it onto the buns before the final air frying.
- Customization: Feel free to add toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, or spinach on top of the chicken before adding the cheese for extra texture and flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If you have fresh garlic or herbs, feel free to replace dried with fresh for an added burst of flavor.
Try These Variations of Chicken Sliders with Marinara Cheese
There are many fun ways to switch up this recipe:
- Spicy Chicken Sliders: Use spicy chicken strips or add jalapeños for heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken strips with crispy eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian slider.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Toss the chicken strips in buffalo sauce before adding the cheese for a spicy twist.
Common Questions About Chicken Sliders with Marinara Cheese
-
Can I use regular chicken breast instead of crispy chicken strips?
Yes, you can! Just cook and season the chicken breast according to your taste and add it to the sliders. -
What other types of cheese can I use?
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar. Each will give a different flavor. -
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare them right before serving, but you can assemble them beforehand and store in the fridge. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Chicken sliders with marinara cheese are a fun and delicious meal option. They are simple to make, quick to prepare, and full of flavor. This recipe allows for flexibility, so feel free to make it your own. Perfect for any occasion, everyone will enjoy these cheesy, savory sliders!
Ready to Give It a Try?
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of these chicken sliders with marinara cheese. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Sliders with Marinara Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Juicy chicken sliders topped with melty cheese and rich marinara sauce, perfect for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz) PERDUE® Crispy Chicken Strips
- 1 package (12) slider buns
- 1 jar (23 oz) low sodium marinara sauce
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 squares
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the Slider Buns: Spoon 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over the bottom of each slider bun.
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped garlic and dried oregano.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange the Sliders: Place the slider bun bottoms in a single layer in the basket. Add a crispy chicken strip on top.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Carefully flip the chicken strips, spoon more marinara over the chicken, and place 2 squares of mozzarella cheese on each strip.
- Top and Brush: Cover with bun tops, brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Final Air Fry: Air fry for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let stand for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with fresh veggies, potato chips, or a simple salad. Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg