Description
These Pesto Chicken Parmesan Sliders combine crispy breaded chicken thighs with flavorful marinara sauce, fresh pesto, and melted provolone cheese on soft Hawaiian slider buns. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty snack, they deliver classic Italian-inspired flavors in a convenient slider form, baked to golden perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup seasoned fine breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Slider Assembly
- 9 to 12 Hawaiian bread dinner rolls or slider buns
- 2 cups freshly grated provolone cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup pesto
- Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Optional fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the chicken thighs into halves or thirds to fit your slider buns.
- Set Up Coating Stations: Whisk the eggs in one bowl. In another bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, seasoned fine breadcrumbs, flour, dried basil, salt, and pepper thoroughly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then dredge through the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently for coating. Brown the chicken in the skillet, about 2 minutes per side, until golden. Repeat for all pieces, adding the remaining olive oil as needed. Once browned, transfer the skillet with chicken to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Assemble the Sliders: While the chicken bakes, slice open the slider buns and place them on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom halves, followed by a spoonful of pesto and a sprinkle of provolone cheese. Add a piece of baked chicken to each bun, then layer with more marinara sauce, pesto, and a generous handful of provolone cheese. Top each with the other half of the slider bun.
- Bake the Sliders: Place the assembled sliders in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Final Touches and Serve: Remove sliders from the oven and optionally garnish each slider with a fresh basil leaf and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use Hawaiian rolls for a sweet, soft slider bun that complements the savory fillings.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor, but you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs plus Italian seasoning if preferred.
- Make sure to brown the chicken pieces well to get a crispy crust before baking.
- The pesto adds a fresh herbaceous punch; adjust quantity to taste or substitute with basil slurry if unavailable.
- To save prep time, use store-bought marinara and pre-grated cheese.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix or pesto.
- Serve sliders warm as they taste best fresh out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
