Cheesy Marinara Chicken Sliders—shredded chicken, marinara, melty mozzarella & crispy onions on Hawaiian rolls. A delicious appetizer or family meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Just toss the chicken in a slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, saucy goodness.
- Perfect for Gatherings – These sliders are great for parties, game nights, or potlucks.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Option – You can prepare the filling in advance to save time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12-pack King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Mozzarella cheese slices
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- French’s crispy fried onions
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley
Directions
- Spray a crockpot with cooking spray and add the chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add minced garlic and marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on a greased baking sheet.
- Layer mozzarella cheese slices on the rolls, then add the shredded chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and top with crispy fried onions.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the fillings.
- Melt butter and mix in garlic powder and parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly toasted.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Different Cheese: Try provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolls.
- BBQ Flavor: Swap marinara sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky taste.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken mixture separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and assemble fresh sliders when needed.
FAQs
How can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, simply shred rotisserie chicken and mix it with warmed marinara sauce.
What can I serve with these sliders?
They pair well with a side salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook the chicken with marinara sauce on high pressure for 15 minutes, then shred.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, toast the bottom halves of the rolls slightly before assembling.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade marinara will add a fresh and flavorful touch.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Use two forks for a classic shredded texture or a hand mixer for a finer shred.
Can I make these without an oven?
Yes, you can assemble them and toast them in a skillet with a lid on low heat until the cheese melts.
Are there any low-carb alternatives?
You can use lettuce wraps or low-carb buns instead of Hawaiian rolls.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions.
Conclusion
Cheesy Marinara Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of cheesy, saucy, and crispy textures wrapped in a sweet, soft roll. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight meal or as a party appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and variations to make them your own!
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Cheesy Marinara Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Marinara Chicken Sliders with shredded chicken, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy onions on Hawaiian rolls. A perfect appetizer or family meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12-pack King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Mozzarella cheese slices
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- French’s crispy fried onions
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Spray a crockpot with cooking spray and add chicken. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add minced garlic and marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken using forks or a hand mixer.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally and place bottoms on a greased baking sheet.
- Layer mozzarella cheese slices, then add shredded chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and top with crispy fried onions.
- Place top halves of rolls over fillings.
- Melt butter, mix in garlic powder and parsley, and brush over the tops.
- Bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts and tops are golden brown.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American