Garlic Knot Chicken Parm Slider

Imagine the perfect bite of tender chicken smothered in marinara, layered with gooey mozzarella, and hugged by soft, buttery garlic knots. That’s exactly what you get with these Garlic Knot Chicken Parm Sliders. They’re everything you love about chicken parmesan, transformed into fun, handheld sliders that are made to impress, whether it’s game day, a cozy weeknight, or a casual get-together with friends.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came to life on a chilly Friday night when comfort food was calling. I had leftover chicken parm from the night before and a tube of biscuit dough in the fridge. Instead of reheating the same old leftovers, I decided to reinvent them. Garlic knots have always been a weakness of mine, so the idea of sandwiching melty chicken parm between two of them felt like a stroke of genius. One bite and it was clear — this wasn’t just a snack, it was a keeper.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that originated from Italian immigrants blending their cuisine with local American ingredients. While traditional Parmigiana features eggplant in Italy, chicken became the protein of choice in the United States. Garlic knots, on the other hand, have roots in New York pizzerias, where leftover pizza dough was repurposed into buttery, garlicky goodness. Combining the two? A deliciously modern twist.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Knot Chicken Parm Slider

Here’s why this recipe is about to be your new favorite:

Versatile: Great as a party appetizer, casual dinner, or lunchbox surprise.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Customizable: Swap the chicken, cheese, or sauce to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: These sliders disappear faster than you can make them.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the knots and filling earlier, then assemble and bake when ready.

Great for Leftovers: A creative way to use leftover chicken or marinara sauce.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want these sliders to come out flawless every time? Keep these tips in your apron pocket:

1. Use fresh garlic butter: Brush the knots with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley right after baking for that irresistible shine and flavor.
2. Don’t overstuff: A little chicken and cheese goes a long way. Overfilling can cause sliders to fall apart.
3. Toast the bottoms: Place the bottom halves of the knots in the oven for a few minutes before assembling so they stay crisp and hold up better.
4. Use parchment paper: It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
5. Let them rest: After baking, give the sliders a minute or two to settle so everything melds beautifully.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy to whip these up:

Baking sheet: For baking the garlic knots and assembled sliders.

Mixing bowl: To coat your cooked chicken in marinara.

Small saucepan: For warming up extra marinara if needed.

Pastry brush: Essential for applying garlic butter.

Chef’s knife: To slice chicken and mozzarella.

Ingredients in Garlic Knot Chicken Parm Slider

What makes this dish so good is how each ingredient complements the next — from the rich marinara to the soft, herby knots. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Refrigerated biscuit dough: 1 can (8 count). This will be the base for your garlic knots, making them quick and fluffy.
2. Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or chopped. Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers to save time.
3. Marinara sauce: 1 cup. Coats the chicken and adds bold, herby flavor.
4. Mozzarella cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded. Melts beautifully and gives that iconic cheese pull.
5. Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, grated. Adds a salty, nutty bite on top.
6. Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted. For brushing the knots after baking.
7. Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Stirred into the butter for that bold garlic punch.
8. Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped. Adds freshness and color.
9. Olive oil: 1 tablespoon. To coat the baking sheet or the dough balls lightly before baking.
10. Salt and pepper: To taste. For seasoning your chicken mixture if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Here’s how to make it work with what you have:

Biscuit dough: Crescent roll dough or pizza dough.

Cooked chicken: Turkey, meatballs, or a vegetarian meat substitute.

Marinara sauce: Pizza sauce or tomato basil sauce.

Mozzarella: Provolone, fontina, or a vegan cheese alternative.

Butter: Olive oil or plant-based butter.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mozzarella Cheese: Known for its mild flavor and supreme meltability, mozzarella is the hero of any parm-style dish. It binds everything together with that perfect stretch.

Garlic: A simple yet bold player. When sautéed in butter, garlic brings a depth of flavor that transforms the knots from plain to addictive.

Instructions for Making Garlic Knot Chicken Parm Slider

Ready to dive into cheesy, garlicky goodness? Here’s how to bring these sliders to life:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix your shredded chicken with marinara sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Lightly grease your parchment-lined baking sheet with olive oil or nonstick spray.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Separate biscuit dough and roll each piece into a small rope. Tie into simple knots and place on the sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Once knots are slightly cooled, slice each in half. Place a spoonful of chicken and a sprinkle of mozzarella on the bottom half. Top with the other half and return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, just until cheese melts.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Mix melted butter with garlic and parsley. Brush the tops of each slider generously while warm. Sprinkle parmesan over each one.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve immediately with warm marinara on the side for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy, garlicky bite in every mouthful.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These sliders are all about contrast. The garlic knot exterior is buttery and fluffy with a golden crust, while inside, the marinara-coated chicken is juicy and flavorful. The melted mozzarella binds everything with creamy richness, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and parmesan adds brightness and bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tricks to keep up your sleeve:

• Make the knots smaller for mini sliders perfect for parties.
• Use an air fryer to crisp up leftover sliders the next day.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to your marinara if you like a little heat.

What to Avoid

A few common slip-ups to steer clear of:

• Overbaking the knots — they’ll turn tough. Keep an eye on them.
• Using too much sauce — the sliders can get soggy if overloaded.
• Skipping the garlic butter — it adds flavor and that signature glossy finish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 310

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re prepping ahead for a party or a busy weeknight, you’re in luck. You can bake the garlic knots in advance and store them in an airtight container. Reheat slightly before assembling the sliders. Once assembled and baked, leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer to keep the knots crisp. They also freeze well — just wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.

How to Serve Garlic Knot Chicken Parm Slider

These sliders shine at casual gatherings and make an amazing lunch or dinner when served with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies. They also pair beautifully with a bowl of tomato soup or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into something new:

• Slider Bake: Arrange in a dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and reheat until bubbly.
• Parmesan Pasta Bowl: Slice sliders and toss pieces into cooked pasta with marinara.
• Lunchbox Surprise: Wrap them in foil for a hearty school or work lunch.

Additional Tips

• Use a pizza cutter to split knots quickly and cleanly.
• Try garlic-infused olive oil for a more subtle flavor twist.
• Add a pinch of Italian seasoning to your melted butter for extra aroma.

Make It a Showstopper

Want them to steal the spotlight? Serve on a wooden platter with a bowl of warm marinara in the center. Sprinkle extra parsley and parmesan right before serving. That rustic look with melty cheese and glossy buttered tops is absolutely irresistible.

Variations to Try

• Buffalo Style: Swap marinara for buffalo sauce and use blue cheese crumbles.
• BBQ Chicken: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and cheddar cheese.
• Meatless Version: Use crispy eggplant slices or breaded zucchini.
• Spicy Kick: Add pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken mix.
• Mini Pizza Bites: Add a slice of pepperoni inside each slider for a pizza-parm mashup.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these without biscuit dough?

Yes, you can use pizza dough or crescent roll dough instead.

Q2: Are they freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Wrap individually and freeze, then reheat in an oven or air fryer.

Q3: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, it saves time and works great in this recipe.

Q4: What’s the best cheese alternative?

Provolone or fontina are great swaps for mozzarella.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm and crisp.

Q6: Can I prepare the knots ahead of time?

Yes, bake the knots in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Q7: What can I serve on the side?

A light salad, soup, or roasted vegetables pair well.

Q8: Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! Kids love the handheld size and cheesy filling.

Q9: Can I add veggies inside?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms or spinach are great additions.

Q10: How many sliders does this recipe make?

One can of biscuit dough makes 8 garlic knot sliders.

Conclusion

Garlic Knot Chicken Parm Sliders are proof that with a little creativity, comfort food can be fun, flavorful, and unforgettable. Each bite is loaded with cozy Italian flavors wrapped in buttery garlic bread bliss. Trust me, these sliders are the kind of meal people will ask you to make again and again.

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