Looking to thrill your guests at this year’s Halloween party? These Halloween Chicken Parm Sliders are the perfect blend of spooky and savory! With crispy chicken cutlets, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, all sandwiched between buttery slider buns, these mini sandwiches will delight both kids and adults. The secret is in the spooky touches, making these sliders as festive as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or enjoying a fright-night family dinner, these sliders will steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these sliders, you will need a few simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. You can also customize this recipe with your favorite toppings or Halloween decorations!
- 12 slider buns (or dinner rolls)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Halloween-themed toothpicks or edible eyes (optional)
Spooky Touches to Make Them Halloween-Ready
- Olive slices or mini mozzarella balls to make “eyeballs”
- Sliced roasted red pepper to resemble tongues or blood
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
To get started, you’ll need to prepare the chicken for the sliders. Begin by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets. This will allow the chicken to cook faster and ensure each piece fits perfectly on the slider buns. You should get around 6-8 pieces from two chicken breasts, but you can always adjust the number depending on how many sliders you’re making.
Once you have your chicken cut into thin pieces, it’s time to coat them with a flavorful breading.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Prepare three shallow bowls for breading your chicken:
- Bowl 1: Add flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs in the second bowl.
- Bowl 3: In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese.
Now, take each chicken cutlet and dredge it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb mixture until both sides are evenly coated. Repeat for all the chicken pieces.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small pinch of breadcrumbs—if they sizzle, the oil is ready), fry the breaded chicken cutlets in batches.
Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, transfer the fried cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
With the chicken cutlets fried and ready, it’s time to assemble your Halloween Chicken Parm Sliders!
- Toast the Buns: For extra flavor, lightly toast the slider buns in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Layer with Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce onto the bottom half of each slider bun. The sauce adds moisture and that classic Chicken Parmesan flavor.
- Add the Chicken: Place one crispy chicken cutlet on top of the marinara sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Add a slice or two of mozzarella on top of the chicken. If you’re using shredded mozzarella, sprinkle a hefty amount over each cutlet. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top.
- Bake for Melty Goodness: Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add Spooky Halloween Touches
To turn these Chicken Parm Sliders into a Halloween hit, it’s all about the finishing touches! Here’s how to make them look spooky:
- Eyeball Toppers: Place a sliced black olive or a mini mozzarella ball on top of each slider. Use a small dot of marinara sauce or a tiny piece of pepper for the “pupil.” Secure them with Halloween-themed toothpicks or cocktail picks.
- “Bloody” Marinara Drip: Before serving, drizzle a little extra marinara sauce around the sides of the sliders to mimic a spooky “blood” effect. This gives them a fun and eerie appearance perfect for Halloween.
- Tongue Effect: Use a slice of roasted red pepper to create a “tongue” sticking out from the slider. Tuck the end of the pepper slice under the chicken and let the other end peek out for a funny, spooky look.
- Garnish with Basil: Add some fresh basil leaves for a little green color and extra flavor. Though it’s not particularly spooky, it complements the dish well.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Halloween Chicken Parm Sliders are ready to serve! Arrange them on a platter and get ready to watch your guests’ faces light up with delight. The combination of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce is irresistible, and the spooky garnishes make these sliders a perfect centerpiece for any Halloween gathering.
Halloween Chicken Parm Sliders: Tips and Tricks
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
- Mini Mozzarella “Eyes”: If you’re pressed for time, use store-bought mini mozzarella balls and place them on top of the slider for an easy “eyeball” effect.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Cheese Variations: For a little more flavor, try using provolone or pepper jack cheese in place of mozzarella.
FAQs
What can I use as a substitute for slider buns?
You can use Hawaiian rolls or small dinner rolls as a substitute. They are soft, sweet, and perfect for sliders.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How long can I store leftover sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the buns from getting soggy.
Can I use a different meat for these sliders?
Absolutely! You can use turkey, pork cutlets, or even eggplant for a vegetarian option.
How do I keep the sliders warm for a party?
Keep the sliders in a warm oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve, or reheat them briefly just before your guests arrive.
Can I add other toppings?
Feel free to customize these sliders with your favorite toppings like sautéed onions, peppers, or even crispy bacon.