These easy chicken marinara sliders are a quick and delicious family dinner made with crispy chicken nuggets, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and buttery Hawaiian rolls. They have all the flavors of classic chicken marinara in a fun, kid-friendly slider that is easy to make on a busy weeknight.

Using frozen chicken nuggets makes these Hawaiian roll chicken marinara sliders incredibly simple. Serve them for dinner, lunch, game day, or anytime you need an easy meal that both toddlers and adults can enjoy.

Why This Recipe Is Great for Toddlers and Families

These chicken marinara sliders are a great family dinner because they use familiar, kid-friendly ingredients while requiring very little prep. Chicken nuggets make the recipe especially quick, and the soft Hawaiian rolls are easy for little ones to eat.

For toddlers, you can cut each slider into smaller pieces before serving. The combination of chicken, bread, marinara, and cheese makes these sliders filling enough for dinner while still being approachable for picky eaters.

They are also an easy dinner idea for busy families because you can assemble all 12 sliders at once and bake them together in one dish.

Ingredients

12-count package Hawaiian rolls
24 ounces frozen chicken nuggets, cooked according to package directions
5 ounces butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup marinara sauce, divided
9 slices mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the chicken nuggets according to the package directions.
3. Without separating the individual rolls, carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish.
4. Add the butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 1 minute, or until the butter is completely melted. Stir to combine.
5. Brush some of the garlic butter mixture over the cut side of the bottom half of the rolls.
6. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the rolls.
7. Arrange the cooked chicken nuggets over the marinara sauce.
8. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the chicken nuggets.
9. Layer the mozzarella cheese slices over the chicken and sauce.
10. Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back on top. Brush the remaining garlic butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the sliders are warmed through.
13. Cut into individual chicken marinara sliders and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken marinara sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For the best texture, reheat the sliders in the oven or air fryer until warmed through. You can also microwave individual sliders, although the rolls will be softer.

Because the marinara sauce can make the bread soggy over time, these chicken sliders are best enjoyed freshly baked or within a day or two.

Common Questions

What chicken nuggets work best for chicken parmesan sliders?

Any fully cooked frozen chicken nuggets you enjoy should work. I like using Just Bare chicken nuggets, but you can use your family’s favorite brand.

Can I make chicken parmesan sliders ahead of time?

You can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time, but these sliders are best assembled shortly before baking. The marinara sauce can begin soaking into the Hawaiian rolls if they sit for too long.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of sliced mozzarella?

Yes. You can substitute shredded mozzarella for the cheese slices. Sprinkle enough over the chicken to create an even layer of cheese.

What can I serve with chicken parmesan sliders?

These easy chicken sliders pair well with roasted vegetables, broccoli, green beans, fruit, salad, or a simple side of pasta.

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes. You can use another package of connected slider rolls if you prefer. Hawaiian rolls add a slightly sweet flavor that pairs especially well with the savory chicken, marinara, garlic butter, and mozzarella.

Easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders for a Family Dinner

These chicken parmesan sliders with Hawaiian rolls are a simple way to turn chicken nuggets into an easy family dinner. With crispy chicken, marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and garlic butter Hawaiian rolls, they are a fun twist on traditional chicken parmesan.

If you are looking for easy dinner ideas for kids, toddler-friendly dinner recipes, or quick Hawaiian roll sliders for busy weeknights, these easy chicken parmesan sliders are a recipe the whole family can enjoy.