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Italian Sliders

Italian Sliders are the perfect bite-sized indulgence that combines the bold flavors of Italian cuisine with the comfort of a slider. These little sandwiches are packed with savory meats, melty cheese, and zesty sauce, all nestled in a soft, pillowy bun. The contrast of flavors and textures—warm, gooey cheese, tangy marinara, and seasoned meats—makes every bite a satisfying treat. Whether you’re serving them for a game day snack or a cozy weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slider buns (preferably soft, Hawaiian-style buns)
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
  • 12 slices mozzarella cheese (or provolone, if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the buns)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Shred the Chicken – Cook the chicken (grilled, baked, or boiled), then shred it using two forks.
  2. Season the Chicken – In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce until well-coated.

Assemble the Sliders

  1. Prepare the Buns – Slice the slider buns in half, keeping them connected in a row. Place the bottom halves on a baking dish.
  2. Layer the Chicken – Evenly spread the seasoned, sauced chicken mixture over the bottom buns.
  3. Add the Cheese – Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken layer.
  4. Top with Marinara – Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese, spreading it evenly.

Bake the Sliders

  1. Assemble and Brush – Place the top buns on the sliders, then brush the tops with melted butter.
  2. Bake – Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the sliders are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  3. Garnish and Serve – Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve hot.

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