Chicken Parmesan Cups

Chicken Parmesan Cups are the answer to those nights when you want something warm and cheesy but only have a handful of ingredients and almost no time. Crispy chicken tenders tucked into golden crescent roll cups with gooey mozzarella and that classic marinara pop make these bites a true family favorite. Whether you are feeding kids or serving up appetizers for friends these have never failed to disappear from the table.

I remember the first time I tried these when my nephew came over for a playdate and we needed something stress free. He ate three in a row and still asked for more. Now I keep a can of crescent dough and chicken tenders on hand for weeknights just in case.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough sheet: tender airy base for the cups check that it is fresh and not cracked
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: provides creamy melt look for part skim mozzarella for best stretch
• Fried chicken tenders: use fully cooked tenders for quick prep choose tenders with a crisp but not greasy coating
• Marinara sauce: gives classic Italian flavor use a thick and flavorful jarred sauce or your homemade favorite
• Fresh chopped parsley: optional for bright color and a fresh pop of flavor select crisp bright green leaves

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Pan:

Lightly spray eight muffin tin cups with baking spray to prevent sticking. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides to ensure easy removal.

Shape the Dough:

Place the crescent dough sheet on a clean surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide it into eight equal pieces. Press each piece into a tin cup shaping gently so it molds to the base and sides with no gaps or tears.

Build the Cheese Base:

Take one cup of shredded mozzarella and scatter half into the bottom of each dough mold. Press the cheese lightly so it settles evenly and creates a gooey lining.

Fill with Chicken:

Cut the chicken tenders into eight pieces. One piece should fit snugly in each cup. Roll each chicken piece in marinara until coated then set atop the cheese.

Add More Sauce:

Use any leftover sauce to spoon a little extra on each chicken piece focusing on coverage for flavor in every bite.

Top with Cheese:

Scatter the remaining half cup of mozzarella over the chicken. Aim for full coverage to help glue the top edges of dough as they bake.

Seal the Cups:

Fold the dough corners gently over the filling. You want to form a loose envelope. It does not need to be perfect just pinch gently to keep the filling inside.

Bake to Perfection:

Place muffin tin into a preheated three hundred seventy five degree oven. Bake for about fifteen minutes or until the tops are deeply golden and cheese is bubbling visibly.

Finishing Touches:

Let cool a minute or two before removing from tin. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with more marinara on the side if desired.

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I always look forward to the moment I open the oven and smell the melting mozzarella. There is something about the mix of gooey cheese and golden crescent dough that makes these irresistible for all ages. My favorite part is sneaking the crisped shred of cheese that oozes from the edge of the tin.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat bake in a toaster oven or standard oven until warmed through and the tops are re-crisped. Microwaving works as well but the dough will be softer. Wrap each cup individually for easy grab and go meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in rotisserie chicken pieces or any cooked chicken if you do not have tenders. Try cheddar or provolone if you are out of mozzarella. Pesto or alfredo can stand in for marinara for a fun twist. You can even sprinkle a little Parmesan on top if you love extra flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with a leafy green salad with balsamic dressing or set out as a hearty game day snack. Pair with a little cup of warm marinara or ranch for dipping. These also work great as party appetizers since you can eat them with your hands.

Cultural and Historical Note

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian American dish believed to have evolved from the classic Italian melanzane alla Parmigiana or eggplant Parmesan. Turning the main course into playful hand sized cups is a clever American spin that saves time and makes sharing even easier.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover cooked chicken for these cups?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken works well. Just slice and use it in place of fried chicken tenders.

→ Do I need to use crescent dough sheets, or can I substitute with another pastry?

Crescent roll dough is preferred for texture, but puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used if needed.

→ What can I serve with chicken Parmesan cups?

These cups pair nicely with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or extra marinara sauce for dipping.

→ Can I make these cups ahead of time?

They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble them ahead and bake when ready to serve. Reheat leftovers in the oven.

→ Are there any vegetarian substitutions for the chicken?

You can replace chicken with breaded eggplant or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.