Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls or plates. In the first, add the flour. In the second, beat the eggs until well combined. In the third, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Working with one piece at a time, coat each chicken tender in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating completely on all sides. Place breaded chicken on a clean plate.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test with a small pinch of breadcrumbs—it should sizzle immediately), carefully add the chicken tenders. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire block of slider buns in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce over the bottom layer of buns. Place the crispy chicken tenders on top, arranging them to cover the buns (you may need to cut some pieces to fit). Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over everything, followed by the ¼ cup grated Parmesan. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns.

Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the buns are golden brown.

Step 8: Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Use a sharp knife to cut through the sliders along the original roll separations. Serve immediately while hot and gooey!