If you’re craving a bite-sized sandwich that bursts with flavor, the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. These sliders combine tender shredded chicken, vibrant basil pesto, garlicky butter, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all nestled within soft, buttery rolls. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or an impressive party appetizer that your friends will rave about. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a straightforward method, these sliders come together to deliver an irresistible symphony of cheesy, herby, and savory goodness that’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and making the sliders irresistibly tasty and satisfying.
- 12 count package slider rolls: Soft and fluffy, these provide the perfect base that holds all the delicious fillings without overwhelming them.
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted: This creates that rich garlic butter glaze which keeps the tops golden and adds savory depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced: Fresh garlic packs a punch of aromatic flavor that enhances the entire sandwich.
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a splash of green color to brighten the sliders.
- 2/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought (divided): This vibrant green sauce infuses every bite with herbaceous and nutty complexity.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Tender and juicy chicken makes these sliders filling and protein-packed.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, cheesy layer that ties the sandwich together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly ready when your sliders are assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare Slider Rolls
Take your slider rolls and slice them horizontally into bottoms and tops. Arrange the bottom halves neatly in the prepared baking pan, forming the base that will cradle all that cheesy, pesto goodness.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. This mixture will be brushed generously over the slider tops, giving them that irresistible golden shine and lovely garlicky aroma when baked.
Step 4: Layer Ingredients
Start by spreading half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom slider rolls — this herbaceous layer is the foundation of bold flavor. Next, pile on the shredded chicken, then scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. After that, dollop the remaining pesto and carefully place the slider tops on the stack.
Step 5: Brush and Season
Brush your garlic butter mixture lavishly over the tops of the slider buns to ensure every bite is moist and flavorful. Finish with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors even more.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the pan with foil to trap the steam and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops are beautifully golden brown.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that complements the pesto and garlic perfectly. You could also add a few thin slices of sun-dried tomatoes or a dusting of Parmesan cheese for extra flair.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a bowl of tangy coleslaw for contrasting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skew the slider halves on decorative toothpicks or small wooden skewers to make them easy to grab at parties. Another idea is to serve them on a large wooden board lined with fresh greens, making a vibrant centerpiece sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to keep the sliders covered well to preserve the softness of the rolls and the moisture of the filling.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the sliders, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders in a foil-covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, since the rolls can become soggy or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds fantastic flavor and tenderness to your sliders, making the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe even easier to prepare.
Is it okay to use store-bought pesto?
Definitely. While homemade pesto adds a fresh, vibrant touch, a good-quality store-bought pesto works wonderfully and keeps things quick and convenient without compromising flavor.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
For sure! Simply swap the chicken for sliced grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant and add extra cheese or even some sautéed mushrooms to maintain the deliciousness of this cheesy garlic pesto slider.
What type of cheese works best besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, provolone or fontina are great alternatives if you’d like a slightly sharper or creamier cheese experience.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
Try adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or a spread of spicy mayo underneath the pesto to give your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe a little exciting heat kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both simple and packed with layers of flavor, you really can’t go wrong with the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug with every bite—inviting, cheesy, and full of fresh, bright herbs. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and dive into these sliders that are sure to become a go-to favorite everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders combine tender shredded chicken, flavorful basil pesto, melted mozzarella, and a garlicky butter topping, all baked inside soft slider rolls. Perfect for a quick, savory meal or party appetizer, these sliders are easy to assemble and deliver a delicious, cheesy bite every time.
Ingredients
Slider Components
- 12 count package slider rolls
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought (divided)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the sliders from sticking.
- Prepare Slider Rolls: Slice the slider rolls horizontally into top and bottom halves. Arrange the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, finely minced garlic, and minced fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly to infuse the flavors.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom slider rolls. Then layer the shredded cooked chicken over the pesto, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Spread the remaining pesto on top of the cheese, then place the top halves of the slider rolls over everything.
- Brush and Season: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the entire surface of the slider tops. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste for added seasoning.
- Bake: Cover the sliders with aluminum foil to keep them moist and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the tops are lightly golden.
Notes
- You can use store-bought shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- To make the pesto from scratch, blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning before baking.
- Serve warm immediately for the best texture and taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven wrapped in foil.
