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Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare Slider Rolls: Slice the slider rolls horizontally into top and bottom halves. Arrange the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking pan.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.