If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that combines melty cheese, fragrant garlic, and vibrant pesto all wrapped up in soft slider buns, then the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe blends creamy mozzarella with tender shredded chicken and a zesty basil pesto, making every bite a delightful explosion of taste and texture. Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or a cozy dinner, these sliders are simple to prepare but leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the sliders. From the buttery garlic mixture to the fresh basil pesto and gooey cheese, every component adds layers of flavor and pleasing textures to this irresistible dish.
- Slider Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, they are the perfect vessel to hold all the delicious fillings together.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted to infuse the garlic and parsley mixture with richness and help golden the tops.
- Garlic Cloves: Finely minced to release a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the entire recipe.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of green freshness and balances the intensity of garlic.
- Basil Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, this adds a vibrant, herby depth that ties all flavors.
- Cooked and Shredded Chicken: Tender and juicy, it’s the hearty protein centerpiece.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded to melt beautifully, giving that irresistible stretch and gooey texture.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Next, grab a 9 by 13-inch baking pan and give it a quick greasing to prevent the sliders from sticking. This initial step ensures everything cooks evenly and the sliders come out perfectly toasted.
Step 2: Prepare Slider Rolls
Slice your slider rolls horizontally to create a bottom and top layer. Place the bottom halves snugly inside your prepared pan; this forms the base that will hold all the delicious fillings together without falling apart.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, finely minced garlic, and fresh parsley. This luscious mixture will be brushed generously over the sliders, imparting a fragrant, buttery glow and a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Layer Ingredients
Now the fun part — building those layers! Spread half of your basil pesto onto the bottom rolls to infuse them with herbal goodness. Then, evenly distribute the shredded chicken and top it all with the gooey shredded mozzarella. Finish this layer with the remaining pesto before placing the top halves of the slider rolls on.
Step 5: Brush and Season
Brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of your sliders, making sure each one gets a nice coating. Sprinkle with a light dusting of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors and add the perfect finishing touch before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the pan with foil to keep everything moist, then bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the tops are golden brown and irresistible. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine by this point!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Kick things up a notch by garnishing your sliders with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for extra color and freshness. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a pinch of red pepper flakes also adds a subtle tang or gentle heat to complement the rich pesto.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, some crunchy sweet potato fries, or even a simple bowl of tomato soup. The balance between rich, melty sliders and fresh, vibrant sides makes every meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sliders as part of a party platter with an assortment of dips like marinara, ranch, or a tangy pesto aioli. You can also slice them into smaller portions for bite-sized appetizers that guests will keep coming back for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool them completely before sealing to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these sliders at a later date, wrap the entire pan tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. This way, you can pop them straight into the oven whenever hunger strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, remove any plastic wrap and cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty once again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the slider tops crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor to your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe. Just shred it and you’re ready to go.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the shredded chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even a plant-based chicken substitute to keep the sliders hearty and delicious while catering to vegetarians.
What type of pesto works best for this recipe?
Classic basil pesto is the star here because of its fresh, herby flavors and creamy texture. However, you can experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a unique twist.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the sliders, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe perfect for stress-free entertaining.
What’s the best way to get the cheese nice and melty without drying out the sliders?
Covering the baking pan with foil for the first part of the baking process locks in moisture, helping the cheese melt perfectly without drying out the bread or chicken. Then uncovering allows the tops to brown beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal lineup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these sliders bring together irresistible flavors, gooey cheese, and fresh herbs in such a simple way. I hope you give them a try and make them a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal, featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh basil pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese, all layered inside buttery slider rolls infused with garlic and parsley. Baked to gooey perfection, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or a family dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Slider Rolls
- 12 count package slider rolls
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley
Filling
- 2/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought (divided)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 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 sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Slider Rolls: Slice the slider rolls horizontally, separating the tops and bottoms. Place the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking pan to create a base for the sliders.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the finely minced garlic and fresh parsley. This mixture will give a flavorful, buttery coating to the sliders.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom rolls in the pan. Then, layer the cooked and shredded chicken over the pesto, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Spread the remaining pesto on the inside of the top rolls, then place them on top to close the sliders.
- Brush and Season: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the assembled sliders. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake: Cover the pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the tops are lightly golden. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto depending on your preference.
- For extra flavor, add sliced tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms between the layers.
- These sliders can be assembled the night before and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the butter mixture to your taste preference.
- If you prefer spicier sliders, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or garlic butter mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
