If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting main dish that’s bursting with flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender shredded chicken nestled between soft slider buns, layered with rich basil pesto, gooey mozzarella cheese, and that irresistible aroma of garlic butter — every bite offers a perfect balance of savory, herby, and cheesy goodness that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these sliders bring that cozy, homemade vibe with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh herbs to the creamy cheese, every component adds something special.
- Slider rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these form the perfect vessel for holding all the delicious fillings together without falling apart.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with garlic, it creates a luscious coating that soaks into the buns, enriching every bite.
- Garlic cloves: Minced finely to deliver a fragrant, punchy flavor that complements the pesto beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a subtle brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Basil pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, pesto is the star herbaceous ingredient that infuses the sliders with bold, zesty notes.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender and juicy, it provides the hearty protein base that carries all the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that ooey-gooey, cheesy texture everyone loves.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the individual elements together in harmony.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your sliders won’t stick and bake evenly, setting the stage for a golden finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Slider Rolls
Slice the slider rolls horizontally so you have a top and bottom half. Place the bottom halves snugly in the prepared pan, creating a cozy base ready to soak up all the flavors to come.
Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, finely minced garlic, and fresh parsley. This mixture will be brushed over the rolls later to infuse them with a fragrant garlic aroma and add a rich buttery layer.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Spread half of your basil pesto evenly across the bottom slider rolls. Next, pile on the shredded chicken evenly, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Finish the layering by spreading the remaining pesto on the inside of the top slider rolls before placing them over the cheese.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter and Season
Brush the prepared garlic parsley butter generously over the top of the assembled sliders. Then sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. This step ensures every bite has bursts of garlicky, herby richness.
Step 6: Bake Until Melty and Golden
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake the sliders for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls begin to turn a beautiful golden brown.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sliders even more, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top right before serving. A light drizzle of extra pesto can also bring an appealing gloss and added flavor burst, making these sliders look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple garden salad or crunchy coleslaw. For something warm and comforting, oven-baked sweet potato fries or classic steak fries are a fantastic match, offering a satisfying textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party, arrange the sliders on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual yet charming presentation. You can also skewer each slider with colorful toothpicks or mini flags for easy grabbing and an irresistible party vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the sliders tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, you can freeze the assembled sliders (uncooked) by wrapping the pan securely with heavy-duty foil before baking later. Cook them directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for warm, melty goodness anytime.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or thawed sliders, warm them in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the bread soft while gently melting the cheese back to its irresistible ooey-gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time. Just shred it well and ensure it’s evenly distributed for the best flavor balance in every slider.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought pesto?
Both are great options. Homemade pesto tends to be fresher and more vibrant, but a good-quality store-bought pesto can save time without sacrificing too much flavor—choose what works best for your schedule.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the shredded chicken for grilled or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Add extra cheese or even a layer of ricotta for an equally delicious and hearty veggie slider option.
What type of cheese works best besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella melts beautifully and is milder, provolone or fontina can add a richer, slightly nuttier taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses!
How can I add a little heat to this recipe?
If you enjoy some spice, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter or spread a thin layer of spicy mayo on the slider rolls before assembling. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about homemade sliders, especially when they’re as flavorful and comforting as this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you create a dish that feels special yet approachable every single time. I can’t wait for you to make these – your family and friends will be asking for this recipe again and again!
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Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh basil pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese all layered on soft slider rolls, they are brushed with a flavorful garlic butter and baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. A crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that combines savory herbs, gooey cheese, and juicy chicken into every bite.
Ingredients
Slider Rolls & Butter Mixture
- 12 count package slider rolls
- 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 the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the slider rolls. Slice the slider rolls horizontally and place the bottom halves evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating the base for the sliders.
- Make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, finely minced garlic, and freshly minced parsley to create a fragrant garlic butter mixture.
- Assemble the sliders. Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom slider rolls, then layer the shredded cooked chicken followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Spread the remaining pesto over the cheese and place the top halves of the rolls on the sliders.
- Brush and season. Brush the prepared garlic butter mixture over the tops of the slider rolls, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor.
- Bake the sliders. Cover the baking pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought basil pesto depending on your preference and convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Make sure to cover the sliders with foil initially to help the cheese melt evenly without drying out the bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat covered to retain moisture.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.
