Looking for your next crowd-pleasing appetizer or a weekday family dinner that’s equal parts easy and irresistible? This Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe is here to win hearts and taste buds! Juicy shredded chicken wrapped in aromatic basil pesto, blanketed by oozy mozzarella, and sandwiched between soft buns brushed with buttery garlic – these sliders deliver a serious explosion of flavor. Whether you’re hosting the big game or just want a comfort food fix, you’ll love how these mini sandwiches bring people together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe truly magical is how a handful of familiar, simple ingredients work in harmony to create layers of flavor and gooey, melty texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each piece matters:
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: Gives the sliders their hearty bite and soaks up all the pesto goodness; rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Soft and pillow-like, these hold all the cheesy, savory filling together and add just the right touch of sweetness.
- Basil pesto: The flavor bomb – pesto brings fresh herbal notes, nutty richness, and a burst of color.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, binding everything with its gooey, stretchy appeal.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on for depth, saltiness, and a hint of sharpness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brushes the buns for a golden, buttery finish.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic in the butter totally transforms the aroma and flavor profile – don’t skip it!
- Italian seasoning: Adds an extra layer of herby fragrance right on top.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning and balance – adjust to your liking based on your pesto’s saltiness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks – this step is key for easy serving (and cleanup!). As the oven warms, slice your slider buns or Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Layer the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish, creating the perfect base for the cheesy, flavorful filling.
Step 2: Mix Up the Pesto Chicken
In a large bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with the basil pesto. Give it a good toss so every shred is well coated. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go – remember, some store-bought pestos can already be salty, so adjust carefully. This mixture is where all the bright herby flavor happens!
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Spread the pesto chicken mixture evenly over the bottom bun layer. Don’t be shy – pack it all in so you get a generous bite in every slider. Now it’s time for the real fun: sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top, followed by a good dusting of grated Parmesan. The cheeses will melt together in the oven and make every bite super satisfying.
Step 4: Add the Top Buns and Garlic Butter
Carefully place the slider tops over your mountain of filling. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush this fragrant mixture all over the tops of the buns. Trust me, this buttery garlic topping is what makes these sliders completely irresistible.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Gooey
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to get everything heated through and start that cheese melting. Then uncover and bake for another 5–7 minutes, letting the tops turn deliciously golden and the cheese bubble up to perfection. Serve your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe warm – the hardest part is waiting for them to cool down enough to eat!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle your sliders with a few torn basil leaves or a little extra Parmesan. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can take these over the top. Even a crack of black pepper looks beautiful over the golden tops right out of the oven.
Side Dishes
Since this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe is rich and flavorful, it pairs wonderfully with crisp, crunchy sides. Try a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or classic potato chips. For something extra fun, whip up a big platter of sweet potato fries or a cold pasta salad for the ultimate party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, assemble the sliders on a big wooden board with dipping sauces on the side – think extra pesto, ranch, or a zesty marinara. Skewer each slider with a fancy pick for easy grabbing, or nestle them among bunches of fresh herbs and sliced tomatoes for eye-catching color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the sliders tightly or transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rolls will soak up all that cheesy, herby goodness, making them even more flavorful the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual sliders or the whole pan well in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor of the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe.
Reheating
Warm leftover sliders in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until the cheese re-melts and the buns are fluffy again (about 10–15 minutes). For smaller portions, the microwave works too—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep things soft. No one will ever guess they aren’t freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe and saves you a ton of prep time while adding great flavor.
What type Main Course
Soft Hawaiian rolls are a popular favorite for their sweetness, but any slider buns, dinner rolls, or even mini brioche buns will work beautifully here.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely – assemble the sliders right up to the point of baking, then cover tightly and refrigerate. Just pop them in the oven when guests arrive and enjoy piping hot, melty sliders with zero last-minute fuss.
Is there a way to make them a little lighter?
If you’d like a lighter version, try using low-fat mozzarella or swap half the chicken for sautéed spinach or sliced tomatoes. These tweaks give you extra veggies but keep all the cheesy, pesto goodness.
What if I want to make a double batch?
This recipe scales up perfectly! Just prepare double the filling and use two pans – it’s a lifesaver for feeding a hungry crowd at game day, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t wait for you to give this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe a spin in your own kitchen. Whether it’s for your next party, family dinner, or a crave-worthy snack, these sliders are sure to disappear in no time. Try them once and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again – enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of flavors packed into a bite-sized treat. Tender shredded chicken mixed with basil pesto, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all nestled in soft slider buns brushed with garlic butter. A crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
Shredded Chicken:
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast
Slider Buns:
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
Pesto Mixture:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the pesto and season with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture over the bottom buns.
- Add cheese: Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place the top buns over the filling.
- Prepare garlic butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the buns with the mixture.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
- Add a slice of tomato or a handful of spinach for extra flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
