Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you’re craving something oozing with melty cheese, packed with zippy flavor, and just plain fun to eat, these Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are your new go-to. Imagine juicy chicken, fresh basil pesto, and a garlicky butter drizzle… all tucked into pillowy-soft slider buns. These sliders are a rave-worthy crowd-pleaser, whether for game day, a family snack, or easy entertaining!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might already have most of these staples waiting in your kitchen, and that’s the beauty of this recipe—each ingredient has a starring role, from the herby pesto to the tender chicken and golden, garlicky tops. Here’s what brings these sliders to life:

• Slider Rolls: Opt for soft, pull-apart dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls for the ultimate fluffy base that soaks up all the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter forms the backbone of that irresistible, golden garlic topping.
• Garlic: Freshly minced cloves give every bite that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma—skip the jarred stuff if you can!
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of bright, fresh parsley adds color and a lovely herbal lift.
• Basil Pesto: Store-bought or homemade—either one brings a punch of bold, herby flavor that pairs seamlessly with chicken and cheese.
• Cooked, Shredded Chicken: A rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful shortcut, but any leftover cooked chicken will work.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella gives you that ooey-gooey cheese pull everyone loves—don’t skimp!
• Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch helps round out all the other flavors and makes the garlic shine.

Variations

One of the best things about Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders? You can switch them up to suit any mood, ingredient on hand, or dietary need. Get creative and put your own spin on the filling or toppings!

• Bread Swap: Use gluten-free slider rolls or mini brioche buns for a different texture or to make the recipe gluten-friendly.
• Pesto Play: Try sun-dried tomato pesto or a spicy arugula pesto instead of classic basil for a dazzling flavor twist.
• Protein Switch: Use sliced turkey, roast beef, or even grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Add provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack in addition to the mozzarella for extra ooze and flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Buns

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Place your slider rolls, still connected, on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to slice across the entire package—gently, so you keep the tops and bottoms each as one single piece. This keeps things tidy and makes assembly a breeze!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with your finely minced garlic and fresh parsley. Stir it up and set aside, dreaming of the golden, fragrant buns you’ll soon enjoy.

Step 3: Layer on the Flavor

Add just the bottom half of the sliced rolls to your prepared pan. Generously slather half the pesto across the cut surface. Top that with your shredded chicken (make sure it’s evenly distributed), then pile on the mozzarella cheese for max meltiness.

Step 4: Add Pesto and the Top Layer

Now, spread the remaining pesto liberally over the cut side of your roll tops. Place them cut-side down over the cheese so every layer explodes with basil flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Brush the entire top of the sliders with your prepared garlic butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 10 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 5–10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese is bubbling like a dream.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle your sliders with chopped fresh basil or extra parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of grated parmesan over the tops is also gorgeous (and seriously tasty!).

Side Dishes

Pair Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders with a crisp Caesar salad, tangy marinated tomatoes, or a simple bowl of kettle chips for a grab-and-go vibe. For heartier appetites, consider roasted potatoes or a side of soup—the sliders are perfect for dunking!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the sliders in a circle around a bowl of extra pesto or garlic aioli for dipping—party style! For lunchboxes or picnics, wrap each slider individually in parchment for portable, mess-free eating. Try skewering each slider with a cute pick and a cherry tomato for a little extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders completely, then tuck any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful, so you’ll love them just as much the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze completely cooked and cooled sliders! Wrap them tightly in foil and pop them in a freezer bag. For freshest flavor, enjoy within 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the sliders with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the rolls are heated through. For the best texture, avoid microwaving if possible—it makes the bread tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to whip up these Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders soon—whether for a quick weeknight dinner, your next potluck, or simply to treat yourself. They’re impossibly easy, reliably delicious, and so much fun to share. If you give them a try, let me know how they turn out. Happy slider making!

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