If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible, flavor-packed treat that’s perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or game day munching, then this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. These little sandwiches bring together tender shredded chicken smothered in aromatic basil pesto, ooey-gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a delightful garlic butter glaze that makes every bite sing with richness and warmth. They’re simple to assemble, bake quickly, and deliver big on both comfort and wow factor — trust me, once you taste these sliders, they’re going to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step toward making these sliders unforgettable. Each component plays a critical role — the pesto brings fresh basil brightness, the cheeses add melty indulgence, and the garlic butter tops everything off with a savory aroma and golden finish.
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast: Using tender shredded chicken provides a hearty base that absorbs all the delicious pesto flavors perfectly.
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet buns cradle the filling beautifully and are easy to handle for party snacking.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto: This vibrant sauce floods the dish with herbaceous, garlicky goodness that makes these sliders unique.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds that creamy, melty texture that brings chewiness and satisfaction.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan offers a sharp, nutty punch that enhances the overall cheesy depth.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Butter is the base of the luscious garlic glaze that crisps up the tops of the buns.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the butter for a flavorful zing that makes these sliders irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This seasoning adds a perfect blend of herbs to balance the rich flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to bring out the best in the chicken and pesto mixture.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Buns
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you assemble the sliders. Slice your slider buns or Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally — this gives you perfect sandwich ‘pockets’ to hold the chicken and cheese layers. Place the bottom halves evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, which sets the stage for layering your flavorful filling.
Step 2: Mix Chicken with Pesto
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the basil pesto. The pesto coats every strand of chicken in its herbal aroma and rich garlicky taste. Season this mixture lightly with salt and pepper, because this step is critical toward balancing the layers of flavor in your sliders.
Step 3: Layer the Filling and Cheese
Spread the pesto chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, making sure each slider has a generous amount. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a light dusting of grated Parmesan. These cheeses will melt wonderfully to create that indulgent, gooey texture every slider lover dreams of.
Step 4: Add Top Buns and Garlic Butter
Gently place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheesy chicken filling. Now, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Use a brush to coat the slider tops with this garlic butter mixture generously — this step is what gives you that golden, fragrant crust after baking.
Step 5: Bake and Brown to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the sliders moist and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue to bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted. Your kitchen will be filled with a tantalizing aroma that’s impossible to resist!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To make these sliders pop even more, consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves for added freshness and a splash of color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a light drizzle of extra pesto can also elevate the presentation and taste just before serving.
Side Dishes
These sliders shine when paired with crisp sides like a tangy coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, or crunchy kettle-cooked potato chips. You can also offer a bowl of marinara or ranch dipping sauce, which adds a versatile and tasty element that complements the rich, cheesy filling beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game days, arrange the sliders on a wooden serving board with toothpicks to hold them together, making them easy to grab and go. Or, serve them in individual small baskets lined with parchment paper for a charming and casual vibe that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep the chicken moist and the buns soft. Before eating, you might find reheating them brings back all that freshly baked goodness just right.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders assembled but unbaked by wrapping the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the baking instructions to get that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven helps restore that crispy garlic butter topping and melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that provides tender, flavorful shredded chicken without the extra prep time, making this recipe even easier to whip up.
Is it possible to make the sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, you just pop them in the oven when guests arrive or whenever you’re ready to eat.
Can I substitute the basil pesto with another sauce?
While basil pesto is the signature flavor of this recipe, you can experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto, creamy Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy chipotle sauce for a different twist.
What type of cheese works best for these sliders?
Mozzarella and Parmesan blend perfectly for their meltability and flavor. However, you can also try provolone or fontina if you want a mild but creamy alternative.
How do I make these sliders less rich?
Using reduced-fat cheese and cutting back a little on the butter in the garlic glaze are great ways to lighten this dish up while still keeping plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe is like crafting little bundles of pure comfort and joy that are sure to impress everyone gathered around your table. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is easy, delicious, and full of personality. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — your taste buds will thank you for it!
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: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are a delightful blend of shredded chicken, basil pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese tucked inside soft slider buns. Perfect for parties, game day, or a family-friendly main course, these sliders combine savory garlic butter and Italian seasoning with a golden baked finish for a comforting and flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns horizontally in half and arrange the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Mix the chicken filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with basil pesto. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the mixture is well coated.
- Assemble the sliders: Spread the pesto chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the buns. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken layer. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and filling to close each slider.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the tops of the buns.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This will meld the flavors and start melting the cheese.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil from the dish and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese has fully melted.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and serve the sliders warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut to save time while maintaining flavor.
- For extra flavor and freshness, add a slice of tomato or a handful of spinach inside the sliders before baking.
- You can assemble the sliders ahead of time, refrigerate them covered, and bake just before serving to save prep time on the day of your event.
