Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Introduction
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are a perfect blend of savory flavors wrapped in soft, golden rolls. Ideal for game day, family dinners, or casual gatherings, they come together quickly and deliver a satisfying, comforting bite every time.
Ingredients
- 12 count package slider rolls
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley
- 2/3 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought, divided)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Set it aside.
- Step 2: Place the unwrapped package of slider rolls on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice horizontally across the rolls, keeping your hand on top to steady them.
- Step 3: Keep the rolls connected, then lift the entire top section off of the bottom section. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking pan.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Set this garlic butter mixture aside.
- Step 5: Spread half of the pesto evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the pan.
- Step 6: Layer shredded chicken evenly on top of the pesto, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Step 7: Spread the remaining pesto over the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Place the top half, cut side down, onto the cheese layer.
- Step 8: Brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the rolls, then season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Step 9: Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sliders are hot and the cheese is melted.
Tips & Variations
- Use a rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different cheesy twist.
- If you want extra crispiness, broil the sliders uncovered for the last 1-2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Add a few red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain a crispy top. Microwaving is faster but may result in softer rolls.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the sliders and refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While slider rolls work best for easy serving and portion control, you can use small buns or soft dinner rolls as a substitute. Just adjust baking time as needed.
PrintCheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are the perfect savory bite-sized sandwiches featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy mozzarella cheese, and vibrant basil pesto, all layered on soft slider rolls and baked to gooey perfection with a garlic butter topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 count package slider rolls
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought; divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Spread
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the sliders.
- Slice Slider Rolls: Unwrap the package of slider rolls and place them on a cutting board. Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice horizontally across the entire package, keeping the rolls connected. Hold the rolls steady with one hand to ensure an even cut.
- Separate Rolls: Gently lift the top section of the sliced rolls off from the bottom section, keeping them as one piece each. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking pan.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, and minced fresh parsley. Stir well and set aside to use later.
- Layer Pesto & Chicken: Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom half of the slider rolls in the baking pan. Next, distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the pesto layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the chicken layer to create a cheesy topping.
- Top with Remaining Pesto & Rolls: Spread the remaining pesto on the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Then carefully place the top half of the rolls, cut side down, onto the cheese-covered bottom half, forming the sliders.
- Brush with Garlic Butter & Season: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the assembled sliders. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired to enhance the flavors.
- Bake Covered & Uncovered: Loosely cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sliders are hot and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Using a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor but you can use any cooked shredded chicken.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Make sure to keep the slider rolls connected when slicing to maintain the structure during assembly and baking.
- Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to keep moist.
Keywords: Chicken sliders, cheesy chicken sliders, pesto chicken, garlic pesto chicken, slider sandwiches, baked sliders
