Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of garlic and melted cheese filled the kitchen as I pulled these Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders from the oven, and instantly, my mouth watered. These delightful little sandwiches are a game-changer when you need something quick yet impressive for game day or a cozy gathering with friends. The recipe combines tender shredded chicken with rich basil pesto and gooey mozzarella—all hugged by soft slider rolls that just beg to be devoured. With a prep time that’s as breezy as an afternoon breeze, you’ll find yourself whipping these up again and again. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile; whether you’re hosting a party or just craving comfort food, these sliders will surely become a household favorite. Curious about how to make this under-30-minute wonder? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Sliders So Irresistible? Simplicity: This recipe is designed for everyone—just a few steps and your sliders are ready to bake! Flavor Explosion: With the perfect blend of shredded chicken, basil pesto, and melted mozzarella, every bite will burst with savory goodness. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game day or family dinner, these cheesy sliders are sure to impress your guests. Versatile: Customize easily by swapping chicken for shredded beef or turkey, or add fresh veggies for an extra twist. Quick & Easy: It’s all about the ease here—prepare and bake in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights or surprise gatherings! For a delicious side to complement these sliders, consider serving them with crispy fries or a fresh salad. You’ll love how adaptable and satisfying this recipe can be! Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Ingredients Whether you’re hosting game day or craving a cozy night in, gathering these delightful ingredients will set you up for success! For the Sliders Shredded Chicken – Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for an effortless option. Basil Pesto – Choose between homemade or store-bought for that fresh, herbaceous flavor. Mozzarella Cheese – Fresh mozzarella guarantees a gooey, melty experience. Slider Rolls – Soft potato or brioche rolls provide a delightful structure for your sliders. For the Garlic Butter Butter – Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning in your dish. Minced Garlic – Freshly minced offers the best aromatic punch to elevate your toppings. Herbs – A mix of your favorite herbs enhances the flavor profile and adds freshness. These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are not only quick to whip up but absolutely rewarding, making them a delightful addition to your recipe collection. Happy cooking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step to ensure that your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients and get ready to assemble the delicious sliders. Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Pesto In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the basil pesto. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated in the rich, aromatic pesto. This flavorful mixture will serve as the heart of your sliders, so take a moment to ensure it’s well blended. Step 3: Prepare the Slider Rolls Take your slider rolls and carefully slice them horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom for each slider. Place the bottom halves snugly in a baking dish, making sure that they fit closely together. This will form a sturdy base for your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, holding all the delicious ingredients in place. Step 4: Layer on the Chicken Mixture Evenly spread the chicken and pesto mixture over the bottom halves of the slider rolls in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press the mixture down, ensuring it’s distributed evenly. This will create a delicious filling that’s bursting with flavor, making your sliders irresistible! Step 5: Add the Cheesy Goodness Generously sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the chicken layer, covering it as evenly as possible. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, delicious topping for your sliders. Feel free to add extra cheese if you’re a cheese lover, as this will also enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Step 6: Top with the Other Half of Rolls Carefully place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheesy chicken filling. Press down gently to help them adhere to the filling but be careful not to squish them too much. This step is crucial for keeping all those wonderful flavors packed inside each of the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders. Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Butter In a small bowl, mix together melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs. Brush this aromatic garlic butter generously over the tops of the slider rolls. This step adds a golden, fragrant topping that will enhance the overall flavor of your sliders as they bake. Step 8: Bake the Sliders Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the sliders as they cook; you’re looking for the cheese to melt beautifully and the tops to turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are almost ready to devour! What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Create a well-rounded meal that complements these irresistible sliders with delightful sides and drinks. Crispy French Fries: Serve these classic fries alongside for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the gooey sliders. Fresh Green Salad: A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sliders, balancing the flavors perfectly. Garlic Bread: Keep the garlic theme going with buttery, toasted garlic bread for a comforting duo that’s sure to satisfy any garlic lover. Coleslaw: The crispness and tang of coleslaw provide a bright counterpoint to the savory sliders while adding a satisfying crunch. Roasted Vegetables: Tossed in olive oil and herbs, roasted veggies add color and nutrition, enhancing the meal without overwhelming it. Sparkling Lemonade: A fizzy lemonade not only quenches thirst but also adds a zesty sparkle that lifts the flavors of the sliders. Craft Beer: Pair with a light lager for a refreshing option that complements the richness of the cheese without overpowering the dish. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note with classic cookies, creating a lovely contrast to the savory sliders and bringing smiles all around. Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Variations Feel free to mix and match these tasty ideas to make your sliders uniquely yours! Beefy Twist: Substitute shredded chicken for tender shredded beef, giving your sliders a heartier taste. You might find that this variation brings a rich beef flavor that balances beautifully with the pesto. Turkey Delight: Instead of chicken, try shredded turkey for a lighter option that still packs a punch. Perfect for using up leftovers from your holiday feasts! Veggie Boost: Add sautéed onions and bell peppers for a delicious crunch and extra nutrients. These veggies will enhance the texture and provide a colorful twist to the sliders. Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a spread of spicy aioli for heat. This fiery twist will satisfy any spice lover’s craving and elevate the flavor profile beautifully. Tomato Flair: Swap basil pesto with a sun-dried tomato spread for a distinctly Mediterranean flair. The slight sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes will complement the cheesy goodness just right. Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella and substitute butter with a non-dairy alternative to create a lactose-free version that everyone can enjoy. Tasteful adaptations ensure no one misses out on delicious sliders. Herbaceous Boost: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the chicken mixture for an extra layer of flavor. This fresh twist will enhance the aroma and taste, making every bite delightful. For more delectable inspiration, don’t forget to check out Pesto Chicken Broccoli or explore other favorites like Honey Garlic Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Chicken. These other recipes share that same love for flavor that makes cooking at home so much fun! Expert Tips for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking to maintain freshness and enhance flavors. Proper Melting: Use fresh mozzarella for the cheesiest and gooey texture; be cautious not to overbake, which can lead to rubbery cheese. Flavor Boost: Opt for homemade pesto if you can! It’ll elevate the flavor profile of your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders and impress your family and friends. Avoid Sogginess: Make sure your slider rolls are fresh and not overly soft; this helps keep the base from getting soggy during baking. Leftover Love: Reheat any leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel in the microwave to prevent drying out. How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Fridge: Store sliders tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: If you want to freeze for later, wrap sliders individually in plastic wrap and then foil, keeping them for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot, or microwave for 30 seconds covered with a damp paper towel. Make Ahead: Feel free to assemble the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking, ensuring convenience for game day or gatherings. Make Ahead Options These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the chicken mixture and place it on the bottom halves of the rolls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The garlic butter can be made ahead as well; just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, preheat the oven and bake the sliders for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This method ensures that your sliders remain just as delicious, saving you time and effort, making weeknight dinners or game day gatherings a breeze! Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for the sliders? Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a perfect choice for these sliders because it saves time and adds rich flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can poach or grill chicken breasts and shred them yourself! How should I store the leftover sliders? Very! To keep your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored properly. Can I freeze my sliders? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave, and they’ll taste freshly made! How can I ensure the cheese melts perfectly? For optimal melting, I recommend using fresh mozzarella, as it melts beautifully and provides that gooey texture we all love. Additionally, avoid overbaking! Check your sliders at the 15-minute mark to ensure the cheese is just melted and the tops are golden brown. Are these sliders suitable for kids or those with allergies? Absolutely! These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are versatile. If anyone has dairy allergies, you can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and for gluten-free guests, opt for gluten-free slider rolls. Always check the ingredient list for pesto and garlic butter to avoid any allergens. Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Very much! You can assemble the sliders up to a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This way, they are easy to pop into the oven for a quick and warm treat just before your guests arrive! Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe You'll Crave Again! This Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe combines tender chicken with basil pesto and mozzarella for a deliciously irresistible dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slidersCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sliders2 cups Shredded Chicken Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for ease.1/2 cup Basil Pesto Homemade or store-bought.2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Fresh mozzarella is recommended.8 count Slider Rolls Soft potato or brioche rolls.For the Garlic Butter1/4 cup Butter Use unsalted for better control.2 cloves Minced Garlic Freshly minced provides the best flavor.1 tablespoon Herbs A mix of your choice. Equipment OvenBaking dishMixing bowlspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Combine the shredded chicken with the basil pesto in a large mixing bowl.Slice the slider rolls horizontally in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.Spread the chicken and pesto mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the slider rolls.Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken layer.Place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheese layer.Mix together melted butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Brush over the top of the rolls.Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Nutrition Serving: 1sliderCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 12gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg NotesThese sliders can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. For best results, use fresh mozzarella to avoid rubbery cheese and ensure slider rolls are not overly soft to prevent sogginess. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
