If you adore the irresistible combination of cheesy goodness, vibrant pesto, and tender chicken tucked inside soft slider rolls, then you are in for a real treat with this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that takes just about 30 minutes and yields a plate of sliders bursting with flavor, great texture, and a beautiful balance of savory and fresh notes. Whether you’re gearing up for a casual get-together, a weeknight dinner, or just craving something a little special, these sliders bring that comforting, homemade vibe with a gourmet twist that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering amazing taste, texture, and aroma. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items—just a handful of essentials that come together perfectly to make these sliders truly unforgettable.
- 12 count package slider rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that cradle the fillings perfectly and get beautifully toasted in the oven.
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and herbs for that irresistible buttery crust.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced: Fresh garlic brings savory warmth and aromatic punch to the butter mixture.
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley: A pop of color and freshness that brightens up the sliders’ flavor profile.
- 2/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought (divided): The star ingredient for herbal, nutty goodness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Tender, juicy chicken providing the hearty protein base that’s perfect for sliders.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, adding creamy texture and that classic cheesy pull.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every other flavor in the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F—this temperature is just right to toast the rolls while melting the cheese without drying out the sliders. Meanwhile, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously, so your sliders don’t stick and the butter gets nicely absorbed.
Step 2: Prepare Slider Rolls
Slice the slider rolls horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Arrange the bottom halves snugly in your prepared baking pan. This gives you a solid foundation to build on without the rolls shifting during baking.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, finely minced garlic, and fresh parsley. This mixture will become your golden, flavorful glaze that transforms the ordinary slider buns into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Layer Ingredients
Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom rolls—this herbaceous layer locks in moisture and flavor. Then sprinkle the shredded chicken over the pesto, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Next, spread the remaining pesto over the top slider rolls for an extra burst of that classic basil goodness.
Step 5: Brush and Season
Brush the prepared garlic butter mixture thoroughly across the top slider buns, making sure each gets a glossy coating. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out all those beautiful garlic-pesto flavors.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture and bake for 10 minutes initially. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and melt to ooey-gooey perfection while the tops become beautifully golden brown.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes really elevates your sliders’ presentation and flavor punch. Try topping the finished sliders with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a fresh herbal note, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add subtle sweetness and tang that pairs wonderfully with the savory cheese and chicken.
Side Dishes
These sliders shine best alongside light, crisp sides that balance their richness. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette, crispy roasted potatoes, or even a bowl of tangy coleslaw all make excellent companions that keep the meal fun, fresh, and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Arrange the sliders on a large wooden cutting board topped with fresh herbs and small bowls of extra pesto and garlic butter for dipping. You can also serve these at casual parties stacked in a bread basket lined with parchment paper for a charming, rustic touch that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left, place them in an airtight container or tightly wrap the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining moisture and flavor for easy enjoyment later.
Freezing
For longer storage, these sliders freeze beautifully. Wrap each slider individually or keep them together in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, they hold their texture and flavor for up to 1 month, making them a perfect make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated sliders back to life, reheat them in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using cooked rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option and works wonderfully in this recipe, providing that juicy, flavorful chicken without any extra prep.
Is it okay to make the sliders vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for veggies like grilled mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even a mix of sautéed spinach and artichokes, paired with the pesto and cheese for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead and bake them later?
Definitely. You can assemble the sliders up to the point of brushing the garlic butter, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking to save time on serving day.
What type of pesto works best?
Traditional basil pesto gives the best flavor, but you can experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for different twists. Just make sure it’s thick enough to spread easily without making the rolls soggy.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
Try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter mixture, or add a thin slice of jalapeño on top of the chicken before adding the cheese for a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep handy whenever you need a quick yet impressive meal. Its balance of fresh herbaceous pesto, melty cheese, and savory chicken packed inside buttery, garlicky rolls is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to make these sliders and share them with your loved ones—they’re definitely a homemade favorite that feels both cozy and special all at once.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are an easy and delicious appetizer or meal perfect for gatherings or a quick family dinner. Soft slider rolls are layered with shredded chicken, fragrant basil pesto, melted mozzarella cheese, and a flavorful garlic butter spread, then baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Slider Rolls
- 12 count package slider rolls
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley
Filling
- 2/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought (divided)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Slider Rolls: Slice the slider rolls horizontally in half and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking pan, forming a base layer.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with finely minced garlic and minced fresh parsley, mixing well to create a flavorful spread.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom rolls. Next, evenly distribute the cooked and shredded chicken over the pesto, followed by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken. Spread the remaining pesto on the top halves of the rolls and place them over the layered filling.
- Brush and Season: Generously brush the prepared garlic butter mixture over the top of the rolls, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Bake: Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and cheese to begin melting. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the tops of the sliders are lightly golden.
Notes
- You can prepare the sliders a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add extra baking time if cold from the fridge.
- Homemade basil pesto will give a fresher flavor, but store-bought works perfectly well for convenience.
- For extra cheesiness, add a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- Use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast for the shredded chicken.
- Leftover sliders can be reheated covered in foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
