Name: Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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 is great for this); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Introduction

These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are an irresistible combination of tender shredded chicken, flavorful basil pesto, and gooey mozzarella cheese all nestled in soft slider rolls. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family meal, they come together quickly and bake to melty perfection.

The image shows a close-up of a slider sandwich with three main layers inside a soft, shiny brown bun topped with green herbs and small bits of garlic. The top layer inside the slider is shredded white chicken followed by a middle layer of white melted cheese. The bottom layer has mashed yellow potatoes mixed with green herbs, all sitting inside the slightly toasted bottom bun. Another slider is blurred in the background on the right side, and the sliders rest on a white plate with subtle ridges on its edge. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13″ baking pan. Set aside.
Step 2: Unwrap the package of slider rolls and place on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice horizontally through the rolls, keeping them connected. Lift the entire top half off the bottom half.
Step 3: Place the bottom half of rolls in the prepared baking pan.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Set aside.
Step 5: Spread half of the pesto evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the pan.
Step 6: Layer the shredded chicken evenly over the pesto, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 7: Spread the remaining pesto on the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Place the top rolls, pesto side down, over the cheese.
Step 8: Brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.
Step 9: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, until hot and the cheese is fully melted.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before brushing on top.
Substitute shredded rotisserie turkey or pulled pork for chicken to change things up.
Try using provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella for a different melt and taste.
If you like it extra crispy, broil the sliders uncovered for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Storage

Store leftover sliders tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain a soft but toasted texture. Alternatively, microwave individual sliders covered with a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a soft sandwich bun with a shiny golden brown top sprinkled with green herbs and small bits of garlic, revealing its fluffy white interior where the bite is taken. Inside, there are layers of light shredded chicken, bright green pesto sauce, and creamy melted cheese with a slightly gooey texture. The sandwich sits on a white plate with subtle ridges around the edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred showing another similar sandwich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator and then bake just before serving to maintain freshness and gooey cheese.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly for this recipe, providing flavorful, shredded chicken with minimal effort.