Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make crowd-pleaser perfect for game days, parties, or a delicious weeknight meal. Featuring tender shredded chicken layered with basil pesto and gooey mozzarella cheese, all nestled between soft slider rolls and brushed with a fragrant garlic butter mix, baked to melty perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Slider Rolls & Butter Mixture
- 12 count package slider rolls
- 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 (a rotisserie chicken is great for this)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Set it aside for later use.
- Slice Slider Rolls: Place the unwrapped package of slider rolls on a cutting board. Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice horizontally through the entire roll package while keeping the rolls connected. Keep one hand on top to steady the rolls while slicing.
- Separate Top and Bottom: Lift the entire top section of the sliced rolls off from the bottom section. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking pan.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, finely minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble Bottom Layer: Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the baking pan. Then, layer the shredded chicken on top of the pesto, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add Top Layer: Spread the remaining pesto over the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Carefully place the top half of the rolls, cut side down, onto the cheese layer, completing the slider sandwich.
- Apply Garlic Butter and Season: Brush the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the assembled sliders. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This will warm the sliders through while allowing the cheese to begin melting.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes or until the sliders are hot throughout and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then cut between each slider and serve warm for a delicious, cheesy, garlic pesto chicken treat.
Notes
- A rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut, but you can also use grilled or baked chicken breasts shredded finely.
- You can make your own basil pesto or use a high-quality store-bought version for convenience.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter mixture.
- Covering with foil during the first baking phase prevents the tops from over-browning while melting the cheese perfectly.
- These sliders are great for preparing ahead and reheating; just cover and warm in the oven before serving.
Keywords: Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, easy sliders, baked sliders, chicken sliders, pesto chicken recipe, game day food, party sandwiches, mozzarella chicken sliders
