Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines layers of melty cheese, savory garlic pesto, and tender chicken tucked inside soft slider buns, you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders recipe. This Delicious Recipe captures everything you want in a casual, crowd-pleasing bite that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or a cozy family meal, these sliders bring together vibrant flavors and effortless preparation for an irresistible snack or entrée.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Delicious Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each bringing their own touch to the final dish. From the shredded chicken that delivers hearty substance, to the garlic pesto that infuses every bite with herbaceous richness, every component plays an essential role in flavor, texture, and color.

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use tender leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time and add juicy protein.
• 12 slider buns (split): Soft, small buns are perfect for hand-held sliders that stay tender after baking.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully to blanket the chicken with gooey, mild creaminess.
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty boost that complements the mozzarella and pesto.
• 0.33 cup garlic pesto: This flavor powerhouse is the heart of the recipe, infusing savory garlic and fresh basil notes.
• 4 tbsp melted butter: Brushed on top for a golden, buttery crust that’s irresistible.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic theme with a warm, subtle kick on the slider tops.
• Pinch salt: Balances and intensifies all the underlying flavors.
• Fresh basil leaves: Optional but highly recommended for a vibrant, fresh garnish.
• Extra Parmesan (for topping): A sprinkle to finish for added flavor and a pretty presentation.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Chicken

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it perfectly preheated while you assemble your sliders. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces so it mixes evenly with the garlic pesto, ensuring every slider bites into that luscious, garlicky flavor.

Step 2: Mix Chicken with Garlic Pesto

Thoroughly toss the shredded chicken with the garlic pesto until it’s completely coated. This step is critical because it distributes the vibrant pesto flavor throughout all the chicken, making every mouthful burst with herb-infused goodness.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Carefully slice your slider buns in half horizontally. On the bottom halves, layer the pesto-coated chicken as your hearty base. Then generously sprinkle both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top to ensure a dreamy, cheesy melt that will hold all those fantastic flavors together.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to make a flavorful brush-on topping. This buttery mix will help create that beautiful golden crust on the slider tops, adding another layer of richness to the overall flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection

Place the sliders snugly in a baking dish and brush each top bun with the garlic butter mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cheeses have melted and the tops are a beautiful golden brown. This step melds all the layers together into one glorious, melty bite.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, optionally add fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a pop of color and flavor. Serve these sliders warm so that gooey cheese and fragrant pesto shine through in every serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves not only add a fresh, herbal brightness but also make these sliders look picture-perfect. A dusting of extra Parmesan creates an attractive finish and boosts the savory notes, making each slider even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, crunchy pickles, or classic oven-roasted potatoes. For a fun, casual meal, serve alongside chips or veggie sticks to keep things light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the sliders on a large wooden board surrounded by little bowls of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or extra pesto. You could also skewer each slider with a colorful toothpick topped with a basil leaf for easy grabbing and an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your sliders, store any leftovers tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and moisture in the chicken and bread.

Freezing

If you want to save the sliders for a longer period, freeze them before baking. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the bun from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

While cooked, shredded chicken works best for this Delicious Recipe, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs in advance, shred, and then follow the steps. Using raw chicken directly would require adjusting cooking times significantly.

Is garlic pesto store-bought okay to use?

Absolutely! Using store-bought garlic pesto is a convenient way to nail the flavor quickly. Just make sure it’s a quality pesto with fresh ingredients to get the best taste.

Can these sliders be made vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the shredded chicken with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant tossed in pesto as a delicious vegetarian alternative without sacrificing flavor.

What cheese works best for melting?

Mozzarella is perfect because of its gooey melt, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for interesting variations. The Parmesan adds sharpness and depth, so don’t skip it.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Delicious Recipe is mild, focusing on garlic and herb flavors rather than heat. If you want a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto chicken mix.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders recipe is such a joy to make and an absolute crowd favorite when served. The layers of melty cheese, savory pesto, and tender chicken are irresistible, and the process is straightforward enough for any home cook to master. Give this Delicious Recipe a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these sliders in your recipe collection!

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