Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are everything you want in a party bite—gooey, garlicky, cheesy, and packed with herby pesto flavor. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner, they’re simple to prep ahead and guaranteed to disappear fast!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sliders
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Slider Rolls
• Step 3: Assemble the Bottom Half
• Step 4: Mix Garlic Butter
• Step 5: Spread Pesto
• Step 6: Layer Chicken and Cheese
• Step 7: Top with Remaining Pesto
• Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter
• Step 9: Bake
• Step 10: Serve
• How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
• Pair with Dipping Sauces
• Serve on a Platter
• Customize Your Sliders
• How to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
• Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
• Reheating Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
• What type of chicken should I use?
• How can I customize these sliders?
• Are these sliders suitable for freezing?
• What other dips pair well with these sliders?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and cook time, you can whip these sliders up quickly for any occasion.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, cheese, and pesto delivers a mouthwatering taste experience that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Serving Options: These sliders are great as an appetizer or main course, making them perfect for any gathering.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and bake just before serving to save time during busy events.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, these sliders are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right kitchen equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan (9×13-inch)
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: A good-quality baking pan ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients easily without mess.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for applying the garlic butter mixture evenly over the rolls.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 1 (12-count) package slider rolls
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
• ⅔ cup basil pesto (divided, homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare Slider Rolls

Slice the slider rolls horizontally like a sandwich bun. Keep the tops and bottoms intact as single pieces.

Step 3: Assemble the Bottom Half

Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan.

Step 4: Mix Garlic Butter

In a small mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 5: Spread Pesto

Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.

Step 6: Layer Chicken and Cheese

Layer the shredded chicken over the pesto. Follow with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Pesto

Spread the remaining pesto over the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Place this on top of the cheese layer.

Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter

Using your pastry brush, apply the garlic butter mixture on top of the rolls. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 9: Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is fully melted and tops are golden.

Step 10: Serve

Allow to cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders. Serve warm for maximum enjoyment!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are not just delicious; they are also versatile. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience at any gathering.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Marinara Sauce – A classic Italian dip that complements the cheesy flavors perfectly.
• Ranch Dressing – Creamy and tangy, ranch adds a refreshing touch to each bite.
• Spicy Aioli – For those who love a kick, this garlic mayo blend enhances the sliders.

Serve on a Platter

• Garnished with Fresh Herbs – Arrange sliders on a platter and sprinkle fresh parsley or basil for visual appeal.
• Accompanied by Pickles – Add a side of dill pickles for an extra crunch that contrasts nicely with the sliders’ softness.

Customize Your Sliders

• Add Extra Cheese – For true cheese lovers, stack additional mozzarella or even cheddar before baking.
• Include Vegetables – Layer in sliced tomatoes or spinach for added freshness and color.

How to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

To ensure your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavor Boost – Incorporate spicy elements like red pepper flakes into the pesto for an extra kick.
• Boldly Shred Chicken – Make sure your chicken is shredded finely for even distribution throughout the sliders.
• Bold Butter Brush – Generously brush the garlic butter over the tops of the rolls to achieve an irresistible golden finish.
• Bold Bake Time Adjustment – Keep an eye on baking time; ovens can vary, so watch for that golden brown color and bubbling cheese.
• Bold Refrigeration Tip – If preparing ahead, refrigerate the assembled sliders before baking to let flavors meld together better.

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Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

These sliders pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious options to consider when serving them.

1. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery, these make for a delightful companion alongside your cheesy sliders.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Sweet Potato Fries – Sweet and salty fries add an appealing crunch that complements the softness of the sliders.
4. Vegetable Platter – Fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers with hummus keep things light.
5. Coleslaw – A zesty slaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the sliders nicely.
6. Potato Wedges – Seasoned and crispy potato wedges create a hearty side option everyone will enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the butter mixture – Not brushing the top of the rolls with garlic butter can lead to a dry slider. Always use it for added flavor and moisture.
• Overstuffing the sliders – Adding too much filling can make it hard to close the sliders. Keep layers balanced for even cooking and easier handling.
• Not letting them cool – Cutting into hot sliders can cause ingredients to spill out. Let them cool slightly for clean slices.
• Using cold chicken – Cold chicken won’t melt the cheese properly. Ensure your shredded chicken is warmed before assembling.
• Ignoring seasoning – Forgetting salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Season each layer to enhance taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
• If unbaked, you can refrigerate the assembled sliders before baking; bake within 1 day.

Freezing Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

• Wrap sliders tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags; they last up to 3 months.
• Label with date and contents for future reference.

Reheating Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat one slider at a time on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, checking often.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and bake just before serving. This makes them ideal for gatherings!

What type of chicken should I use?

Rotisserie chicken works great due to its flavor and convenience. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.

How can I customize these sliders?

Feel free to add other ingredients like roasted red peppers or different cheeses for added flavor!

Are these sliders suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking or after. Just ensure they’re wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.

What other dips pair well with these sliders?

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders go well with marinara sauce or a garlic aioli for dipping.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for parties or weeknight dinners, they are easy to customize based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy delicious bites that everyone will love!

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