Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe Delights

Name: Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-count Hawaiian sweet rolls; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 cup basil pesto; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (chopped); Fresh baby spinach leaves; 4 tbsp salted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

by Jannet Lisa

10 de May de 2025

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Ever wondered what happens when garlic butter, pesto, chicken, and melty cheese unite on a soft slider bun? Pure magic! This Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible meal that’s perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or a quick family dinner.

These sliders are the definition of comfort food elevated. Juicy shredded chicken blends with vibrant pesto and gets topped with two kinds of cheese before being baked to golden perfection under a garlic butter glaze. The best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort!

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, these sliders deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Let me show you why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

The Best Reasons to Try These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Quick assembly – spend just 10 minutes prepping, then let your oven do the work
Perfect for meal prep – make ahead and reheat beautifully when you need an easy Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders meal
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed – even picky eaters can’t resist these flavor-packed sliders
Customizable – easily adapt the recipe with different meats or cheeses while keeping the delicious pesto foundation
Budget-friendly – stretch a small amount of chicken into a satisfying meal for the whole family

The combination of zesty pesto, savory garlic butter, and gooey cheese creates layers of flavor that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Truth is, this is one of the easiest hot sandwiches you’ll ever make!

What You Need to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

For this simple yet impressive dish, gather these essential ingredients: one 12-count package of slider buns (kept together as a slab), 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, ½ cup prepared pesto, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley.

Don’t have all the exact ingredients? No problem! Rotisserie chicken works beautifully as a time-saver, or use leftover turkey after holidays. For the cheeses, provolone can substitute for mozzarella, and romano works in place of parmesan. Store-bought pesto is perfectly fine, but homemade pesto adds an extra dimension of freshness if you have basil on hand.

How to make delicious Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders easily at home

Step-by-Step How-To Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go for seamless assembly.

Tip: If using frozen slider buns, let them thaw completely before starting. Room temperature buns absorb the garlic butter much better than cold ones.

Step 2: Prep the Slider Buns

Using a large serrated knife, slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.

Tip: Don’t separate the individual rolls! Keeping them connected makes the assembly process much faster and helps the sliders hold together beautifully.

Step 3: Build the First Layer

Spread the pesto evenly across the bottom half of the buns. Make sure to reach all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. The creamy pesto serves as both a moisture barrier and the first flavor foundation.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Distribute the shredded chicken evenly on top of the pesto layer. If your chicken is plain, you can mix it with 2 tablespoons of extra pesto before adding it to the sliders for more intense flavor.

Tip: For the juiciest results, use chicken that hasn’t been refrigerated for too long. Freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken will be more moist than chicken that’s been in the fridge for days.

Step 5: Layer the Cheese

Sprinkle first the mozzarella and then the parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken layer. Using two types of cheese creates the perfect balance of stretch and flavor when melted.

Step 6: Create the Garlic Butter Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 30 seconds). Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine into a fragrant garlic butter mixture.

Tip: For extra flavor, let the butter mixture sit for 5 minutes after mixing to allow the garlic to infuse into the butter.

Step 7: Assemble and Glaze

Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese layer. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the buns, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Tip: If you have extra garlic butter, drizzle it along the edges where the rolls meet. This will seep down during baking for extra flavor throughout.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

Tip: Every oven is different. Watch carefully during the final baking minutes to prevent burning the tops of the sliders.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the sliders rest for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes cutting and serving much easier. Use a sharp knife to cut along the seams of the slider buns to separate them.

Tip: For picture-perfect presentation, sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top just before serving.

Nutritional Info Snapshot

These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders pack a satisfying punch while keeping portions sensible:

Calories: Approximately 320 per slider
Protein: 18g per slider (great for muscle recovery!)
Carbs: 23g per slider
Fat: 16g per slider (mostly from the beneficial fats in pesto)

The sliders are rich in calcium from the double cheese layer and provide quality protein from the chicken. The pesto contains healthy fats from olive oil and antioxidants from basil, making this more nutritious than your average slider.

Looking for a lower-carb option? Serve the chicken pesto mixture over zucchini noodles instead of on buns for a keto-friendly meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These sliders are at their absolute best fresh from the oven, but leftovers store surprisingly well:

Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to meld together, making day-two sliders almost better than day-one!

Freezer Storage: Individually wrap each slider in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Methods:

Oven (Best Method): Wrap sliders in foil and heat at 325°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave (Quickest): Place slider on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-45 seconds. The bun may become slightly softer, but the flavor remains delicious.
Air Fryer: 3-4 minutes at 350°F gives you the quickest crispy-exterior results.

Tip: To revive day-old sliders, sprinkle a few drops of water on top before reheating to restore moisture to the buns.

Top FAQs About Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

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

Absolutely! Assemble the sliders completely up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to add the garlic butter topping until just before baking. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, remove from the fridge, add the garlic butter, and bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting with cold sliders.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for these sliders?

The most flavor-packed method is to poach boneless chicken breasts in chicken broth with Italian seasoning for 15-18 minutes until they reach 165°F internally. Let them cool slightly before shredding with two forks. For the quickest option, a store-bought rotisserie chicken yields tender, juicy meat that’s perfect for these sliders.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with 2 cups of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them to the sliders. Another great option is using 2 cups of cooked quinoa mixed with 2 tablespoons of pesto for a protein-rich vegetarian alternative.

How can I make these sliders spicy?

To add some heat, mix 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the pesto before spreading it on the buns. Alternatively, add thin slices of fresh jalapeño between the chicken and cheese layers. For a subtle kick, include 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in the garlic butter mixture.

Wrapping It Up: Final Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

The beauty of these Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders lies in their versatility and simplicity. They’re equally at home at a casual Super Bowl party or as an elevated weeknight dinner alongside a simple green salad. The combination of herbaceous pesto, savory chicken, and melty cheese creates a flavor profile that’s sophisticated yet comforting.

For the ultimate experience, serve these sliders while they’re still warm, when the cheese is at its stretchiest and the garlic butter aroma is filling your kitchen. They pair beautifully with simple sides like sweet potato fries, a light Caesar salad, or even just some crunchy pickle spears.

Don’t forget to save this recipe – these sliders have a way of becoming requested favorites! If you make them, snap a photo before they disappear (they will quickly!) and share your success. There’s nothing more satisfying than mastering an easy yet impressive dish like these Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders that brings smiles to everyone at your table.

Now that you have all the secrets to making the best Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, it’s time to gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible meal. Happy cooking!