Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

The aroma of Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders wafting through your kitchen will make everyone’s mouths water instantly. These irresistible mini sandwiches combine the vibrant flavors of basil pesto, tender chicken, melted cheese, and buttery garlic topping to create a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for game day, family gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners. The combination of savory, cheesy, and herbaceous notes makes these Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders stand out from ordinary sandwich recipes. You’ll learn how to layer flavors perfectly, achieve that golden buttery top, and customize these sliders to make them your signature dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, they strike the perfect balance between convenience and gourmet flavor—they come together in under 30 minutes but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The contrast between the soft, slightly sweet slider buns and the savory, herby pesto chicken filling creates a textural symphony that’s utterly satisfying.

What makes these sliders truly special is the triple threat of flavors: zesty pesto, gooey melted cheese, and the irresistible garlic butter that’s brushed on top before baking. When they emerge from the oven, the tops are perfectly golden and crispy while the insides remain tender and juicy.

Another winning aspect is their versatility—these pesto chicken sliders work beautifully as appetizers, main dishes, or party food. They’re also make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prep them earlier in the day and simply bake when guests arrive. The combination of familiar ingredients transformed into something extraordinary makes this recipe a guaranteed hit with both picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

For the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, you’ll need:

• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 package)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 medium breasts or 12 oz)
• ⅓ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (6 oz)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (2 oz)
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

The key to exceptional sliders is using quality ingredients. If possible, opt for fresh mozzarella for superior meltability and a creamier texture. For the pesto, look for varieties with Parmigiano-Reggiano and pine nuts for authentic flavor, or make your own for the freshest taste. Hawaiian sweet rolls provide the perfect balance of sweetness against the savory filling, but any slider bun will work.

Pro Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For the juiciest, most flavorful base for your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, use rotisserie chicken. It’s pre-seasoned, moist, and saves significant preparation time. Simply shred it while still warm for the easiest handling. If cooking chicken from scratch, brine it first in salt water for 30 minutes to ensure it remains tender and juicy after baking.

Perfect Your Layering Technique: The secret to sliders that hold together and deliver consistent flavor in every bite is proper layering. Keep the buns connected when slicing them horizontally, and apply a thin layer of pesto to both the top and bottom halves. This creates a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Place cheese both under and over the chicken to create a “cheese glue” that helps everything stick together when melted.

Master the Garlic Butter Topping: For that restaurant-quality finish, brush the garlic butter mixture over the tops of the sliders just before baking, making sure to get some into the seams between rolls. For extra flavor infusion, prepare the garlic butter mixture 10-15 minutes in advance to allow the garlic to infuse into the melted butter. Cover the sliders with foil for the first part of baking to prevent over-browning, then remove for the final few minutes to achieve that perfect golden top.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. While the oven heats, shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it with 3 tablespoons of the pesto sauce until evenly coated. This step ensures the chicken itself is flavorful, not just the toppings.

Step 2: Prepare the Slider Buns

Without separating the individual rolls, use a large serrated knife to slice the entire package of slider buns horizontally, creating one large top and bottom piece. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish. Spread the remaining pesto sauce evenly across the bottom half of the buns, going all the way to the edges.

Step 3: Layer Your Sliders

Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the pesto-covered bun bottoms, creating your first cheese layer. Distribute the pesto-coated chicken evenly over the cheese layer, gently pressing it down to create a compact filling. Top the chicken with the remaining mozzarella and all of the parmesan cheese, ensuring even coverage to maximize that gooey cheese pull.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Topping

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together until well combined. This aromatic mixture will create that irresistible golden top on your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Place the top half of the buns over the cheese layer, completing your slider assembly. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top of the buns with the garlic butter mixture, making sure some drips down the sides and between the rolls. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting along the seams to separate into individual sliders. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly, making the sliders easier to handle and ensuring they hold their shape when served. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders with a Mediterranean twist by adding sliced kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and replacing some of the mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese. This variation adds bright, tangy flavors that complement the pesto beautifully. Finish with a sprinkle of oregano in the butter mixture for an authentic Mediterranean herb profile.

Buffalo Pesto Fusion: For spice enthusiasts, create a buffalo pesto fusion by tossing the shredded chicken with a mixture of 2 tablespoons pesto and 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce. Keep the cheese combination the same, but add thin slices of celery for crunch and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing between the chicken and top cheese layer. This creates a delicious hybrid of two popular flavor profiles.

Vegetarian Option: Create a meatless version by replacing the chicken with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts. The earthy mushrooms provide a satisfying texture while the spinach and artichokes complement the pesto flavors. Squeeze excess moisture from the vegetables before assembling to prevent soggy sliders. This variation makes these pesto sliders perfect for serving to guests with various dietary preferences.

Storage and Serving

Your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For best results, avoid microwaving as this can make the buns tough. If you’re planning ahead, you can assemble the sliders without the butter topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking—just add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time.

For an impressive serving presentation, keep the sliders connected and place them on a wooden cutting board with a small bowl of extra pesto for dipping. Garnish the platter with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. These sliders pair beautifully with a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, which provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy sliders.

For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted garlic potato wedges or a light pasta salad with similar Italian flavors. For parties, consider cutting the sliders into quarters for bite-sized appetizers that are easier for guests to manage during mingling.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for these pesto chicken sliders?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled, roasted, or even poached chicken works perfectly. Just make sure to shred or chop it finely and season with a bit of extra pesto if the chicken was originally prepared with different flavors.

Can I make these chicken pesto sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble these up to 24 hours ahead. Prepare everything through Step 5, but don’t apply the butter mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, prepare the garlic butter, apply it to the tops, and bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have mozzarella?
Provolone makes an excellent substitute as it melts beautifully and has a complementary flavor profile. Fontina or a mild white cheddar would also work well with the pesto flavors.

Can I freeze these garlic pesto sliders?
While possible, freezing isn’t ideal as the texture of the buns can deteriorate. If necessary, freeze assembled but unbaked sliders (without butter topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before adding the butter mixture and baking.

How can I make these spicier?
For extra heat, add ¼-½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture, use pepper jack cheese instead of some of the mozzarella, or add thinly sliced jalapeños between the chicken and cheese layers.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders recipe is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of herbaceous pesto, tender chicken, and melted cheese all tucked into soft, buttery buns with a garlicky finish. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions and makes weeknight dinners feel special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd on game day or looking for a family-friendly meal that delivers big on flavor without hours in the kitchen, these sliders hit all the right notes. The combination of familiar ingredients and exciting flavors makes this recipe one you’ll return to again and again, watching as it quickly becomes everyone’s requested favorite.

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