Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders

Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, buttery sliders filled with juicy chicken, vibrant pesto, and gooey melted cheese. These Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser – perfect for game days, family gatherings, or anytime you need a delicious shareable meal. The aromatic basil pesto combined with tender shredded chicken creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds. You’ll learn how to create these addictive handheld treats with minimal effort and maximum impact, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders are about to become your new favorite party food for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly convenient – you can prepare them ahead of time and simply pop them in the oven when guests arrive. The contrast between the soft, slightly sweet slider buns and the savory chicken filling creates a perfect textural balance that’s utterly satisfying.

What makes these sliders truly special is the harmonious blend of flavors. The herbaceous pesto sauce infuses the chicken with bright, garden-fresh notes, while the melted cheese adds a rich, creamy element that brings everything together. Plus, the buttery topping creates an irresistibly golden, crispy exterior that gives way to the tender filling inside.

Even better, these pull apart sliders are customizable based on what you have on hand, making them perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or adapting to different dietary needs. They’re elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

For these delicious Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders, you’ll need:

• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian sweet rolls (kept together as a slab)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 8 oz)
• 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (6 oz)
• 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded (2 oz)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1 oz)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

The quality of your pesto significantly impacts the final flavor, so opt for a high-quality store-bought version or make your own with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. For the chicken, rotisserie chicken provides excellent flavor and convenience, though any cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works wonderfully.

Pro Tips

Mastering these Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders is easy with these professional techniques:

First, don’t separate the slider buns when slicing them. Keep them connected and use a serrated knife to cut through the entire slab horizontally. This creates the perfect foundation for your pull-apart concept and makes assembly infinitely easier. The connected buns will bake together, creating that satisfying tear-apart experience when serving.

Second, pay attention to your cheese layering strategy. Start with a thin layer of cheese beneath the chicken mixture. This melts during baking to create a protective barrier that prevents the bottom bun from becoming soggy. Then add the remaining cheese on top of the chicken-pesto mixture for that perfect gooey pull when serving.

Finally, the butter topping is crucial for flavor and texture. Brush it generously over the tops of the buns, making sure to get it into the seams between rolls. This not only adds incredible flavor but also creates that irresistible golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Allow the butter to seep into the buns for about 5 minutes before baking for maximum absorption.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Take your connected slider buns and, using a large serrated knife, slice through them horizontally to create one large top and bottom piece, keeping all rolls connected.

Step 2

Place the bottom half of the slider buns in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom layer. This creates a barrier that helps prevent the buns from getting soggy.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the pesto, mixing thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The pesto should be enough to flavor the chicken, but you can add more if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Step 4

Spread the pesto chicken mixture evenly over the cheese-topped bottom buns, pressing down gently to create an even layer. This ensures every bite contains the perfect amount of filling.

Step 5

Combine the remaining mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses in a bowl, then sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the chicken layer. The combination of different cheeses creates wonderful depth of flavor and that perfect cheese pull.

Step 6

Carefully place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese layer. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns, making sure to get some into the seams between rolls.

Step 7

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving your Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders warm.

Variations

These versatile Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a Mediterranean twist, add sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced Kalamata olives to the chicken-pesto mixture. The tangy, briny flavors complement the herbaceous pesto beautifully and add exciting texture contrasts.

For a healthier option, try using whole wheat slider buns and reduce the cheese by about one-third. You can also add a layer of baby spinach leaves between the chicken and cheese for added nutrition. The spinach wilts slightly during baking, adding color and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pesto.

Vegetarians can enjoy this dish too by substituting the chicken with grilled and diced portobello mushrooms or crumbled firm tofu seasoned with Italian herbs. The mushrooms provide a meaty texture and umami flavor that works perfectly with the pesto sauce, creating satisfying chicken-free pesto sliders.

Storage and Serving

Your Pesto Chicken Pull Apart 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. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the buns soggy.

For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble these sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the unbaked sliders with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then proceed with the baking instructions, adding 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Serve these sliders with a variety of complementary sides for a complete meal. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sliders. For casual gatherings, pair with sweet potato fries or a classic tomato soup for dipping. For an elegant appetizer presentation, cut the baked slider slab into individual portions and serve on a wooden board garnished with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for these sliders?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for these Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders – it’s flavorful, tender, and saves preparation time. Simply remove the skin and shred the meat before mixing with pesto.

How can I prevent the bottom of my sliders from getting soggy?
The initial layer of cheese acts as a barrier, but for extra protection, you can also lightly toast the inside of the bottom bun layer in the oven for 3-5 minutes before assembling.

Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

What can I substitute for pesto if I have a nut allergy?
Look for nut-free pesto varieties or make your own by substituting the traditional pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You can also use sun-dried tomato spread as an alternative flavor base.

How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes 12 sliders, which typically serves 4-6 people as a main dish or 6-12 people as an appetizer, depending on what else is being served.

Conclusion

These Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders are comfort food at its finest – a perfect harmony of tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and gooey melted cheese tucked into soft, buttery buns. They’re the kind of dish that brings everyone together, whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, need a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or simply want to elevate your family dinner. The combination of familiar ingredients transformed into these irresistible handheld delights proves that sometimes the most memorable meals are the ones we share, pulling apart one delicious bite at a time.

Print