Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are a deliciously gooey and savory party favorite, made with tender shredded chicken, basil pesto, mozzarella cheese, and a garlicky butter topping all baked inside soft slider rolls. Perfect for make-ahead meals and easy to freeze, these sliders deliver layers of cheesy, herby flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders (serves 6-8)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 count package slider rolls
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought, divided)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Slice Slider Rolls: Unwrap the package of slider rolls and place them on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice horizontally across the rolls while holding the top steady, keeping the rolls connected as one piece.
- Separate Roll Layers: Lift the entire top section of the sliced rolls off the bottom section, maintaining their connection. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking pan.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and minced fresh parsley. Set this flavorful mixture aside for later use.
- Assemble Bottom Layer: Spread half of the pesto evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the pan. Then, layer the shredded chicken over the pesto, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add Top Layer: Spread the remaining pesto over the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Place the top half on the cheese layer, cut side down, completing your slider stack.
- Apply Garlic Butter and Season: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top of the assembled rolls. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing the ingredients to heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sliders are hot throughout and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade basil pesto depending on preference and availability.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option to save time, but any cooked, shredded chicken works well.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- For freezer storage, assemble sliders, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- Feel free to add extra herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Brush the top with extra garlic butter before serving for added flavor.
