Description
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal. Featuring tender shredded chicken, rich basil pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese layered between buttery garlic-coated slider rolls, they’re baked to golden perfection and bursting with savory flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, they are perfect for gatherings or a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Slider Rolls
- 12 count package slider rolls
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley
Filling
- 2/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought (divided)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Slider Rolls: Slice the slider rolls horizontally in half. Place the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking pan, creating a base layer for the filling.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, finely minced garlic cloves, and minced fresh parsley. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom halves of the slider rolls. Next, distribute the cooked and shredded chicken evenly over the pesto layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken. Then, spread the remaining pesto on the inside of the top halves of the rolls and place them on top of the cheese layer to complete the sliders.
- Brush and Season: Generously brush the prepared garlic butter mixture over the tops of the assembled slider rolls. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bake: Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil to prevent the sliders from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown.
Notes
- Use homemade pesto or store-bought for convenience, but fresh pesto enhances the flavor significantly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sliced tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the chicken layer.
- Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded before starting the recipe to speed up preparation.
