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Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

These cheesy garlic pesto chicken sliders offer a delicious combination of shredded chicken, rich basil pesto, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all tucked into soft slider buns. Brushed with a buttery garlic-parsley mixture and baked to golden perfection, they're ideal for casual gatherings or parties. Assembly is simple and quick, allowing you to make them ahead or freeze for later, making entertaining effortless. Serve warm for that irresistible pull-apart, melty cheese effect, and enjoy the savory blend of fresh herbs, creamy cheese, and juicy chicken in every bite.

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Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 15:58:51 GMT
A close up of a cheese and spinach stuffed bread. Pin it
A close up of a cheese and spinach stuffed bread. | magichouserecipes.com

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are my favorite crowd-pleasing party food. I love how the gooey cheese and flavorful pesto transform simple chicken into something that disappears in minutes. These are quick to prep and easy to make ahead making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

The first time I baked these was for a game night and they vanished so fast that I barely got one for myself. Now I always double the batch.

Ingredients

  • Slider rolls twelve pack: look for super soft or slightly sweet rolls for best texture
  • Unsalted butter six tablespoons melted: gives rich flavor and helps brown the tops
  • Fresh garlic four cloves minced: adds punchy flavor try to use fresh for best taste
  • Minced fresh parsley two teaspoons: brightens flavor and brings color
  • Basil pesto two thirds cup: use homemade or pick a refrigerated option for freshest taste
  • Cooked shredded chicken two cups: rotisserie is easiest but any tender chicken works
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese one and a half cups: go for whole milk mozzarella for extra meltiness
  • Salt and pepper to taste: season at the end especially if your pesto is already salty

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Rolls:
Place your package of slider rolls on a big cutting board. With a sharp serrated knife slice across the entire package horizontally to create a connected top and bottom slab. Keep the slabs together and carefully remove the top half. Place the bottom half in a greased nine by thirteen inch baking dish.
Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and parsley. Stir well so you get even flavor in each bite. Set this aside.
Layer the Bottom:
Spread half the pesto across the cut surface of the bottom slab. Use a spatula to get a thin even coating.
Add Chicken and Cheese:
Scatter all your shredded chicken evenly over the pesto. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the chicken laying it out so every slider has plenty.
Finish the Layers:
Take the top slab of rolls. Spread the rest of your pesto across the cut side. Gently place the top slab pesto side down over the cheese.
Top with Garlic Butter:
Brush the tops of the rolls generously with your melted garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle just a pinch of salt and pepper on top if you like.
Bake to Melty Perfection:
Cover the pan loosely with foil. Bake at three hundred seventy five degrees for ten minutes. Remove foil and continue baking five to ten minutes more. The sliders are done when the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden.
A close up of a cheese and spinach stuffed bread. Pin it
A close up of a cheese and spinach stuffed bread. | magichouserecipes.com

Basil pesto is the real star here. I made a batch once using garden basil and it took these sliders from great to unforgettable. My family always stops by the kitchen as the smell comes from the oven.

Storage Tips

Let any leftover sliders cool completely. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To freeze set the cooled sliders on a tray until solid then move to a freezer bag. Reheat in a warm oven for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cooked turkey or ham for the chicken if needed. Try fresh mozzarella for an extra gooey melt or even cheddar for a sharper flavor. If pesto is not your thing sun dried tomato spread or roasted red pepper sauce works too.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders hot straight from the oven for the ultimate melty factor. They pair well with a crunchy green salad soup or a tray of fresh veggies for balance. For parties cut them small and skewer with toothpicks for easy grabs.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, both store-bought and homemade pesto work well. Use your favorite variety for the flavor you prefer.

→ Is rotisserie chicken suitable for this dish?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and blends perfectly with the other ingredients.

→ Can these sliders be prepared in advance?

Yes, assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Perfect for planning ahead.

→ Can I freeze these sliders for later?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked sliders. Thaw before baking for best results.

→ What other cheeses work with this combination?

Try provolone or Monterey Jack for a different but equally delicious result.

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Gooey sliders with chicken, pesto, and mozzarella baked on soft rolls—perfect for gatherings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (12 sliders)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 12 slider rolls
02 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
04 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
05 2/3 cup basil pesto, divided, homemade or store-bought
06 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
07 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
08 Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13" baking pan. Set aside.

Step 02

Add unwrapped package of rolls to your cutting board and, using a serrated knife, carefully slice across the rolls horizontally while keeping one hand steady on top of the rolls. Once sliced, keep the rolls connected and lift the entire top section off the bottom section. Place the bottom section in the prepared baking pan.

Step 03

In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Set aside.

Step 04

Spread half of the pesto over the bottom half of the rolls in the baking pan. Add shredded chicken on top of the pesto, then top with shredded cheese. Spread the remaining pesto over the cut side of the top half of the rolls and place the top half, cut side down, on top of the cheese.

Step 05

Brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the rolls and sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 06

Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until hot and the cheese is fully melted.

Notes

  1. The recipe serves 6 people with a serving size of 2 sliders each. Adjust portions as needed.
  2. To double the recipe, use a rimmed baking sheet large enough for two 12-count packages of rolls. Bake time remains the same.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Cutting board
  • Serrated knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Brush

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 379
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g