Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are an irresistible combination of tender shredded chicken tossed in vibrant pesto, layered with melted cheese, and nestled in soft slider buns. If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or boring sandwiches, this recipe delivers bold flavors, creamy textures, and perfect party-sized portions.

At dishfoody.com, this dish showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into savory, crowd-pleasing bites ideal for gatherings, quick dinners, or game-day snacks. This article will explore why this recipe works, ingredient choices, prep tips, step-by-step assembly instructions, expert advice, exciting flavor twists, serving suggestions, and FAQs.

Why This Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe Works

• Uses tender shredded chicken enriched with aromatic garlic pesto
• Combines gooey melted cheese with flavorful, fresh herbs
• Perfect size for parties, lunches, or easy weeknight meals

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

Cooked, shredded chicken breast ensures lean protein with tender texture. Fresh basil pesto delivers bright, herbal flavor. Mozzarella or provolone melts beautifully for creamy cheese layers.

Buying Tips

Use rotisserie or cooked chicken breast for convenience. Select fresh or high-quality jarred pesto with vibrant green color. Choose soft slider buns with slight sweetness.

Substitutions

Use thighs for juicier chicken. Swap mozzarella for cheddar or Swiss. Substitute basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto.

Ingredients & Prep for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• ½ cup basil pesto
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 12 slider buns, split
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Optional: sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Pre-Cooking Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix shredded chicken, pesto, and minced garlic together.

Cooking Method

1. Carefully separate slider buns and place the bottom halves on a baking tray.
2. Spread chicken pesto mixture evenly over the buns.
3. Top with shredded cheese and optional tomato slices or basil leaves.
4. Cover with top halves of buns and brush the tops with melted butter.
5. Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and tops begin to brown.
6. Serve warm, sliced apart as individual sliders.

Doneness Check

Cheese should be fully melted and golden; chicken hot and flavorful.

Resting

Let cool slightly before serving for easier handling.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

• Use fresh pesto or homemade for best flavor.
• Lightly toast slider buns beforehand for crunch.
• Add extra garlic butter on top to enhance flavor.

Flavor Variations for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Spicy Twist

Mix red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the chicken.

Keto/Paleo

Use lettuce wraps instead of slider buns and add extra cheese.

Global Flavors

• Italian: Add roasted red peppers and mozzarella.
• Mediterranean: Incorporate olives and feta cheese.
• BBQ: Mix in barbecue sauce with shredded chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Serve with sweet potato fries, fresh salad, or pickles. Pair with beer, iced tea, or lemonade for casual dining.

FAQs for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

• Can I prepare these ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate; reheat covered in oven.
• How long do they keep? Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze? Assemble and freeze before baking; thaw overnight and bake until heated.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders deliver a flavorful, cheesy, and herbaceous twist on classic sliders with an easy to make, crowd-pleasing recipe. Perfect for gatherings and family meals, they’re sure to be a hit. For more savory delights, visit dishfoody.com and try our Teriyaki Chicken Wrap next!

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Print Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are delicious small sandwiches packed with tender chicken, garlic pesto, and melted cheese, perfect for parties or easy meals.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 slider buns
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or sliced
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• 2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• 3. Toss cooked chicken with garlic and pesto.
• 4. Slice slider buns horizontally and place bottoms on a baking sheet.
• 5. Layer chicken mixture evenly on buns.
• 6. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
• 7. Place slider tops on and cover with foil.
• 8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and sliders are heated.
• 9. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Add sliced tomatoes or arugula for freshness.
• Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar.
• Great for game day or casual get-togethers.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 sliders
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cheesy garlic pesto chicken sliders, chicken sliders, party sliders, cheesy sliders