These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are the ultimate party bite, combining gooey cheese, garlicky goodness, and vibrant pesto flavors. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner, they are simple to prepare ahead of time and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, cheese, and pesto creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, these sliders can be whipped up quickly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as an appetizer or main course, they fit perfectly into any meal plan or occasion.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prep them in advance and bake just before serving for a stress-free entertaining option.
- Crowd-Pleasing Size: Each slider is the perfect size for snacking—ideal for parties or casual get-togethers.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these sliders, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan (9×13-inch)
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan (9×13-inch): Provides enough space to hold all 12 sliders without overcrowding them while baking.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like the garlic butter mixture without making a mess.
Ingredients
1 (12-count) package slider rolls
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
⅔ cup basil pesto (divided, homemade or store-bought)
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the sliders bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside. This prevents the sliders from sticking during baking.
Step 3: Slice the Slider Rolls
Carefully slice the slider rolls horizontally like sandwich buns. Keep the tops and bottoms intact as single pieces.
Step 4: Assemble the Bottom Layer
Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan. This forms the base of your sliders.
Step 5: Mix Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 6: Add Pesto and Chicken
Spread half of the basil pesto evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Then layer on the shredded chicken followed by mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Complete Assembly with Top Rolls
Spread the remaining pesto over the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Place them on top of the cheese layer.
Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter
Brush the tops of the rolls with your garlic butter mixture. Optionally sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Step 9: Bake Sliders
Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 10 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and tops are golden brown.
Step 10: Serve Warm
Let cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders. Serve warm to enjoy their gooey goodness!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your gathering. Whether it’s a game day or a casual get-together, these sliders can be paired with delightful sides and dips for an unforgettable experience.
Casual Gatherings
- Platter Style: Arrange the sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. This makes them perfect for mingling guests.
- Dipping Station: Serve with a selection of dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, or extra pesto to enhance the flavor.
Game Day Feast
- Buffalo Sauce Drizzle: Add a spicy twist by drizzling some buffalo sauce over the sliders just before serving.
- Veggie Sticks: Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a crunchy contrast.
Family Dinner
- Salad Side: Serve alongside a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a well-rounded meal that balances the richness of the sliders.
- Soup Pairing: Complement with a bowl of tomato soup or creamy potato soup for a comforting combo.
How to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
For the best results with your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, consider these helpful tips to elevate your dish.
- Bold Flavor Boost: Use freshly minced garlic instead of pre-packaged garlic for a more robust flavor.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for added taste and texture.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in other herbs such as oregano or thyme to the butter mixture for a flavorful kick.
- Slider Roll Choice: Choose soft, fresh slider rolls for better absorption of flavors and moisture.
- Make Ahead Magic: Prepare everything in advance and bake just before serving to save time during busy gatherings.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
To complement your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, here’s a list of delicious side dishes that will enhance your meal. These pair beautifully with the rich flavors of the sliders.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks sprinkled with garlic powder make for an irresistible pairing.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction add brightness to your meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that balances the savory sliders.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, making it an excellent side choice.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked until golden provide comfort food vibes alongside your sliders.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add a refreshing touch to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish.
- Overcooking the chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked just right. Overcooking can lead to dry sliders. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for best results.
- Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to season every layer! A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavor throughout the sliders.
- Using stale rolls: Freshness matters! Stale slider rolls can ruin the texture. Always opt for fresh or recently baked rolls.
- Skipping the garlic butter: This is a key flavor component. Brush the garlic butter generously on top for that rich, garlicky taste.
- Not letting them cool before slicing: Cutting sliders too soon may cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool slightly for better presentation.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
- Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking every 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders?
Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are flavorful party bites made with shredded chicken, pesto, mozzarella cheese, and garlic butter on slider rolls.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them ahead and bake them just before serving. They also freeze well.
What can I serve with Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders?
These sliders pair well with a fresh salad or crispy fries. Their cheesy, garlicky goodness complements various sides.
Are there any variations for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or using different cheeses based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are perfect for any occasion—game day snacks, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Their gooey cheese and herby flavor make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or serve with sides that you love!
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