If you’re craving a bite-sized explosion of flavor that blends creamy cheese, fragrant basil, and tender chicken, you have to try this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe. These sliders are an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, game days, or just an easy weeknight meal that feels fancy. The garlicky pesto pairs beautifully with juicy chicken and melty mozzarella, all nestled in soft slider buns that hold everything together. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to recipe for effortless yet impressive bites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays an important role: the basil adds brightness, the garlic enhances depth, and the cheese brings that irresistible gooey texture we all love. Here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand before you dive in.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Tender, lean protein that soaks up all the pesto goodness.
- Fresh basil leaves (1 cup): The star herb for that vibrant, aromatic pesto flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty kick to the pesto mix.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Creates the creamy, smooth texture of the pesto sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): For that punch of savory warmth essential in any pesto.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little spicy kick.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully over the chicken for that gooey finish.
- Slider buns (12): Soft and perfectly sized to hold all the delicious layers.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and moisture to the slider base.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the mayo mixture with a hint of acidity.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness on top.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pesto
Start by combining basil leaves, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse just a few times to chop everything finely. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Taste and tweak seasonings as you like, stirring in red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Setting this flavorful pesto aside is your first step toward slider perfection.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a big bowl and pour half of your freshly made pesto over them. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor. Give it at least 15 to 20 minutes to soak in all that garlicky, basil-rich goodness. This step is key to turning simple chicken into the star of these sliders.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, cook the marinated chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing it thinly – this keeps it juicy and perfect for layering.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Slice your slider buns and, if you want, give them a quick toast in the oven to get a light crunch. Mix mayonnaise and lemon juice in a small bowl to make a zesty spread. Generously smear this onto the bottom half of each bun, then layer on sliced chicken, dollops of the remaining pesto, and a hearty sprinkle of mozzarella. Top with the bun halves and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection
Drizzle any leftover pesto over the assembled sliders and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep all the moisture in. Pop them in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to melt that mozzarella into a bubbly dream. If you want a golden top, remove the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes. Let them cool just a bit before adding fresh basil leaves on top for that final aromatic flourish.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves add such a beautiful touch to these sliders, both in flavor and appearance. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes on top can also elevate their presentation and give an extra flavor boost that your guests will notice and appreciate.
Side Dishes
To balance out these rich and melty sliders, serve them alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or go for classic crispy fries for a hearty meal. Roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw would also make fantastic companions to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your sliders on a rustic wooden board with dipping bowls of extra pesto or aioli. For a party, stack them in a tiered platter for eye-catching appeal. You can even customize sliders with additional toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for a gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover sliders in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Covering them well is important to keep the bread from drying out and to maintain that delicious melty cheese texture.
Freezing
These sliders freeze beautifully! Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the buns soggy. For an extra fresh touch, add a little fresh basil after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be sliced and used instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. Just toss it with the pesto and assemble your sliders as usual.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for thick slices of grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant. They soak up pesto wonderfully and give a hearty texture that works great with the cheese and buns.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is very mild by default, but you can adjust it by adding or omitting the red pepper flakes in the pesto. Feel free to customize the heat to suit your taste.
What kind of pesto can I use if I don’t want to make it from scratch?
Store-bought basil pesto works just fine and saves time. Just make sure to taste it first—you might want to adjust seasonings or add extra garlic, cheese, or lemon juice to brighten it up.
Can these sliders be made gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free slider buns or small gluten-free rolls. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a delicious option for gluten-sensitive guests.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about gathering friends and family around a tray of warm Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Once you try this Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe, I bet it will become a staple for all your get-togethers. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for gatherings. Tender chicken breasts marinated in a fresh basil pesto, layered with mozzarella cheese, and baked to melty perfection inside soft slider buns. These sliders combine savory, garlicky, and cheesy elements for a delicious handheld meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Pesto and Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sliders
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pulse a few times until the basil is finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes if desired. Set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts in a large bowl and pour half of the pesto over them, coating well. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove chicken and let rest a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Prepare the Buns and Mayo Spread: Optionally toast slider buns in the oven until lightly golden. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread mayonnaise mixture on bottom halves of buns. Layer sliced chicken over mayo, spoon more pesto on top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with top halves of buns.
- Bake the Sliders: Arrange assembled sliders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle any remaining pesto over the tops if desired. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and is bubbly. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes for a golden top.
- Serve: Let sliders cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm with sides like fresh salad or crispy fries.
Notes
- For spicier sliders, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the pesto.
- Chicken breasts can be pounded thinner for faster cooking.
- Slider buns can be replaced with mini sandwich rolls if preferred.
- To save time, pesto can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Optional: Add tomato slices or arugula inside sliders for extra freshness.
