I still remember the first time I whipped up a tray of these Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders. It was one of those spur-of-the-moment ideas that turned into a recipe I now make on repeat. I had some leftover cooked chicken, half a jar of pesto that needed using up, and a pack of soft dinner rolls. In just under 30 minutes, something magical came out of the oven — warm, cheesy sliders with gooey mozzarella, garlicky butter, and a pesto punch that made everyone at the table fall in love with them instantly.

What I love most about these sliders is how effortless they are. You can serve them as a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or lunchbox treat. The combination of melty cheese, savory chicken, fragrant pesto, and golden-buttery garlic bread topping is a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, they hold up beautifully for gatherings and potlucks. You’ll barely see them hit the plate before they disappear.

These sliders are incredibly versatile. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, switch up the cheese if needed, or even use a homemade pesto if you have fresh basil on hand. The recipe is flexible enough to fit your taste preferences or ingredient availability. Swap mozzarella for provolone, add thinly sliced tomatoes, or even toss in some baby spinach for a hint of greens — there are endless ways to play with this dish.

From a budget-friendly standpoint, this recipe is a winner. It uses everyday, affordable ingredients, and a little pesto goes a long way. You can often find bulk packages of dinner rolls and cheese on sale, which makes this perfect for feeding a group without spending a lot.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders:

12 soft dinner rolls or slider buns
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (use rotisserie or leftover chicken breast)
1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

These sliders have become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure once you make them, you’ll want to add them to your rotation too. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping a party tray, this recipe will deliver.

How to Prepare Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
Step-by-step instructions, quick and easy, customizable, popular with many people

When it comes to preparing these Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, the process couldn’t be simpler. It’s one of those recipes that looks and tastes like you spent a lot of time on it — but in reality, it comes together in just a few easy steps. Whether you’re planning ahead or cooking on a whim, these sliders are as quick to prepare as they are satisfying to eat.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven and prep your baking dish.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Set aside.

2. Prepare the rolls.
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire slab of dinner rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish. This will be the foundation for your sliders.

3. Mix the chicken and pesto.
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the basil pesto. Mix until all the chicken is evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mixture should be moist but not overly saucy — the pesto provides just enough flavor and moisture.

4. Layer the filling.
Spoon the pesto chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer of the rolls. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, spreading it from edge to edge. For an extra savory layer, add grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.

5. Add the top buns.
Place the top half of the rolls over the filling, lining them up so they match perfectly with the bottoms.

6. Make the garlic butter topping.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Make sure to get the edges and sides — this is what gives the sliders that golden, flavorful finish.

7. Bake until golden and melty.
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve warm.
Allow the sliders to cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing along the roll lines. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the tops are buttery and crisp.

Quick and Easy:
These sliders are a dream for busy days. They require minimal chopping and come together in less than 30 minutes. Using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought pesto saves a ton of time without compromising on flavor. This is a perfect go-to for last-minute meals or unexpected guests.

Customizable Options:
There’s so much room to customize this recipe. Swap out mozzarella for provolone or cheddar. Add a layer of sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for extra depth. You can also use whole wheat or brioche rolls for different textures. Don’t like parsley? Try oregano or basil as a topping herb instead.

Popular with Many People:
These sliders are always a hit. They’re ideal for game days, family dinners, birthday parties, and even casual brunches. The mix of creamy pesto, juicy chicken, melted cheese, and garlic butter is comforting and familiar — flavors that almost everyone enjoys. Best of all, you can double or even triple the recipe for larger groups without extra effort.

This recipe makes hosting easier and stress-free, which is one of the reasons I come back to it so often. When food brings people together and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, it’s definitely a keeper.

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

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These Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are quick to assemble, rich in flavor, and perfect for any gathering or family meal. With layers of juicy chicken tossed in basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and a garlic butter glaze over soft slider buns, they’re guaranteed to please. This recipe is easy to customize, affordable to make, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 22
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 12 1x

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Prepare rolls: Slice the entire set of rolls in half horizontally. Keep the top and bottom layers intact. Place the bottom layer into the prepared baking dish.
Make filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with basil pesto. Mix well until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble sliders: Spread the pesto chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, followed by a layer of grated Parmesan.
Add tops: Place the top layer of rolls over the filling to complete the sliders.
Prepare garlic butter: Mix the melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Allow the sliders to rest for 2–3 minutes. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Use leftover chicken or turkey for convenience.

Substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend for variation.

Fresh basil leaves or spinach can be added for a fresher taste.

Always preheat your oven for even baking.

FAQs – Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to a day in advance. Assemble the sliders in the baking dish, cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them as directed. You may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze these sliders?
Freezing after baking works best. Let the sliders cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Avoid freezing before baking, as the texture of the rolls can become soggy.

What can I use instead of pesto?
If you don’t have pesto on hand or want an alternative, try using a garlic-herb spread, sun-dried tomato spread, or even a light cream cheese and herb mixture. You can also mix olive oil with fresh chopped basil and garlic for a homemade-style substitute.

Can I use different meats?
Absolutely. While shredded chicken works perfectly, you can also use turkey breast, grilled chicken tenders, or even canned chicken (drained well). Just avoid anything too saucy, as it might make the sliders soggy.

What kind of rolls work best?
Soft dinner rolls, Hawaiian rolls, or slider buns all work well. The key is to use something fluffy and pillowy so they hold up but still absorb the flavors from the pesto and garlic butter.

Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based meat substitute. Layering cheese and pesto still gives the sliders amazing flavor.

What sides pair well with these sliders?
They’re great with simple salads, roasted potatoes, chips, or even soup. For parties, serve them alongside veggie platters, fruit trays, or pasta salad.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Wrap them in foil and heat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melty and the tops are warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls chewy.