Go Back
Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are your new go-to for a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal or appetizer. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into bite-sized bursts of deliciousness that everyone will adore.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 12 slider buns split
  • 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  3. In the same skillet (no need to clean!), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
    2 cloves garlic
  4. Stir in the prepared basil pesto, mayonnaise, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
    1/2 cup prepared basil pesto, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the pesto sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  6. Preheat your broiler or oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the split slider buns, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Spoon the saucy chicken mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the buns.
    12 slider buns
  7. Top each slider generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the buns are lightly toasted. Alternatively, bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
    4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  8. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheesy chicken filling. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
    12 slider buns, Fresh basil leaves

Notes

Store any leftover Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It's best to store the chicken filling separately from the buns if possible, to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
To reheat: Oven Method: Place on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes. Skillet Method: Gently warm the chicken filling in a skillet over low heat. Toast buns separately and assemble. Microwave Method (use with caution): Reheat chicken filling first, then lightly toast buns separately. Assemble and serve.