Cheesy Pesto Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Easy Family Meal

It is finally summer picnic season and you need a crowd-pleaser. You are busy but want something fresh and savory. These Cheesy Pesto Chicken Sliders are the perfect solution for your next gathering.

They deliver melty cheese and bright basil flavor in every bite. Your family will love the golden, buttery tops. You will love how fast they disappear from the plate!

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Pesto Chicken Sliders

This recipe is a total winner for busy summer afternoons. It takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish. You can use leftover chicken to save even more time.

The sweet rolls balance the salty pesto perfectly. It is a budget-friendly meal that feels like a treat. Your kids will ask for these every single week!

Simple Cooking Steps

Making these sliders is incredibly straightforward and fun. You simply layer the ingredients and brush on the magic. The garlic butter glaze is the secret to success.

Even beginner cooks can master this dish with ease. There is no complicated flipping or careful timing needed. Just assemble, bake, and watch the cheese melt beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these items are likely in your pantry or fridge right now.

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally.
4. Place the bottom half into the baking dish.
5. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken and pesto together.
6. Spread the pesto chicken over the bottom rolls.
7. Layer mozzarella slices over the chicken.
8. Place the top half of the rolls on top.
9. Whisk melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, and oregano together.
10. Brush the garlic butter over the roll tops.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
12. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until golden.
13. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve these sliders warm while the cheese is stretchy and soft. They pair perfectly with a fresh garden salad. You can also serve them with crunchy potato chips.

For a summer picnic, pack them in an insulated bag. They are easy to hold and eat with one hand. Enjoy them outside with a cold glass of lemonade!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can even freeze them for a quick lunch later.

To reheat, use your oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. This keeps the bread crispy and delicious. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that golden crunch.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip covering the dish with foil initially.
• Use a rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
• Apply the garlic butter to every single corner.
• Wait five minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
• Add a pinch of red pepper for a tiny kick.
• Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
• Double the batch for large summer potlucks.
• Ensure the pesto is well-mixed with the chicken.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Swap mozzarella for provolone cheese for more tang.
• Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
• Try shredded turkey instead of chicken for variety.
• Add a layer of spinach for extra nutrients.
• Use dairy-free cheese and butter to make it vegan-friendly.

Common Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours early. Just wait to add the butter until right before baking. Keep them covered in the fridge until you are ready.

What kind of rolls work best?

Hawaiian sweet rolls are the classic choice here. Their sweetness balances the salty garlic and pesto beautifully. Any soft slider bun will work in a pinch.

Will picky eaters like these?

Most kids love these because they are small and cheesy. The pesto flavor is mild when mixed with the chicken. It is a great way to introduce new herbs!

I hope these sliders bring big smiles to your table this summer. Give them a try at your next family gathering and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!

— Lidia

Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 12 servings

Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom section.
• Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.
• In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken and basil pesto until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
• Distribute the pesto chicken evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.
• Place mozzarella cheese slices over the chicken to cover the entire surface.
• Place the top half of the rolls back onto the cheese layer.
• In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano.
• Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into individual sliders and serving.