If you’re searching for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders. These tender sliders are bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of juicy chicken breasts, rich pesto sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, they provide a satisfying bite that everyone will love. The best part? You can whip them up in less than an hour! This recipe is not only simple but also allows you to customize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spices to suit your taste. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these mouthwatering sliders that are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Pesto Sauce: Store-bought or homemade pesto works great; select a high-quality variety for maximum flavor
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella for its creamy texture and meltability; slice it into thick rounds
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic will infuse the dish with aromatic goodness
- Slider Buns: Choose soft brioche or whole wheat slider buns for an inviting base that holds all the delicious fillings
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes per side).
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the chicken is browned, add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant but not burnt.
Step 4: Mix in Pesto
Remove the skillet from heat and spread pesto sauce evenly over each piece of chicken. Top each one with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the skillet or baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Assemble Sliders
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing each chicken breast into smaller pieces. Place them on slider buns and serve warm.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra pesto if desired for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken in pesto overnight before cooking
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
This Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken sliders in advance. Marinate the chicken in pesto for at least two hours, or overnight for deeper flavor. Assemble the sliders just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Storing: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure they are cooled completely before storing to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, place sliders on a baking tray and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method preserves their texture and flavor.
FAQs for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders
What ingredients do I need for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders?
To make delicious Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, you will need a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Start with slider buns, which serve as the base for your sliders. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they are easy to cook and absorb flavors well. You will also need pesto sauce, which can be homemade or store-bought, to infuse the chicken with that distinct herbaceous flavor. Don’t forget garlic! Fresh minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste to the dish. Lastly, shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, is essential for that gooey cheesy goodness that elevates your sliders. Optionally, you can add toppings like fresh basil leaves or sliced tomatoes for added freshness and texture.
How do I prepare the chicken for Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders?
Preparing the chicken is a straightforward process that ensures your Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders turn out perfectly. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. In a bowl, mix together pesto sauce and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade. Coat each chicken breast generously with this mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—this allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. After marinating, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into slider-sized pieces.
Can I use store-bought pesto for my sliders?
Yes, using store-bought pesto is a great option when making Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders! It saves time without compromising flavor. Many brands offer high-quality pesto made from fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, and nuts. When selecting store-bought pesto, look for options labeled as “fresh” in refrigerated sections rather than shelf-stable products; they tend to have better taste and fewer preservatives. You can also explore different varieties like sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto if you want to add unique flavors to your sliders. Just keep in mind that the quality of your pesto can significantly affect the overall taste of your dish.
What type of cheese works best for these sliders?
For Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, choosing the right cheese can elevate your dish significantly. Mozzarella is a popular choice due to its creamy texture and excellent melting qualities; it gives that classic cheesy pull when you bite into the slider. Provolone is another fantastic option that offers a slightly sharper flavor and melts beautifully as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of spice or gouda for a smoky touch. Feel free to mix cheeses too; combining mozzarella with cheddar can create layers of flavor while ensuring that each bite is rich and satisfying.
How long does it take to make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders?
The total time required to make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders typically ranges from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on preparation time and cooking methods used. Marinating the chicken takes about 30 minutes but can be done ahead of time if you’re planning a gathering or meal prep session. Cooking time in the oven lasts around 25-30 minutes until it’s fully cooked through at an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Assembling your sliders only takes an additional 10 minutes once your chicken is ready—just slice it up, layer it between buns with cheese and any desired toppings before serving!
Can I make Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders ahead of time is not only possible but also convenient if you’re planning for parties or busy weeknights. You can marinate the chicken several hours—or even overnight—before cooking it; this enhances its flavor immensely. After cooking and assembling your sliders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve them warm later on. To reheat, simply place them in an oven preheated at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese melts beautifully again!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are an irresistible blend of flavors that will delight any palate. By utilizing simple ingredients like slider buns, succulent chicken breasts marinated in aromatic pesto sauce infused with garlic, you create a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist! Choosing quality cheeses like mozzarella or provolone ensures that each bite offers creamy satisfaction along with delicious toppings like fresh basil or tomatoes adds delightful freshness! With preparation taking just over an hour—including marination—you’ll find these sliders perfect for casual gatherings or as part of family meals! Serve them warm straight from the oven for maximum enjoyment—your guests will surely be coming back for more!
Print
Delicious Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders are a delightful fusion of tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant pesto, all nestled in soft slider buns. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser that combines rich flavors with minimal effort. In just over an hour, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them for dinner, these sliders will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
– Boneless skinless chicken breasts
– Pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh mozzarella cheese
– Garlic cloves
– Slider buns (brioche or whole wheat)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; sear in olive oil until golden brown.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute.
4. Remove from heat, spread pesto over chicken, and top with mozzarella slices.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Slice chicken into smaller pieces and assemble on slider buns.
Notes
– For added flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto overnight.
– Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 28g