Pesto chicken slider on plate Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, bold twist on sliders that will have your friends raving and your family asking for seconds, let me introduce you to the pesto chicken slider on plate. This recipe delivers buttery, garlicky slider buns stacked high with juicy rotisserie chicken, melty mozzarella, and vibrant basil pesto—every bite is a little celebration. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a fun game-day get-together, this pesto chicken slider on plate will be your new go-to favorite for its speed and unforgettable flavor punch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is in its honest simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table. From the pillowy soft rolls to the herbaceous pesto, every bite is thoughtfully layered. Here is what you’ll need to bring the pesto chicken slider on plate to life:

• Slider rolls: The base of every good slider—look for soft rolls that are easy to slice and hold their shape.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter creates a golden, rich finish on the slider tops for that perfect first bite.
• Fresh garlic: Minced garlic takes the flavor from good to unforgettable, infusing every bite with gentle heat.
• Fresh parsley: This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness.
• Basil pesto: Choose homemade or your favorite store brand for a vibrant herby kick that makes these sliders sing.
• Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken keeps things super easy and brings great texture and flavor to the filling.
• Mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible gooey, cheesy layer that holds everything together.
• Salt and pepper: Just a sprinkle on top for the perfect savory finish—simple yet so important.

How to Make Pesto chicken slider on plate

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Preparing the pan ensures your pesto chicken slider on plate lifts out easily and prevents sticking, which means all those delicious layers stay intact.

Step 2: Slice the Slider Rolls

Place the unwrapped slider rolls on your cutting board. Using a serrated bread knife, gently slice horizontally through the entire set, keeping your hand steadying the top. Be careful not to separate the rolls—think of it as making a sandwich bun, but bigger! Lift the top off and set aside, keeping the rolls connected.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Mix your melted butter with the finely minced garlic and fresh parsley in a small bowl. This quick combination will become a fragrant glaze that coats the sliders and brings the whole dish together in the oven.

Step 4: Layer the Pesto and Chicken

Place the bottom half of the slider rolls in the prepared pan. Spread half of your pesto over the rolls—don’t be shy, really lay it on! Next, pile on the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly over the pesto base.

Step 5: Add Cheese and More Pesto

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the chicken layer. Now, take the remaining pesto and spread it across the cut side of the reserved top half of the rolls. Once spread, set the top half of rolls back onto the cheese layer, cut side down.

Step 6: Brush and Season

Brush the garlic butter mixture all over the top of the rolls, making sure every little edge gets a hit of that flavor. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper if you wish—this finishes your pesto chicken slider on plate with just the right amount of seasoning.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melty and the tops are perfectly golden. Let it cool for a moment before slicing and serving your pesto chicken slider on plate!

How to Serve Pesto chicken slider on plate

Garnishes

Garnishing these sliders is your opportunity to play! A scatter of fresh chopped basil, a sprinkle of extra parsley, or even a dusting of grated Parmesan on top will make your pesto chicken slider on plate pop with color and added flavor. For a zesty finish, a few thin slices of sun-dried tomato or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate these little beauties even more.

Side Dishes

Pesto chicken slider on plate pairs wonderfully with crunchy potato wedges, a simple arugula salad, or even roasted vegetables. The herbaceous, cheesy flavors play especially well with crisp, fresh sides or something with a little tang. For game day, a platter of chips and a bowl of salsa never hurt either!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try arranging your pesto chicken slider on plate on a beautiful wooden board with colorful picks or mini flags—guests will love the grab-and-go style! Or, stack a couple of sliders high and skewer with a long toothpick, then surround with pickled veggies for an impressive finger-food display. The layers are so pretty, so don’t be afraid to show them off!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow find yourself with leftover pesto chicken slider on plate, simply cover the baking dish snugly or transfer the sliders to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making for an unbeatable lunch or snack.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the pesto chicken slider on plate to cool completely, then wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer bag. They’ll be delicious for up to a month—perfect for prepping ahead for busy days.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your pesto chicken slider on plate in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. The microwave will work in a pinch, but the oven ensures the rolls stay toasty and not soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses in my pesto chicken slider on plate?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives a lovely melt, feel free to experiment with provolone, Swiss, or even sharp cheddar. Each cheese brings its own unique character, so make the sliders your own.

What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?

You can easily use leftover grilled or baked chicken breast or thigh, or even poached chicken you cook at home. Just shred or chop it finely so it layers well in the sliders.

Can I make pesto chicken slider on plate ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop them in the oven and add just a couple extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for thinly sliced grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and you’ll have an equally satisfying pesto slider that guests will love.

What’s the best way to keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Don’t skimp on the pre-bake! Covering with foil and then removing it helps steam the filling, while the final uncovered baking crisps up the tops and edges so your pesto chicken slider on plate stays perfectly finger-friendly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of something quick, comforting, and just a bit fancy, pesto chicken slider on plate is guaranteed to deliver. The flavors are bright, the assembly is a snap, and they disappear fast—so gather your favorite people and enjoy every bite!

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