Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto delivers incredible fresh flavor, a good quality store-bought pesto works perfectly in a time crunch. Look for refrigerated options rather than shelf-stable varieties for better flavor.

How can I prevent my sliders from getting soggy?

The key is using low-moisture mozzarella and not oversaturating with pesto. If making ahead, consider adding the pesto just before baking. You can also lightly toast the bottom half of the rolls for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings.

What's the best way to serve these at a party?

These sliders are perfect party food! Make them ahead and keep them warm in the oven at 200°F until serving. For self-service, place toothpicks in each slider and arrange on a platter lined with parchment paper. They're delicious even at room temperature.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms. You could also use a plant-based chicken alternative or simply add extra cheese and a layer of fresh tomato slices.

Chicken Pesto Sliders Recipe

Description

These Chicken Pesto Sliders are a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make main course featuring savory buttery rolls, tender deli chicken, melty mozzarella cheese, and a fresh homemade basil-spinach pesto. Baked to golden perfection, they’re ideal for parties, game days, or a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sliders

1 (12-pack) Savory Buttery Rolls (e.g. King’s Hawaiian)
8 slices Deli Chicken (e.g. Dietz & Watson Southern Fried)
6 slices Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese

For the Pesto

1–2 cloves garlic
1 cup fresh basil
1 cup fresh spinach
1 Tbsp. water
1/4 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

Dried minced onion
Sesame seeds
Everything but the bagel seasoning

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish (or one large enough for all the rolls) with nonstick spray and set aside.
Slice the Rolls. Keeping all 12 rolls connected, slice through the entire pack horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
Assemble Sliders. Layer four slices of deli chicken evenly across the bottom rolls, then add the remaining four slices on top. Arrange three slices of mozzarella cheese over the top half of the rolls and three over the bottom half so the cheese evenly overlaps.
Make the Pesto. In a food processor or blender, add fresh basil, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is well combined into a smooth pesto.
Apply the Pesto. Brush a thin layer of the fresh pesto over the tops of the rolls. Pour the remaining pesto evenly over the mozzarella cheese layer.
Add Roll Tops and Season. Place the top half of the rolls back onto the assembled sliders. Optionally, sprinkle with dried minced onion, sesame seeds, or everything but the bagel seasoning for extra flavor and texture.
Pre-Cut the Rolls. Place the entire set of rolls into the prepared baking dish. Using a sharp knife, cut through all 12 rolls individually to make them easy to pull apart after baking.
Bake. Loosely cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to crisp up.
Serve. Carefully remove from the oven once cheese is fully melted. Serve the sliders hot and enjoy your delicious chicken pesto sliders.

Notes

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.
These sliders are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is still melty and fresh.
You can use leftover turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken as substitutes for deli chicken.
Customize topping options for added crunch and flavor as desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 175
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 11 g
Cholesterol: 27 mg