Save These Pesto Chicken Parmesan Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken, aromatic basil pesto, and gooey melted cheese inside soft brioche buns. Whether you are hosting a game day party or a family gathering, these bite-sized treats offer a sophisticated twist on the classic chicken parmesan that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Save The secret to these sliders lies in the layers. By toasting the brioche buns with a garlic-infused butter, you achieve a golden, flavorful crust that perfectly complements the rich filling. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan, making them an irresistible addition to any appetizer spread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 mini brioche slider buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with salt, pepper, and pesto until evenly coated.
- Step 3
- Slice brioche slider buns in half horizontally. Arrange bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4
- Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce onto each bun base. Top with pesto chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5
- Place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
- Step 6
- Mix melted butter with minced garlic, then brush over the tops of the buns.
- Step 7
- Bake sliders for 15–18 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
- Step 8
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil if using, and serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To save time during preparation, you can substitute the chicken breast with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Make sure the chicken is shredded finely so it distributes evenly across the twelve sliders. Using parchment paper is essential for an easy cleanup and to prevent the cheese from sticking to the tray.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a different flavor profile, try replacing the mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese. If you have dietary concerns, always double-check your pesto and brioche buns for hidden allergens like nuts or gluten. You can also swap the homemade pesto for a high-quality store-bought version to further simplify the process.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these sliders while they are still warm and the cheese is gooey. They are best accompanied by an extra bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. For a complete experience, pair them with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon to balance the richness of the cheese and butter.
Save With their golden-brown tops and savory, herb-filled center, these Pesto Chicken Parmesan Sliders are sure to be the highlight of your next gathering. Simple to assemble and bursting with Italian-American flair, they offer a gourmet experience in a convenient, bite-sized form.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the garlic butter just before baking and increase cooking time by a few minutes since they'll be cold.
- → What's the best way to shred chicken for sliders?
Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breast, or pulse briefly in a food processor for finely shredded texture. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves significant prep time.
- → Can I freeze pesto chicken sliders?
Yes, assemble unbaked sliders and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add garlic butter, and bake as directed. The texture remains excellent after freezing.
- → What other cheeses work well in these sliders?
Provolone adds mild creaminess, fontina melts beautifully with nutty flavor, or try smoked gouda for a bold twist. Stick to cheeses that melt well to maintain that gooey texture everyone loves.
- → How do I prevent soggy buns?
Toast the bottom buns lightly for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings, and avoid over-saucing. The garlic butter on top creates a protective barrier that helps keep the buns firm during baking.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free slider buns and verify your marinara and pesto are certified gluten-free. The filling naturally fits gluten-free requirements, so the bun swap makes the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive guests.