Save to Pinterest Experience a delightful twist on a classic favorite with these Pesto Chicken Parmesan Sliders. Combining juicy chicken breasts, aromatic basil pesto, and rich marinara sauce, these bite-sized treats are nestled inside soft, buttery mini brioche buns for a truly gourmet snacking experience.
Save to Pinterest These sliders offer a sophisticated flavor profile that stands out. Whether you're hosting a game day or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, the blend of melted mozzarella and crunchy breaded chicken ensures every bite is satisfying.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), cut into 12 pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Breading: 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs.
- Assembly: 12 mini brioche slider buns; 1/2 cup (120 ml) basil pesto; 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish).
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until coated.
- Step 3
- In a shallow dish, combine panko, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. Dredge chicken pieces in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Step 4
- Arrange breaded chicken on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Step 5
- While chicken bakes, slice slider buns in half. Spread about 2 teaspoons pesto on each bottom half.
- Step 6
- When chicken is done, place one piece on each bun bottom. Spoon 1 tablespoon marinara over each, then top with mozzarella.
- Step 7
- Place tops of buns on sliders. Arrange sliders in a baking dish. Brush melted butter over tops.
- Step 8
- Bake assembled sliders at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are slightly toasted.
- Step 9
- Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents the breaded chicken from sticking. For the best texture, ensure you use a pastry brush to apply the melted butter evenly across the brioche bun tops before the final bake.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a convenient shortcut, you can use rotisserie chicken tossed in pesto instead of breading and baking individual pieces. If you prefer a different cheese, mozzarella can be substituted with provolone or fontina.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these sliders warm while the mozzarella is perfectly melted. They are best enjoyed with an extra side of marinara sauce for dipping and a garnish of fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Save to Pinterest With their golden-brown tops and rich, layered flavors, these Pesto Chicken Parmesan Sliders are guaranteed to be the highlight of your next gathering. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, they bring a touch of gourmet Italian-American flair to any table.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store refrigerated. Assembly and final baking should be done just before serving for the crispiest texture and melted cheese.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it makes the buns soggy and the coating loses its crunch.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Skip the breading step and toss shredded rotisserie chicken with pesto before assembling. Reduce final baking time to 3-4 minutes just to melt the cheese and toast the buns.
- → What other cheeses work well?
Provolone adds sharpness, fontina offers excellent meltability, and a blend of Italian cheeses creates depth. Just ensure total cheese amount stays around 1½ cups for proper coverage.
- → How do I prevent soggy buns?
Brushing the cut sides with olive oil and lightly toasting them before adding pesto helps create a barrier. Also, don't overload with sauce—1 tablespoon per slider provides plenty of flavor without saturation.
- → Can I freeze these sliders?
Freeze assembled (unbaked) sliders for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until hot throughout and cheese is bubbly.