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Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients that make these pesto chicken sliders so irresistible. Understanding the role of each component will help you appreciate the recipe even more, as well as prepare you for any substitutions you might want to make.

Pesto Chicken Sliders

Discover the delightful world of pesto chicken sliders, a tasty twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect for gatherings or a weeknight dinner. This easy recipe combines lean ground chicken with aromatic basil pesto, creating flavorful, bite-sized patties that are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you'll have delicious sliders ready in no time. Top with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes for an extra kick, and enjoy a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground chicken

1/2 cup basil pesto (your choice of store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

12 slider buns

4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (optional but recommended)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Sliced tomatoes for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sliders later.

    Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, basil pesto, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a spatula, mix everything until uniformly blended, ensuring all the flavors meld together.

      Form the Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into small slider patties, roughly 1/2 inch thick. Make sure they are compact to hold their shape during cooking.

        Cook the Sliders: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, gently add the chicken patties in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. Flip the patties and continue cooking until they are fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

          Melt the Cheese (optional): If you're including mozzarella, place a slice on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt perfectly over the chicken.

            Assemble the Sliders: Take a slider bun and place one of the cooked chicken patties on the bottom half. Top with fresh basil leaves and sliced tomatoes if you’re using them. Finally, place the top half of the bun to complete the slider.

              Bake (optional): For an extra touch, you can arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and place them back in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes. This step helps warm them up and adds a slight crispness to the buns.

                Serve: Arrange the sliders on a serving platter, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve while hot, allowing your guests to enjoy the delightful flavors!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 35 mins | Makes 12 sliders