### Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders

#### Recipe Description
Indulge in these Cheesy Garlic Pesto Chicken Sliders, featuring tender marinated chicken breasts, creamy pesto, and melted mozzarella, all nestled in soft slider buns. Perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner!

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### Full Ingredients
– **1 pound** boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– **1 cup** fresh basil leaves
– **1/2 cup** grated Parmesan cheese
– **1/2 cup** olive oil
– **3 cloves** garlic, minced
– **1 teaspoon** salt
– **1/2 teaspoon** black pepper
– **1/2 teaspoon** red pepper flakes (optional)
– **1 cup** shredded mozzarella cheese
– **12** slider buns
– **1/4 cup** mayonnaise
– **1 tablespoon** lemon juice
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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### Full Instructions

#### Preparing the Pesto
1. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pulse the mixture a few times until the basil is finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage. Set the pesto aside.

#### Preparing the Chicken
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large bowl.
7. Pour half of the prepared pesto over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
8. Let the chicken marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

#### Cooking the Chicken
9. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
10. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken breasts to the skillet.
11. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
12. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

#### Assembling the Sliders
13. Prepare the slider buns. If desired, toast them in the oven until lightly golden.
14. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and lemon juice together.
15. Spread a generous amount of the mayonnaise mixture on the bottom half of each slider bun.
16. Layer the sliced chicken on top of the mayonnaise.
17. Spoon a little more pesto over the chicken.
18. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and pesto.
19. Place the top half of the slider bun on each assembled slider.

#### Baking the Sliders
20. Arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
21. Drizzle any remaining pesto over the top of the sliders if desired.
22. Cover the sliders with aluminum foil to keep them moist while baking.
23. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
24. For a golden top, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

#### Serving the Sliders
25. Once baked, let the sliders cool for a couple of minutes.
26. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
27. Serve warm with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or crispy fries.

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### Notes
– For added veggies, consider including sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers in the sliders.
– Substitute chicken with turkey or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
– These sliders are great for parties or game day and can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.

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### Prep Time
15 minutes (plus 15-20 minutes marinating time)

### Cook Time
25-30 minutes

### Total Time
40-45 minutes

### Yield
12 sliders