Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

Introduction

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are a deliciously bite-sized version of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. These crispy, golden-brown morsels are filled with tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, creating the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

I first made these when I wanted to serve something different at a family gathering, and they quickly became a favorite. The crunchy exterior contrasts perfectly with the juicy filling, and the melted cheese makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as an appetizer, or as a main course, these chicken bites are sure to impress.

What’s great about these Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites is that they’re easy to make and fun to eat. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick frying or baking process, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these bites are always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Party appetizers
• Game day snacks
• Family dinners
• Holiday gatherings
• Finger food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

Here’s why Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites will become your go-to appetizer:

• Bite-Sized Goodness: These mini versions of the classic dish are easy to serve and perfect for snacking.
• Crispy Coating: The combination of breadcrumbs and panko creates a crunchy, golden exterior that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
• Melted Cheese: The Swiss cheese inside melts beautifully, adding a rich, gooey texture to every bite.
• Savory Flavor: The ham and chicken pairing brings savory, smoky flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
• Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, these bites are simple to prepare, making them perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile: These can be served as appetizers, main dishes, or even as part of a festive meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 24-30 bites
• Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 9g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 6 oz thinly sliced ham (cut into small pieces)
• 6 oz Swiss cheese (cut into small cubes)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, chicken breast serves as the perfect base for these bites, providing a juicy filling that pairs well with the ham and cheese.
• Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese adds a slightly nutty flavor and melts beautifully inside the chicken bites, creating a gooey, cheesy center.
• Ham: Thinly sliced ham adds a savory, slightly salty flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy coating that gives the bites a perfect crunch when fried.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each. If needed, lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Assemble the Filling: Place a small piece of ham and a cube of Swiss cheese on each piece of chicken. Fold or roll the chicken around the ham and cheese to enclose the filling, securing them with toothpicks if necessary.

Coat the Bites:

3. Prepare the Dipping Stations: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the Chicken Bites: Dredge each stuffed chicken bite in the flour, followed by dipping it in the beaten eggs, and then coating it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.

Fry the Bites:

5. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and fry the chicken bites evenly.
6. Fry the Chicken Bites: Add the breaded chicken bites to the skillet in a single layer. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Drain the Bites: Once the chicken bites are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

8. Remove Toothpicks: If you used toothpicks to secure the bites, be sure to remove them before serving.
9. Serve: Serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites hot, with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch, or marinara.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: These bites are perfect for appetizers at parties, holiday gatherings, or game days.
• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a selection of sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for dipping.
• As a Main Dish: Serve these bites as part of a larger meal with side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• For Meal Prep: These bites can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them an easy option for meal prepping.

Additional Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites turn out perfectly every time:

• Even Chicken Pieces: Make sure your chicken pieces are uniform in size so that they cook evenly.
• Secure the Filling: If the filling starts to leak out during frying, you can secure the chicken bites with toothpicks to keep the ham and cheese inside.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken bites in batches to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a crispy coating.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid undercooking.
• Make-Ahead: These bites can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a crispy finish.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites:

• Cheddar Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites: Swap Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar for a tangy twist on the classic.
• Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites: Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken bites at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
• Smoked Ham: Use smoked ham for a deeper, more intense flavor that complements the chicken and cheese.
• Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Stuffed with Bacon: Add cooked bacon to the ham and cheese filling for an extra savory, smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free variation of this recipe.
• Mini Cordon Bleu Bites: Use smaller pieces of chicken for bite-sized morsels that are even easier to serve as appetizers.
• Spinach and Artichoke Cordon Bleu Bites: Add spinach and artichoke to the filling for a veggie-packed version of this dish.
• Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy, crispy coating.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Skewers: Thread the chicken, ham, and cheese onto skewers and grill or bake them for a different presentation.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

• Freezing: To freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment for Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

Here are some tools that will make preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites easier:

• Skillet or Frying Pan: A large skillet or frying pan for frying the chicken bites evenly.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures your chicken reaches the proper internal temperature.
• Shallow Bowls: Use shallow bowls for dredging the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Paper Towels: A paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil from the fried chicken bites.
• Toothpicks (Optional): Use toothpicks to secure the chicken bites if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

1. Can I make these bites in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry or bake them.
2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Can I use a different cheese?
   Yes, you can swap out Swiss cheese for cheddar, provolone, or any cheese of your choice.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make these bites gluten-free.
5. How do I reheat leftover chicken bites?
   To reheat, bake the bites at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or heat them in the microwave for a few minutes.

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Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs, tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese creates a mouthwatering bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a family meal, or for a casual snack, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for a truly memorable dish!

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is tasty, making it perfect for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or enjoying them as a main dish, these chicken bites will quickly become a favorite.

I’d love to see how your Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!