Print

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

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. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as an appetizer, or as a main course, these chicken bites are sure to impress. Easy to make and fun to eat, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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.

Instructions

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. Drain the Bites: Once the chicken bites are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

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

Nutrition