Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites Recipe

Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these form the base of the bites.

Ham: Adds a savory, salty flavor to the bites.

Swiss cheese: Provides a creamy, melty center.

Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy coating for the bites.

Eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.

When preparing chicken cordon bleu bites, ensure that the chicken pieces are of uniform size to promote even cooking. This will help avoid any pieces being undercooked or overcooked. Additionally, when rolling the chicken with the ham and cheese, make sure the fillings are tightly secured to prevent them from leaking out during baking. Using a toothpick to hold the rolls together is essential for maintaining their shape and ensuring the cheese melts evenly inside.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can mimic the texture of chicken when marinated properly.

• ham - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto offers a similar salty and savory flavor, though it is thinner and more delicate.

• ham - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon provides a similar smoky flavor with less fat, suitable for a lighter option.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere has a similar nutty and creamy flavor, making it an excellent substitute.

• swiss cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor, though it is less nutty than swiss cheese.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a similar texture with a bit more crunch.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crunchy texture and can be a gluten-free alternative.

• eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the bites while adding a slight tangy flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: For a vegan option, a mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a binding agent.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor with an additional umami depth.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that is less pungent.

• Allow the chicken cordon bleu bites to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the breadcrumbs soggy.
• Place the cooled bites in an airtight container. If stacking them, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Arrange the bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the refrigerated bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• For frozen bites, reheat directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery and the breadcrumbs less crispy.
• Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken cordon bleu bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the bites with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melty again.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to let the breadcrumbs regain their crispiness.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken cordon bleu bites on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until they are hot throughout.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the chicken cordon bleu bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check to make sure they are heated through and the breadcrumbs are crispy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Place the chicken cordon bleu bites in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
  5. If the breadcrumbs start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken cordon bleu bites at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular pan used to place the chicken bites on for baking.

• Toothpicks: Small sticks used to secure the rolled-up chicken, ham, and cheese pieces.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to hold and beat the eggs.

• Whisk: A tool used to beat the eggs until they are well combined.

• Cutting board: A surface used to cut the chicken, ham, and cheese into bite-sized pieces.

• Knife: A sharp tool used to cut the chicken, ham, and cheese.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the breadcrumbs accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper accurately.

• Tongs: Used to dip the chicken rolls into the beaten eggs and then coat them with breadcrumbs.

• Cooling rack: An optional tool to place the baked chicken bites on to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the chicken breasts, ham, and swiss cheese in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-made breadcrumbs: Save time by using store-bought breadcrumbs instead of making your own.

Assemble in batches: Lay out all the chicken pieces and place the ham and cheese on them before rolling them up.

Line your baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to reduce cleanup time.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save waiting time.