Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites
These Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites transform the classic French dish into perfect finger food that's ideal for holiday gatherings. With the savory combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy coating, these bites deliver all the sophisticated flavor of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu in a party-friendly format that guests can't resist.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Chilling Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, French
Servings 8 servings
Calories 285 kcal
For the Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts finely diced
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling and Coating
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 24 pieces)
- 4 ounces smoked ham finely diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- cooking spray or oil for baking/frying
For the Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Take about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of Swiss cheese and a small amount of diced ham in the center. Carefully fold the chicken mixture around the cheese and ham, sealing completely to form a 1-inch ball. Repeat to make approximately 24 bites.
Prepare three shallow dishes: the first with flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
Roll each chicken ball first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg mixture, allowing extra to drip off. Finally, roll in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating. Place the coated bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate the breaded bites for at least 20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere and prevents the cheese from leaking during cooking.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the bites with oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the bites are cooking, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
Serve hot with the honey-Dijon dipping sauce.
For extra crunchy coating, double-dip the bites by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
You can freeze the uncooked breaded bites for up to 1 month in an airtight container.
Alternative cooking methods: Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or deep fry in oil at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
For varied flavor options, divide the dipping sauce into portions and customize with additions like fresh herbs, sriracha, or maple syrup.
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSodium: 480mgFiber: 1g
Keyword Chicken Cordon Bleu, Appetizers, Party Food, Holiday Appetizers, Finger Food