Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

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Introduction:

Impress your guests with our delectable Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites recipe. These savory appetizers offer a delightful twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, featuring tender chicken breast, flavorful ham, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in a bite-sized package. Whether you’re hosting a party, game night, or simply craving a tasty snack, these Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are sure to be a hit. Join us as we explore how to make these irresistible appetizers and elevate your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • ½ cup smoked ham, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 8 ounces Swiss cheese, cut into ½ inch cubes
  • Cooking spray
  • (Optional for coating) Extra Panko bread crumbs

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, smoked ham, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and eggs.
  2. Gradually add the bread crumbs until the mixture is cohesive enough to form into balls.
  3. Take small amounts of the chicken mixture and form it around cubes of Swiss cheese, shaping into balls approximately 2 inches in diameter.
  4. If desired, coat the meatballs in additional Panko for a crispier exterior.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  6. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even air flow. Spray generously with cooking spray.
  7. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through and spraying again with cooking spray.
  8. Serve hot with Dijon Cream sauce or your choice of dipping sauce.
  9. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
  10. Kcal: 173 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve Warm: Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are best served warm, straight out of the oven, to ensure the cheese is gooey and the breading is crispy. Arrange them on a platter or serving tray, and serve immediately to enjoy them at their peak.
  2. Pair with Dipping Sauces: Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance their flavor and add a touch of customization. Popular options include honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or garlic aioli. Provide a selection of sauces to cater to different tastes.
  3. Garnish for Presentation: Garnish the platter of Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites with fresh parsley, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of paprika for an added pop of color and visual appeal. This simple touch elevates the presentation and makes the appetizers even more inviting.
  4. Serve with Finger Foods: Arrange Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites alongside other finger foods and appetizers to create a diverse and appealing spread for guests to enjoy. Consider including options such as vegetable crudités, cheese and charcuterie platters, or stuffed mushrooms for variety.
  5. Provide Toothpicks: Since Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are typically secured with toothpicks during assembly, provide additional toothpicks or small cocktail forks for easy serving and eating. This prevents guests from needing to use their fingers and makes for a more enjoyable dining experience.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to the container to prevent condensation and sogginess.
  2. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the breading is crispy again.
  3. Avoid Freezing: Due to their delicate nature and the risk of the breading becoming soggy, it’s not recommended to freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites. They are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
  4. Separate Layers: If stacking Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites for storage in the refrigerator, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their crispy texture.
  5. Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, it’s ideal to serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites fresh on the day they are made. However, if storing leftovers, follow proper storage guidelines to ensure they remain delicious when enjoyed later.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breast for Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites?
    • Yes, you can use chicken tenders as a convenient alternative to chicken breast. Simply cut the chicken tenders into smaller pieces to create bite-sized portions for the recipe.
  2. How can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites gluten-free?
    • To make gluten-free Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that all other ingredients, including the ham and cheese, are certified gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken.
  3. Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites ahead of time and reheat them later?
    • Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. When ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven until heated through and crispy.
  4. What dipping sauces pair well with Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites?
    • Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or garlic aioli. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.
  5. Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites without toothpicks?
    • While toothpicks are typically used to secure the ham and cheese around the chicken, you can omit them if preferred. Just ensure that the chicken bites are tightly wrapped to prevent the filling from coming loose during baking.

Conclusion:

With their irresistible combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese, our Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or party food, these bite-sized treats are guaranteed to impress with their delicious flavor and crispy texture. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every mouthful of these delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites.

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