Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders

Introduction: Craving a Cheesy, Savory Slider That’s Easy and Crowd-Pleasing?

Ever wanted to enjoy the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a fun, bite-sized form? Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders are the perfect recipe! These slow-cooker sliders combine tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and smoky ham on sweet Hawaiian rolls for a delicious twist on the traditional dish. Ideal for game days, parties, or a quick family dinner, they’re simple to make and packed with flavor. Ready to create a healthy-ish, irresistible meal with minimal effort? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Overview: Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders are Special

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders are a creative, portable take on the classic French dish, made effortless with a slow cooker. They’re cheesy, savory, and perfect for sharing. Here’s why they’re so special:

• Time Requirement: About 10 minutes prep, 2.5-3 hours cooking on Low, plus 15 minutes standing, for a total of around 3-3.5 hours (mostly hands-off).
• Difficulty Level: Easy! Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a low-effort, high-flavor dish.
• Why It’s Unique: The slow cooker melds chicken, cream cheese, Swiss, and ham into a creamy, melty filling, while Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness. The sliders are versatile, portable, and bring gourmet flavors to a casual setting.

This recipe is hearty, versatile, and can be lightened up for a healthier option. Let’s get cooking!

Essential Ingredients

This recipe makes about 24 sliders (serves 8-12) and uses simple ingredients for a rich, cheesy filling. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:

• For the Chicken Filling:
  • 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1-1/4 cups finely chopped fully cooked ham
• For Assembly:
  • 2 packages (12 ounces each) Hawaiian sweet rolls, split
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that shreds easily after slow cooking, soaking up flavors.
• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Add savory depth and enhance the chicken’s flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, rich base for the filling.
• Swiss Cheese: Brings the classic Cordon Bleu nutty, melty texture.
• Ham: Adds smoky, salty flavor, mimicking the traditional dish.
• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Provide a soft, slightly sweet bun that complements the savory filling.
• Green Onions: Offer a fresh, colorful garnish with a mild oniony bite.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken: Swap with boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat or shredded rotisserie chicken (add after cooking cream cheese).
• Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel for a lighter option.
• Swiss Cheese: Replace with Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone for a different cheesy flavor.
• Ham: Substitute with turkey ham, bacon, or prosciutto, or omit for a vegetarian version (add mushrooms for umami).
• Hawaiian Rolls: Use slider buns, dinner rolls, or brioche rolls.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and check ham for additives.
• Low-Fat: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce Swiss cheese to 1-1/2 cups.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or a dash of hot sauce with the seasonings.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped spinach or mushrooms with the ham.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders is a breeze, with the slow cooker doing most of the work. Follow these steps for perfect sliders every time!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

• Pat 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
• Mince 1 garlic clove.
• Cube 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese.
• Shred 2 cups Swiss cheese and finely chop 1-1/4 cups fully cooked ham.
• Chop green onions for garnish.
• Split 2 packages (12 ounces each) Hawaiian sweet rolls and set aside.

Tip: Prepping ingredients upfront makes assembly quick and easy.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Place Chicken: Arrange chicken breasts in a greased 3-quart slow cooker.
2. Season: Sprinkle with 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3. Add Cream Cheese: Top with cubed cream cheese.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 2.5-3 hours, until a thermometer inserted in the chicken reads 165°F (74°C).

Tip: No need to stir; the cream cheese will melt as it cooks.

Step 3: Shred and Mix

1. Remove Chicken: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
2. Return to Slow Cooker: Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the melted cream cheese.
3. Add Cheese and Ham: Stir in 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese and 1-1/4 cups chopped ham.
4. Melt Cheese: Cover and let stand for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Stir well before serving.

Tip: Stir gently to keep the filling creamy and cohesive.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

1. Fill Rolls: Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the split Hawaiian rolls. Place top halves on the filling.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve sliders warm, on a platter or individual plates, with extra napkins for the cheesy goodness!