Introduction: Craving a Cheesy, Savory Slider?
Want a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family dinner? Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders are the ultimate recipe! These slow-cooker sliders feature tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and savory ham, all piled onto sweet Hawaiian rolls and topped with green onions. Inspired by classic chicken Cordon Bleu, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor. Ready to create a delicious, handheld treat? Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Overview: Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders Are Special
Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders are a rich, cheesy dish that transforms a gourmet classic into a simple, shareable slider. The slow-cooker method makes them stand out. Here’s why they’re so special:
- Time Requirement: About 15 minutes prep, 2.5-3 hours cooking on Low, 15 minutes melting, for a total of about 3-3.25 hours.
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Simple layering, shredding, and assembling steps make it ideal for beginners or busy cooks.
- Why They’re Unique: The slow cooker ensures juicy, tender chicken, while cream cheese and Swiss create a creamy, melty filling reminiscent of traditional Cordon Bleu. Finely chopped ham adds a smoky, savory bite, and Hawaiian sweet rolls provide a touch of sweetness. These sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or enjoying as a comforting, portable meal with a gourmet twist.
This recipe is cheesy, versatile, and perfect for slider fans or lovers of creamy, savory dishes. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
This recipe serves 8-10 (about 24 sliders) and uses simple ingredients for a flavorful dish. 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 and tender, perfect for shredding.
- Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Season the chicken for a flavorful base.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, rich texture.
- Swiss Cheese: Adds nutty, melty goodness typical of Cordon Bleu.
- Ham: Provides smoky, savory flavor.
- Hawaiian Rolls: Offer a sweet, soft bun to balance the filling.
- Green Onions: Add fresh, mild crunch for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap with boneless chicken thighs (same cooking time) or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skip cooking step).
- Garlic: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Cream Cheese: Replace with Neufchâtel or 8 ounces mascarpone for a lighter option.
- Swiss Cheese: Swap with Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone.
- Ham: Use deli turkey, prosciutto, or bacon crumbles.
- Rolls: Substitute with slider buns, dinner rolls, or brioche buns.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and ensure ham is gluten-free.
- Spicy Sliders: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon hot sauce to the chicken.
- Herb-Forward: Mix 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley into the filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders is quick and easy, with minimal prep and a hands-off slow-cooker finish. Follow these steps for a perfect dish!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Mince 1 garlic clove.
- Measure 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
- Cube 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese.
- Shred 2 cups Swiss cheese.
- Finely chop 1-1/4 cups fully cooked ham.
- Chop green onions for garnish.
- Split 2 packages (12 ounces each) Hawaiian sweet rolls.
Tip: Cube cream cheese into small pieces for faster melting; chop ham finely for even distribution.
Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker
- Add Chicken: Place 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts in a greased 3-quart slow cooker.
- Season: Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Top with Cream Cheese: Distribute cubed cream cheese evenly over the chicken.
Tip: Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking; ensure chicken is in a single layer.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 2.5-3 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
Tip: Check at 2.5 hours with a thermometer; avoid overcooking to keep chicken juicy.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
- Remove Chicken: Transfer chicken to a large bowl or cutting board.
- Shred: Using two forks, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return to Slow Cooker: Add shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, stirring to mix with the cream cheese sauce.
Tip: Shred finely for easy slider filling; stir well to coat chicken in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Ham
- Add Ingredients: Stir in shredded Swiss cheese and chopped ham.
- Melt Cheese: Cover and let stand for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and mixture is cohesive.
- Stir: Mix well to ensure even distribution of cheese and ham.
Tip: Stir gently to keep the mixture creamy; if cheese doesn’t melt fully, cover and heat on Low for 5-10 more minutes.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Rolls: Place bottom halves of split Hawaiian rolls on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Add Filling: Spoon chicken mixture generously onto the roll bottoms.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the filling.
- Top and Serve: Place roll tops on sliders and serve immediately.
Tip: Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess sauce on rolls; serve warm for the best texture.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders
Assembling Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders is all about creating creamy, cheesy sliders with a sweet roll twist. Here’s how to put it together:
- Cook Chicken: Slow-cook chicken with cream cheese and seasonings.
- Shred and Mix: Shred chicken and combine with sauce.
- Add Cheese and Ham: Stir in Swiss and ham for a melty filling.
- Assemble: Pile filling onto Hawaiian rolls and garnish with green onions.
- Serve: Enjoy hot for a gooey, savory bite.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve on a large platter for a party or game-day spread.
- Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of parsley for color.
- Pair with a side salad, pickles, or sweet potato fries.
- Use a wooden board or colorful tray to showcase the sliders’ golden rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders are versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas to enjoy them:
- Game-Day Snack: Serve with chips, dip, or veggies for a party buffet.
- Party Appetizer: Offer as a handheld treat with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Family Dinner: Pair with a Caesar salad or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
- Lunch Option: Pack sliders for a hearty, portable lunch.
- With Extras: Add a drizzle of Dijon mustard or a slice of tomato for flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders are great for leftovers or prep-ahead convenience. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep rolls separate to prevent sogginess.
- Reheating: Reheat filling in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, about 5 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. Toast rolls lightly before assembling.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Filling: Cook and shred chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate. Reheat before serving.
- Rolls: Split rolls up to 1 day ahead; store in an airtight bag.
- Freezing: Freeze chicken filling (without rolls) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before assembling.
Tip: Assemble sliders just before serving to keep rolls soft; store filling separately for freshness.
Recipe Variations
Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders are versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Spicy Sliders: Add 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to the filling.
- Mushroom Cordon Bleu: Stir in 1 cup sautéed mushrooms with the ham.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and ensure ham is gluten-free.
- Low-Fat: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Swiss cheese; reduce ham to 3/4 cup.
- Bacon Cordon Bleu: Replace ham with 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon.
- Pesto Twist: Swirl 2 tablespoons pesto into the filling before serving.
- Oven Option: Bake chicken with seasonings and cream cheese in a covered dish at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, then shred and mix with ham and Swiss.
Tip: Keep the cream cheese-Swiss-ham combo for the Cordon Bleu flavor.
Conclusion: Savor Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders!
You’ve just made Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders—a cheesy, savory, and portable dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This slow-cooker recipe is easy, versatile, and so delicious it’ll become a go-to for parties, dinners, or snacks. Whether you love the creamy filling or the sweet Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are sure to impress. Grab a slider, enjoy the melty goodness, and share the love. What’s your favorite slider topping? Share your ideas in the comments, and happy cooking!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders
Description
Want a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family dinner? Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders are the ultimate recipe! These slow-cooker sliders feature tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and savory ham, all piled onto sweet Hawaiian rolls and topped with green onions
Ingredients
- 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 and tender, perfect for shredding.
- Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Season the chicken for a flavorful base.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, rich texture.
- Swiss Cheese: Adds nutty, melty goodness typical of Cordon Bleu.
- Ham: Provides smoky, savory flavor.
- Hawaiian Rolls: Offer a sweet, soft bun to balance the filling.
- Green Onions: Add fresh, mild crunch for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap with boneless chicken thighs (same cooking time) or 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skip cooking step).
- Garlic: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Cream Cheese: Replace with Neufchâtel or 8 ounces mascarpone for a lighter option.
- Swiss Cheese: Swap with Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone.
- Ham: Use deli turkey, prosciutto, or bacon crumbles.
- Rolls: Substitute with slider buns, dinner rolls, or brioche buns.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and ensure ham is gluten-free.
- Spicy Sliders: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon hot sauce to the chicken.
- Herb-Forward: Mix 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley into the filling.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Mince 1 garlic clove.
- Measure 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
- Cube 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese.
- Shred 2 cups Swiss cheese.
- Finely chop 1-1/4 cups fully cooked ham.
- Chop green onions for garnish.
- Split 2 packages (12 ounces each) Hawaiian sweet rolls.
Tip: Cube cream cheese into small pieces for faster melting; chop ham finely for even distribution.
Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker
- Add Chicken: Place 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts in a greased 3-quart slow cooker.
- Season: Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Top with Cream Cheese: Distribute cubed cream cheese evenly over the chicken.
Tip: Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking; ensure chicken is in a single layer.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 2.5-3 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
Tip: Check at 2.5 hours with a thermometer; avoid overcooking to keep chicken juicy.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
- Remove Chicken: Transfer chicken to a large bowl or cutting board.
- Shred: Using two forks, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return to Slow Cooker: Add shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, stirring to mix with the cream cheese sauce.
Tip: Shred finely for easy slider filling; stir well to coat chicken in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Ham
- Add Ingredients: Stir in shredded Swiss cheese and chopped ham.
- Melt Cheese: Cover and let stand for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and mixture is cohesive.
- Stir: Mix well to ensure even distribution of cheese and ham.
Tip: Stir gently to keep the mixture creamy; if cheese doesn’t melt fully, cover and heat on Low for 5-10 more minutes.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Rolls: Place bottom halves of split Hawaiian rolls on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Add Filling: Spoon chicken mixture generously onto the roll bottoms.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the filling.
- Top and Serve: Place roll tops on sliders and serve immediately.
Tip: Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess sauce on rolls; serve warm for the best texture.
FAQs
Q: Are Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders healthy?
A: Chicken and ham provide protein, but cream cheese and Swiss add fat. Use low-fat cheese, reduce ham, or pair with a salad for a lighter meal.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, thaw completely in the fridge before cooking to ensure even cooking and seasoning.
Q: Why is my filling runny?
A: Excess moisture from chicken or unmelted cheese can cause this. Drain any liquid before shredding and ensure cheese melts fully.
Q: Can I cook this on High?
A: Yes, cook on High for 1-1.5 hours, checking for 165°F (74°C). Low is better for tender chicken.
Q: Can I make these without a slow cooker?
A: Yes, simmer chicken with seasonings and cream cheese in a covered skillet for 20-25 minutes, then shred and mix with ham and Swiss.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders?
A: Yes, freeze the chicken filling (without rolls) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, reheat, and assemble with fresh rolls.