Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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.
Instructions
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
- Place Chicken: Arrange chicken breasts in a greased 3-quart slow cooker.
- Season: Sprinkle with 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Add Cream Cheese: Top with cubed cream cheese.
- 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
- Remove Chicken: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
- Return to Slow Cooker: Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the melted cream cheese.
- Add Cheese and Ham: Stir in 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese and 1-1/4 cups chopped ham.
- 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
- Fill Rolls: Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the split Hawaiian rolls. Place top halves on the filling.
- 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!