Description
Ever wondered how to bring the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu to a fun, crowd-pleasing slider? Picture biting into Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders, where tender, slow-cooked chicken mingles with creamy cheese, savory ham, and sweet Hawaiian rolls, all topped with a sprinkle of fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Each ingredient in Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders contributes to its rich, comforting flavor and texture. Substitutions make it adaptable to your pantry.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs): Lean, tender protein that shreds easily. Substitution: Chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken (skip slow cooking).
- Garlic Clove (1, minced): Adds savory depth. Substitution: ¼ tsp garlic powder.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances flavors. Substitution: Low-sodium salt or kosher salt.
- Pepper (¼ tsp): Provides mild heat. Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, cubed): Creates a creamy, rich base. Substitution: Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Shredded Swiss Cheese (2 cups): Adds nutty, melty flavor. Substitution: Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar.
- Finely Chopped Fully Cooked Ham (1.25 cups): Brings savory, smoky taste. Substitution: Turkey ham, prosciutto, or bacon crumbles.
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (2 x 12 oz packages, split): Soft, sweet rolls for sliders. Substitution: Slider buns, dinner rolls, or brioche rolls.
- Chopped Green Onions: Add fresh, colorful garnish. Substitution: Chives, parsley, or omit.
Why These Ingredients Matter:
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- Chicken and ham provide protein, making this a hearty, satisfying dish.
- Cream and Swiss cheeses create a luscious, Cordon Bleu-inspired filling.
- Hawaiian rolls add a sweet contrast to the savory filling, enhancing the slider experience.
- Slow cooking ensures tender chicken and melded flavors with minimal effort.
Instructions
Let’s make Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders with clear steps and tips to ensure they’re creamy, flavorful, and slider-ready.
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- Prep the Chicken (5 minutes):
- Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a greased 3-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.
- Top with 8 oz cubed cream cheese. Tip: Cube cream cheese for even melting; no need to stir at this stage.
- Slow Cook the Chicken (2.5-3 hours):
- Cover and cook on low for 2.5-3 hours, until a thermometer inserted in the chicken reads 165°F (74°C). Tip: Check at 2.5 hours to avoid overcooking; smaller slow cookers may cook faster. Avoid lifting the lid to maintain heat.
- Shred the Chicken (5 minutes):
- Remove chicken to a plate and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the cream cheese and juices. Tip: Shred while warm for easier handling; the cream cheese will form a creamy sauce.
- Add Ham and Cheese (3 minutes):
- Stir in 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese and 1.25 cups finely chopped fully cooked ham.
- Cover and let stand for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is cohesive.
- Stir well before serving to ensure even distribution. Tip: Chop ham finely for a uniform texture; stir gently to avoid breaking up the chicken.
- Assemble the Sliders (5 minutes):
- Split 2 packages (12 oz each) Hawaiian sweet rolls and place bottoms on a serving tray or platter.
- Spoon chicken mixture onto roll bottoms (about 2-3 tbsp per slider, yielding 24 sliders).
- Place roll tops over the filling.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions for garnish. Tip: Warm rolls in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before assembling for extra softness.
- Serve (2 minutes):
- Serve sliders warm, arranging on a platter (2-3 sliders per serving for 8-12 servings). Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and soft rolls; offer extra napkins for messy eating.