Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

### How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites

#### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your **chicken breasts** into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. You should aim for uniform pieces so that they cook evenly. If the chicken breasts are thick, you may want to slice them horizontally to create thinner pieces before cutting them into cubes.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Ham and Cheese
Next, slice the **Swiss cheese** and **ham** into small squares or strips that will fit easily inside the chicken cubes. Each chicken cube will be stuffed with a piece of ham and a piece of cheese, so make sure you have enough to go around. You can use a combination of cheese and ham for variety, such as cheddar with turkey ham.

#### Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
To make the bites, take a chicken cube and make a small incision in the center. Gently stuff the chicken with a piece of **ham** and a piece of **cheese**. Be careful not to overstuff, as you want to be able to seal the chicken around the filling so the cheese doesn’t ooze out during cooking.

#### Step 4: Coat the Chicken Bites
Set up a dredging station for coating the chicken. You’ll need three shallow bowls:

1. **Flour** in the first bowl, seasoned with a pinch of **salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, and **paprika** for extra flavor.
2. **Beaten eggs** in the second bowl to help the breadcrumbs stick.
3. **Breadcrumbs** in the third bowl. Use **panko breadcrumbs** for a crunchier exterior, or regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand.

Dip each stuffed chicken bite into the flour mixture first, then the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is fully coated in breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish.

#### Step 5: Cook the Chicken Bites
There are two main methods for cooking the Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites: **baking** or **frying**.

1. **To Bake**: Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Arrange the breaded chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken bites with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up as they bake. Bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the chicken is cooked through and the exterior is golden brown and crispy.

2. **To Fry**: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken bites in batches, cooking them for **3-4 minutes per side**, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

#### Step 6: Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
While the chicken bites are cooking, you can prepare a simple dipping sauce to serve alongside. In a small bowl, mix together the **mayonnaise**, **Dijon mustard**, **honey**, and **lemon juice**. This creamy, tangy sauce pairs wonderfully with the rich, cheesy chicken bites and adds a burst of flavor.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken bites are cooked, serve them hot with your dipping sauce on the side. These bites are perfect for snacking, entertaining, or as a fun family dinner option.

### Serving Suggestions

– **Appetizer or Finger Food**: Serve these bites at your next party, game day, or as an appetizer at a dinner party. They are easy to eat with your hands, making them a great finger food.
– **Side Dish**: Pair the Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
– **Meal Prep**: These bites store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

### Why These Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites Are a Must-Try

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites offer all the delicious flavors of the classic dish but in a more convenient, bite-sized form. With their crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy filling, they’re the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you bake or fry them, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep.

Easy to make and endlessly customizable, Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Try them today, and experience the delicious twist on a classic that everyone will love!