Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu Nuggets: A Family Favorite Reinvented
Experience the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a delightful, bite-sized form! These crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu Nuggets feature tender chunks of chicken, perfectly wrapped in savory ham and creamy Swiss cheese, all coated in a golden, seasoned breading. Ideal as a fun appetizer for entertaining or a crowd-plepleasing dinner for the whole family, this recipe promises a delicious twist on a beloved dish.
If you’re a fan of creative chicken recipes, you absolutely have to try these unique Chicken Cordon Bleu Nuggets. For more classic comfort food, explore our Homemade Chicken Nuggets recipe too.
The Joy of Cooking: Finding Culinary Inspiration in Everyday Life
As someone who dedicates a significant part of their life to food blogging, it comes as no surprise that cooking is more than just a task for me – it’s a passion, a creative outlet, and often, my happy place. While there are certainly days when the thought of stepping into the kitchen after a chaotic day feels daunting, the overall satisfaction of preparing a homemade meal for my family far outweighs any momentary reluctance. There’s a profound joy in gathering around the dinner table, sharing delicious food, and creating cherished memories.
Sometimes, I find myself craving the simple act of cooking, a therapeutic process where I can lose myself in the rhythm of chopping, mixing, and stirring. Other times, the excitement builds from the planning phase – poring over cookbooks, flipping through magazines, and drooling over vibrant food photography. It’s in these moments of culinary exploration that new ideas take root and inspire fresh creations for my kitchen.
Rediscovering a Classic: The Genesis of Our Cordon Bleu Nuggets
Recently, I’ve been spending countless hours immersed in my cookbook collection and stacks of old food magazines. There’s an undeniable allure in revisiting forgotten recipes and discovering new gems. It’s a delightful journey, often leading to impulse buys of new cookbooks or adding countless bookmarks to recipes I simply *must* try. This very habit led me to rediscover a recipe for these incredible Chicken Cordon Bleu Nuggets tucked away in a back issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray. The moment I saw them, I was struck with a mix of excitement and disbelief – how had I never made these before? I instantly knew they would be a hit with my family, and undoubtedly, a new favorite for me.
Crafting the Perfect Nugget: Tips for Success
My initial concern, like with many cheese-filled dishes, was whether the Swiss cheese would completely melt out during baking, leaving me with a messy pan instead of perfectly contained nuggets. To my pleasant surprise, while a little cheese inevitably escapes, the majority stays beautifully nestled inside, contributing to that irresistible gooey center. This recipe is definitely a success, delivering on both flavor and texture!
For the best results, the thickness of your deli ham is crucial. I initially thought thicker slices would provide more structural integrity, but after a quick trip back to the grocery store (and a learning curve!), I discovered that standard sandwich-sliced ham works far better. It’s pliable enough to wrap snugly around the chicken and cheese without being too bulky, ensuring an even cook and a delightful bite every time.
While the original magazine touted these as an appetizer, I quickly realized their potential as a fantastic main course. They are incredibly satisfying and have become a beloved staple for our family dinners. Their versatility also makes them perfect for game day snacks, party finger foods, or even a sophisticated addition to a brunch spread.
Dipping Delights and Perfect Pairings
No nugget is complete without a delicious dipping sauce, and these Chicken Cordon Bleu Nuggets are no exception. I love serving them with a simple homemade honey-mustard sauce, which I whip up by combining mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and a touch of honey until it hits just the right balance of sweet and tangy. If you’re looking for another fantastic option, a batch of homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce would also be absolutely divine – it truly complements the savory flavors of the nuggets beautifully.
Recommended Serving Suggestions:
To make these nuggets a complete and satisfying meal, consider pairing them with these delicious sides:
- Broccoli Salad: A refreshing and crunchy broccoli salad offers a wonderful contrast to the rich, savory nuggets. Its bright flavors and creamy dressing make it an ideal companion.
- Baked French Fries: Crispy baked French fries are a classic pairing for any type of nugget. They are easy to make and universally loved, adding that familiar comfort food element to your dinner.
- Baked Beans with Bacon: For a heartier, more rustic meal, a side of smoky baked beans with bacon provides a comforting and flavorful complement. The sweet and savory notes of the beans round out the meal perfectly.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can also be a great choice to balance the meal and add some freshness.
- Roasted Asparagus: For a slightly more elegant touch, roasted asparagus spears offer a delicate flavor and tender-crisp texture that pairs well with the richness of the chicken.
Variations to Inspire Your Culinary Creativity
These Chicken Cordon Bleu Nuggets are fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Instead of Swiss, try Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, or a sharp cheddar for a bolder bite. You could also mix in a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder into your breading mixture for an extra layer of flavor. For a spicier kick, a hint of cayenne pepper can be added to the flour seasoning. If you’re looking to make them gluten-free, simply substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, such as almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this versatile recipe!
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
These nuggets are wonderful fresh, but they also make great leftovers. You can prepare them ahead of time by assembling the nuggets and then refrigerating them on a baking sheet, uncovered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This can be a huge time-saver for busy weeknights or when preparing for a party. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven until warmed through and crispy. They can also be frozen uncooked for longer storage. Simply freeze the assembled nuggets on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Ready to Elevate Your Mealtime?
These Chicken Cordon Bleu Nuggets are more than just a meal; they’re an invitation to bring excitement and flavor to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward, fun to make, and guaranteed to impress. The combination of juicy chicken, salty ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all encased in a crispy coating, creates an unforgettable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give them a try and discover your new favorite family recipe!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Nuggets
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Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lb deli sliced ham (sandwich thickness recommended)
- 1/2 lb deli sliced Swiss cheese
- 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 36 bite-sized chunks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by spraying them generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- Set up your breading station: In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a splash of water. In a second shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and dried thyme. In a third shallow bowl, place the flour and season it liberally with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the ham and cheese: Cut both the deli ham and the Swiss cheese into strips, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Cut them lengthwise to ensure they are long enough to wrap around the chicken. You should aim for about 3 to 4 strips from each piece of ham and 3 strips from each slice of cheese.
- Assemble the nuggets: On a clean work surface, lay a strip of Swiss cheese on top of a strip of ham. Place one chunk of chicken at one end of the layered ham and cheese. Carefully roll it up to completely enclose the chicken. Working one at a time, lightly dredge the rolled nugget in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the breaded nugget seam-side down on one of the prepared baking sheets. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken, ham, and cheese until all nuggets are assembled.
- Bake the nuggets: Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the nuggets are golden brown and crispy.