Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Classic

Introduction

If you’re searching for a dish that’s equally perfect for game day parties, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner, look no further than Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders. Inspired by the classic French dish, these sliders capture the same irresistible flavors—crispy chicken, melty Swiss cheese, and a savory kick of Dijon mustard—all tucked into soft slider buns.

Unlike the traditional version, which requires pounding, stuffing, and carefully breading chicken breasts, this slider recipe takes a simplified approach. By using small rolls, layers of ingredients, and a flavorful butter glaze, you get all the taste with a fraction of the effort. The result? A golden, cheesy, pull-apart tray of sliders that will disappear fast.

A Little Background

The name cordon bleu translates to “blue ribbon” in French, historically associated with excellence and top culinary honors. The dish, featuring chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, breaded and fried, has been popular since the mid-20th century. Over time, home cooks began adapting it into more approachable versions—bakes, casseroles, and now sliders.

Sliders themselves rose to popularity in the U.S. as party-friendly, mini sandwiches that are easy to prepare in bulk. Combining these two ideas results in a dish that feels both familiar and exciting, with all the elegance of Chicken Cordon Bleu presented in a fun, crowd-pleasing format.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd favorite: Perfect for sharing at parties or family dinners.
Easier than traditional Cordon Bleu: No pounding or stuffing required.
Cheesy and comforting: Gooey Swiss cheese in every bite.
Portable: Great for tailgates, potlucks, or lunchboxes.
Customizable: Adapt toppings and sauces to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Sliders

12 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls or any soft dinner rolls)
2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or thinly sliced
6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
6 slices deli ham (optional; can be skipped if you prefer just chicken and cheese)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise

For the Butter Glaze

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan
Sharp bread knife
Small bowl for glaze
Pastry brush or spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Without separating the rolls, slice the entire package of slider rolls in half horizontally. This gives you one connected “slab” of tops and one slab of bottoms. Place the bottom half in your prepared dish.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Layer

In a small bowl, stir together Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.

Step 4: Layer the Chicken and Cheese

Evenly distribute shredded chicken over the sauced rolls. Add ham slices on top if using, followed by Swiss cheese. Ensure the layers cover the rolls completely for even flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Add the Top Buns

Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer to reassemble the slider loaf.

Step 6: Make the Butter Glaze

In another small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, poppy seeds, and parsley.

Step 7: Brush and Bake

Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow sliders to cool for 5 minutes, then slice along the individual rolls. Serve warm.

Tips for Success

Use soft rolls: Hawaiian rolls provide the best pull-apart texture.
Pre-cooked chicken saves time: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Don’t skimp on glaze: It adds flavor and keeps the rolls golden and moist.
Cover while baking: Keeps rolls from drying out before the cheese melts.
Serve immediately: Sliders are best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Variations & Customizations

Cheese Swap: Try provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar instead of Swiss.
Sauce Twist: Add honey mustard, aioli, or a touch of hot sauce for a flavor boost.
No Ham Version: Skip the ham to keep it closer to a simple chicken-and-cheese slider.
Herb Upgrade: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the butter glaze for aromatic depth.
Spicy Kick: Add pickled jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for heat.

Serving & Presentation Ideas

Serve sliders directly in the baking dish for a rustic, pull-apart presentation.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pair with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or roasted vegetables.
For game days, serve alongside dips like ranch or honey mustard for extra fun.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls soggy.
Make-ahead: Assemble sliders up to a day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Brush with glaze just before baking.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked sliders (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken tenders or nuggets instead of shredded chicken?
Yes, breaded chicken tenders or nuggets add crunch and make the sliders even heartier.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use two pans of rolls for 24 sliders—perfect for larger gatherings.

Q: Can I make these without mayonnaise?
Yes. Simply use Dijon mustard alone or replace mayo with Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders take the elegance of a French-inspired dish and transform it into a fun, approachable recipe that’s ideal for entertaining or easy family dinners. With layers of juicy chicken, gooey Swiss cheese, and a buttery, golden topping, these sliders are irresistible crowd-pleasers.

Best of all, they come together quickly, can be prepped ahead, and offer plenty of room for customization. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just need a comforting dinner option, these sliders deliver big flavor in small bites.

So, grab a pack of rolls, whip up the butter glaze, and enjoy a tray of sliders that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

The Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders