Overview

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic dish, combining ground chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese into savory meatballs. These tender bites are perfect as an appetizer or served over pasta for a hearty meal!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup ham, finely chopped
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

For the Sauce (optional)

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Making the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped ham, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Shape Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce (Optional)

1. Make Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, shredded Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the meatballs warm, drizzled with the cheese sauce if desired, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs (per meatball, based on 20 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	100-120
Protein	8-10g
Fat	6-8g
Carbohydrates	2-4g
Fiber	0-1g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs are a fun and tasty twist on a classic dish, combining the flavors of chicken, ham, and cheese into bite-sized delights. Perfect for parties or family dinners, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!