Cheesy Ham & Chicken Sliders – No Bread Mini Cordon Bleu Bites
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy in the centre, and filled with melted cheese and savoury ham, these Cheesy Ham & Chicken Sliders are a fun low-carb twist on classic chicken cordon bleu. Instead of using bread rolls, the chicken forms the outside of each bite, creating a golden, cheesy little slider that is perfect for parties, lunchboxes, family dinners, or easy meal prep.
Each bite combines seasoned ground chicken, thinly sliced ham, and melted cheese. The outside becomes beautifully golden and crisp, while the inside remains moist and flavourful. You can pan-fry, bake, or air-fry these mini chicken sliders depending on your preferred cooking method.
Because there is no traditional bread or bun, these bites can be served as a protein-focused alternative to ordinary sliders. They are also easy to customise with different cheeses, herbs, and seasonings.
Serve them with a fresh salad and vegetables for dinner, or arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces for an easy party appetiser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Sliders
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 6–8 slices of deli ham, thinly sliced
• 6–8 slices Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or provolone
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
Optional Crispy Coating
• ½ cup finely crushed pork rinds
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Sauce
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl.
Add the egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently with clean hands or a spatula until everything is evenly combined.
Avoid overmixing the chicken because excessive mixing can make the finished sliders dense instead of tender.
The mixture should be soft but firm enough to shape.
2. Prepare the Filling
Cut or fold the ham slices so they are slightly smaller than the chicken portions.
Cut the cheese into small pieces that will fit comfortably inside each slider.
Swiss cheese gives the sliders a classic cordon bleu flavour, while mozzarella creates a milder, extra-stretchy centre. Provolone is another excellent option.
Keeping the cheese contained inside the chicken is important because it allows the centre to become beautifully melted without leaking excessively during cooking.
3. Shape the Sliders
Divide the chicken mixture into approximately 8 equal portions.
Take one portion and flatten it gently into a thin patty.
Place a small piece of ham in the centre, followed by a piece of cheese.
Take another small portion of the chicken mixture and place it over the top.
Gently press and shape the chicken around the filling, sealing the edges completely.
Make sure there are no visible gaps where the cheese or ham can escape.
Flatten slightly to create a small slider shape.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
4. Add the Optional Crispy Coating
If you want a crispier exterior, combine crushed pork rinds, Parmesan, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
Gently press each chicken slider into the mixture, coating both sides.
The coating adds crunch without traditional breadcrumbs.
If you don’t need the recipe to be strictly low carb, regular seasoned breadcrumbs or panko can also be used.
5. Chill the Sliders
Place the shaped sliders on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
Refrigerate for approximately 15–20 minutes.
This short chilling period helps the chicken firm up and makes the sliders easier to cook without losing their shape.
It also helps keep the cheese contained inside.
6. Pan-Fry
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the olive oil.
Once hot, carefully place the chicken sliders into the pan, leaving space between them.
Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes on the first side.
Carefully flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes.
The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the sliders.
The chicken should be fully cooked in the centre, and the exterior should be golden brown.
For food safety, ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Alternative Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the prepared sliders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Lightly spray or brush the outside with olive oil.
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
If you want a more golden crust, place the sliders under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully because they can brown quickly.
8. Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
Arrange the sliders in a single layer without overcrowding.
Air fry for approximately 12–16 minutes, turning halfway through.
Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
9. Prepare the Dipping Sauce
While the sliders are cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
This creamy mustard sauce pairs beautifully with the savoury ham and melted cheese.
You can also serve the sliders with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a spicy mayonnaise.
10. Rest and Serve
Once cooked, allow the sliders to rest for 3–5 minutes.
This gives the melted cheese a chance to settle slightly and helps retain the juices inside the chicken.
Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce.
Notes
Use ground chicken with enough moisture and fat to prevent the sliders from becoming dry. Very lean chicken can work, but you may need to be especially careful not to overcook it.
Thinly sliced deli ham works best because it folds easily inside the chicken. You can use smoked ham, honey ham, or traditional cooked ham.
Swiss cheese gives the most classic cordon bleu-inspired flavour. Mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, or Gruyère can also be used.
Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed by chicken. If there are gaps, melted cheese may escape during cooking.
If the chicken mixture feels too soft to shape, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before assembling.
Tips for Perfect Sliders
Don’t overmix: Mix the ground chicken just until the ingredients are combined.
Seal the edges: take extra care when enclosing the ham and cheese. A tight seal keeps the filling inside.
Chill before cooking: Refrigerating the shaped sliders makes them easier to handle and helps them maintain their shape.
Use moderate heat: cooking over excessively high heat can brown the outside before the chicken is fully cooked.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: give each slider enough space so it can brown properly.
Use a thermometer: the safest way to confirm doneness is to check that the centre reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest before serving: A few minutes of resting helps the chicken retain its juices.
Variations
Turkey Version: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey for a slightly different flavour.
Bacon Version: Add a small amount of cooked, crumbled bacon inside with the ham and cheese.
Spinach Version: Add finely chopped cooked spinach to the chicken mixture for extra vegetables.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or finely chopped jalapeño to the chicken mixture.
Garlic Herb Version: Increase the garlic and add fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
Italian Version: Use mozzarella and pepperoni instead of ham, then serve with marinara sauce.
Breakfast Version: Replace the ham with cooked breakfast sausage and use cheddar cheese.
Serving Suggestions
For a low-carb dinner, serve the sliders with:
• Green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Steamed green beans
• Cauliflower mash
• Zucchini noodles
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Cucumber salad
• Coleslaw
For parties, arrange the sliders on a large platter with several dipping sauces.
You can also place them on small lettuce leaves with sliced pickles and a little mustard for a handheld low-carb party bite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The chicken mixture can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated.
You can also completely shape the sliders, place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
This makes them convenient for parties and busy weeknight dinners.
For the best texture, add the crispy coating shortly before cooking.
Storage
Store leftover cooked sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat them in an air fryer or oven to restore some of their crisp exterior.
Air fry at approximately 350°F (175°C) for several minutes until warmed through.
Microwaving is convenient but may make the exterior softer.
Freezing
These sliders can be frozen either before or after cooking.
To freeze uncooked sliders, arrange them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Cooked sliders can also be frozen. Allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight freezer-safe container.
For best quality, use within 2 months.
Servings
Makes approximately 8 mini sliders.
Serving size: 2 sliders.
Approximate Nutritional Information Per Serving
Calories: 390
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fibre: 0 g
Net Carbohydrates: 3 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 760 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the type of ground chicken, ham, cheese, coating, and sauces used.
Benefits
These sliders provide a substantial amount of protein from ground chicken, ham, cheese, and egg. Protein can contribute to meal satisfaction and supports normal muscle maintenance.
Using chicken as the main ingredient makes these bites a protein-focused alternative to traditional bread-based sliders.
The optional pork-rind coating can provide a crispy texture while keeping the carbohydrate content relatively low. If using regular breadcrumbs instead, the carbohydrate content will increase.
You can also add vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or finely chopped peppers to increase the vegetable content.
For a more balanced meal, pair the sliders with vegetables or a large fresh salad.
Because ham and cheese can contain significant amounts of sodium and saturated fat, choose lower-sodium products when appropriate and balance the meal with plenty of vegetables.
Recipe Q&A
Are these sliders really made without bread?
Yes. The chicken mixture forms the outside of the sliders, so there is no traditional bread or bun required.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey can replace ground chicken using the same basic method.
What cheese is best?
Swiss cheese gives the strongest cordon bleu-style flavor. Mozzarella is milder and melts beautifully, while provolone and Gruyère are also excellent choices.
Can I make these without ham?
Yes. You can replace the ham with cooked bacon, turkey ham, sliced chicken, or simply use extra cheese and herbs.
How do I stop the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the chicken completely surrounds the cheese and ham. Press the edges together firmly and avoid using an oversized piece of cheese.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20–25 minutes, turning once, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 12–16 minutes, turning halfway through.
Are these keto-friendly?
They can fit many low-carbohydrate or ketogenic meal plans when prepared with low-carb ingredients and served without traditional bread or high-carb sauces. Always check the labels on processed ham, cheese, and sauces.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Yes. Panko or seasoned breadcrumbs create an especially crispy exterior, but they will increase the carbohydrate content.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Finely chopped cooked spinach, mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini can be incorporated into the chicken mixture. Make sure vegetables are well drained to prevent excess moisture.
Why are my sliders dry?
Overcooking is the most common reason. Ground chicken should be cooked to 165°F (74°C), but it should not remain on the heat much longer than necessary.
Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes. Shape the sliders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them covered until ready to cook.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Uncooked or cooked sliders can be frozen. For best results, freeze uncooked sliders individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
What sauce goes best with these?
Dijon mayonnaise, ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, marinara, or spicy mayo all pair well with the ham and cheese filling.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ham & Chicken Sliders are a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu in a fun, bite-sized format. Instead of bread, seasoned ground chicken creates the exterior, while savory ham and melted cheese create a rich center.
They are versatile enough for a family dinner but also special enough for parties and gatherings. Bake them for a hands-off option, pan-fry them for a beautifully browned crust, or use an air fryer when you want a quick and crispy finish.
For the best results, keep the cheese fully enclosed, chill the shaped sliders before cooking, and use a thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve them warm with a creamy Dijon dipping sauce and plenty of fresh vegetables for a satisfying low-carb meal.
