What Makes Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip So Special
The combination of tender chicken, smoky ham, and melty Swiss cheese that feels like a warm hug in every bite. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip takes all the classic flavors of the beloved dish and transforms them into a creamy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy night in with friends. The golden, crispy topping adds just the right amount of crunch, making it impossible to stop at just one scoop.
I love serving this dip with toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers, but it’s just as delicious with fresh veggies for a lighter option. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together in under an hour—perfect for when you want to impress without the stress. If you’re looking for more dip inspiration, check out my Tzatziki Sauce Recipe for another crowd favorite.
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Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip
For the dip
- Cooked chicken – Shred it up finely for the perfect texture.
- Cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Swiss cheese – Shred it fresh if you can—it melts so much better.
- Ham – Finely chopped works best here for even bites.
- Mayonnaise – Adds that creamy richness you’ll love.
- Sour cream – Balances out the flavors beautifully.
- Dijon mustard – Just a bit for a tangy kick.
- Garlic powder – A must for that savory depth.
- Onion powder – Complements the garlic perfectly.
- Black pepper – Freshly ground is always a good idea.
For the topping
- Panko breadcrumbs – These give the best crispy texture.
- Unsalted butter – Melted and mixed in for a golden finish.
Cook Time for Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a lifesaver for last-minute entertaining. Prep takes about 15 minutes, and then it bakes for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. I love how quick and easy it is—perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something special. If you’re looking for more quick appetizers, try my Easy Black Bean Dip for another speedy option.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, 1/2 cup of finely chopped ham, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Transfer and Spread
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to spread it into an even layer, ensuring the surface is smooth.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the dip.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. The dip should have a creamy texture with a crispy, golden topping.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Here are a few of my favorite ways to customize this Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip to make it your own:
- Flavor Swap: Try using Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss for a nuttier flavor. It’s a small change that makes a big difference!
- Diet Tweak: For a lighter version, swap the sour cream and mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It still keeps the dip creamy but cuts down on calories.
- Prep Fix: If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It’s a great shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the topping crispy. For more storage tips, check out my Healthy Thanksgiving Sides guide.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ham, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Equipment
- oven
- baking dish
- spatula
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped ham, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer using a rubber spatula.
- In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the dip.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. The dip should be creamy with a crispy, golden topping.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip is undeniably indulgent, it’s also packed with protein and essential nutrients. The chicken and ham provide a hearty dose of protein, while the Swiss cheese adds calcium for strong bones. The creamy base, made with sour cream and mayonnaise, offers a satisfying richness, but you can always lighten it up with Greek yogurt if you’re watching your calorie intake. For a deeper dive into healthier dips, check out my Healthy Mexican Layer Dip or my Beet Hummus for more nutritious options.
If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown, here’s a quick overview per serving (based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
For more tips on balancing indulgence with nutrition, I recommend this Slow-Cooker Method from Serious Eats, which offers a hands-off approach to making this dip.
A Lighter Version of Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip
If you’re looking to enjoy this dip without the guilt, there are plenty of ways to lighten it up. Swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt—it keeps the dip creamy while cutting down on calories and fat. You can also use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat Swiss cheese for a lighter twist. For more ideas on healthier dips, try my Healthy Guacamole with Frozen Peas or my Tahini Sauce for more inspiration.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
If you’re sugar-conscious or managing dietary needs, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip can still be a part of your menu. For a diabetic-friendly version, consider using a natural sweetener like stevia to balance the flavors without adding sugar. You can also reduce the portion size and pair it with fresh veggies like celery or cucumber slices for a low glycemic option. Another tip is to use leaner cuts of ham and chicken to keep the dish blood sugar friendly. Remember, small tweaks can make a big difference without sacrificing flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip
One of my favorite memories of serving this dip was during a cozy family game night. I paired it with toasted baguette slices and a platter of fresh veggies, and it was an instant hit. The creamy, cheesy dip with its crispy topping was the perfect comfort food to share. For a more festive spread, try pairing it with my Pineapple Salsa or my Guacamole with Peas for a vibrant mix of flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, this dip is sure to bring everyone together. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is easy enough to make any day of the week.
Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook a few key details. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough. To avoid this, I always cook my chicken just until it’s no longer pink inside and then shred it while it’s still warm. Another pitfall is skipping the step of toasting the breadcrumbs for the topping. Trust me, that extra crunch makes all the difference! For a foolproof method, check out this Baked Version from The Cookie Rookie.
Lastly, don’t forget to season your dip well. The combination of chicken, ham, and cheese is delicious, but it needs a little salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of garlic powder to really shine. If you’re looking for more tips on perfecting dips, my Tzatziki Sauce and Almond Pesto Dip are great places to start.
I remember one time I rushed through the recipe and forgot to mix the ingredients thoroughly. The result? A dip with pockets of unmelted cheese and uneven flavors. Lesson learned—take your time and mix well!
How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dip stores beautifully. I like to transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warm and bubbly. For a quicker option, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing is also an option if you want to save it for later. Just portion the dip into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and it’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual. For more storage tips, check out my Healthy Thanksgiving Sides and Vegetable Side Dishes for inspiration.
One of my favorite memories is making a double batch of this dip for a family reunion. We stored half in the freezer, and it was such a lifesaver when unexpected guests dropped by a few weeks later. It’s the kind of recipe that keeps on giving!
Try This Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip Yourself
If you haven’t tried making Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip yet, I hope this recipe inspires you to give it a go. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so simple to put together. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something comforting, this dip is sure to hit the spot.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this for my book club. It was such a hit that it’s now a regular on our menu. Pair it with my Pineapple Salsa or Guacamole with Peas for a spread that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s make some memories together. This dip is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to bring people together and create moments that last.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sauce goes with chicken cordon bleu?
A creamy Dijon mustard sauce or a simple cheese sauce pairs beautifully with chicken cordon bleu. For a dip version, the cheesy, ham-infused flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip are perfect on their own.
How to make chicken cordon bleu dip?
Start by mixing shredded chicken, diced ham, Swiss cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly. For detailed steps, check out the full recipe above.
What is traditionally served with chicken cordon bleu?
Traditionally, chicken cordon bleu is served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For the dip version, try pairing it with toasted baguette slices or fresh veggies.
What dessert goes with chicken cordon bleu easily?
A light dessert like fruit salad or lemon sorbet complements the richness of chicken cordon bleu. For a dip-centric meal, try my Pineapple Salsa for a sweet and tangy finish.
