If you love the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu but want something a little more casual and shareable, you are going to fall head over heels for this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip Recipe. Imagine creamy layers of tangy cream cheese blended with savory ham, tender chicken, and melty Swiss or Gruyere cheese, all topped with a buttery, crispy cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection. This dip brings all the comfort and indulgence of the iconic dish into one irresistible party appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try this dip, it will become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that everyone will be asking about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a rich and flavorful dip. Each component plays a vital role: the cream cheese delivers creaminess; chicken and ham add satisfying protein and texture; cheese melts into ooey-gooey goodness; while the cracker topping lends a perfect crunchy finish.
- Cream cheese (16 oz., room temperature): Provides a smooth and creamy base that binds everything beautifully.
- Dry white wine (¼ cup): Adds a subtle acidity to balance the richness of the dip.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (¼ cup): Enhances savory depth without overwhelming the flavors.
- Ground black pepper (½ tsp): Offers mild heat and seasoning that brightens the taste.
- Red pepper flakes (⅛ tsp): A hint of spice to keep things interesting but not overpowering.
- Ham (6 oz., diced or thinly sliced): Brings smoky, salty notes reminiscent of traditional cordon bleu.
- Swiss or Gruyere cheese (6 oz., diced or thinly sliced): Melts perfectly for that signature cheesy layer.
- Chicken meat (3 cups, cubed from a rotisserie chicken): Tender and juicy, offering a hearty texture and flavor.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Creates a buttery, crunchy topping that elevates each bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, melted): Helps the cracker topping achieve that beautiful golden crispness.
- Chips or crackers (for dipping): Essential for scooping up this delicious dip, choose your favorite kind!
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Adds a burst of color and freshness as a garnish.
How to Make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 1½ quart baking dish with butter. This ensures that your dip won’t stick and will slide out beautifully when it’s ready to serve. Taking this small step upfront makes a big difference when it’s time to dish it out.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, blend the room-temperature cream cheese with dry white wine, chicken broth, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the silky, flavorful foundation of this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip Recipe, balancing richness with a light tang and gentle heat.
Step 3: Fold in the Meaty Goodness
Next, fold in the diced ham, Swiss or Gruyere cheese, and cubed rotisserie chicken into the cream cheese base. Combining these ingredients carefully ensures every spoonful will have that perfect harmony of meaty, cheesy, and creamy goodness that defines this dip.
Step 4: Assemble the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter to create the buttery crumb topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cream cheese and meat blend in your prepared baking dish, giving the dip a crunchy, golden finish once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Bake the dip uncovered for 20-30 minutes at 350°F. You’ll know it’s done when you see the edges bubbling with melted cheese and the cracker topping turns a beautiful golden brown. This step is pure magic, transforming simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let your dip cool for a few minutes before serving with a generous side of chips or crackers. This final step keeps the dip just warm enough for perfect scooping and sharing!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a lovely pop of green but also brings a subtle freshness that balances the rich, creamy layers of the dip. Feel free to add a few extra crackly bits of cracker topping on the side for presentation flair.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers, from buttery crackers and crisp potato chips to crunchy vegetable sticks like celery or bell peppers. For more substantial fun, serve alongside a fresh green salad or crispy roasted veggies to round out your snack or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving the dip in a hollowed-out bread boule or individual mini ramekins for portion control. You can also place the dip in the center of a beautiful cheese board surrounded by an assortment of cured meats, nuts, and fresh fruit to elevate any party or gathering instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dip reheats beautifully, so don’t worry if you have leftovers — they’re just as delicious the next day!
Freezing
If you want to keep this dip longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, leave off the cracker topping before freezing and add fresh topping before baking after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the dip uncovered at 350°F until warmed through and bubbling, about 15-20 minutes. If you froze it without the cracker topping, add fresh crushed crackers mixed with butter on top before reheating for that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this dip without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can substitute the dry white wine with additional chicken broth or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity without the alcohol content.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s already cooked, flavorful, and tender, making your prep quick and fuss-free. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breast.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Swiss or Gruyere is classic, but you can experiment with fontina, mozzarella, or even sharp cheddar for a different twist, keeping in mind the melting properties.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! Prepare the dip and store it in the refrigerator, then add the cracker topping just before baking. This makes it convenient for busy days or entertaining.
What should I serve with the dip for a party?
Serve with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, breadsticks, or fresh veggies for a variety of textures and flavors that will keep guests coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip Recipe is a true crowd favorite that brilliantly transforms beloved flavors into a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy dip sure to impress your friends and family. Whether for a casual get-together or special occasion, this warm dip is comfort food at its best. Give it a try and watch how quickly this recipe becomes a staple at your gatherings!
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Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer perfect for gatherings. It combines cream cheese, ham, Swiss cheese, and tender chicken in a luscious dip topped with buttery cracker crumbs and baked to golden perfection. Serve warm with chips or crackers for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 16 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
- 6 oz. ham (diced or thinly sliced and cut into ½” squares)
- 6 oz. Swiss or Gruyere cheese (diced or thinly sliced and cut into ½” squares)
- 3 cups chicken meat from a rotisserie chicken (cubed)
Topping
- 1 sleeve (30 crackers) Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
For Serving
- Chips or crackers for dipping
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 1½ quart baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix the Dip Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, dry white wine, low-sodium chicken broth, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the diced ham, Swiss or Gruyere cheese, and cubed rotisserie chicken until everything is evenly distributed.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter until well combined. This will create a crunchy, buttery topping for your dip.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the creamy chicken, ham, and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cracker topping turns golden brown.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm with your favorite chips or crackers for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra kick, adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time but you can also cook and shred your own chicken breast.
- The cracker topping adds crunch and a rich buttery flavor—don’t skip it!
- This dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
