Introduction
This creamy and cheesy chicken dip is perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in. Packed with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a spicy kick from Frank’s RedHot Sauce, this dish is sure to impress your guests. It’s easy to prepare, and the combination of cheeses creates a delightful melted topping. Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks and watch it disappear!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
2½ tablespoons finely minced parsley (preferably curly; flat-leaf parsley can be substituted)
2 teaspoons finely minced fresh dill
½ cup finely sliced green onion
½ teaspoon onion powder
⅓ cup whole egg mayonnaise (brands like Hellmann’s or S&W recommended)
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
½ teaspoon lemon juice (or additional cider vinegar)
⅓ cup full-fat sour cream
⅓ cup buttermilk
8 ounces (250g) cream cheese, cut into 8 cubes
2½ cups shredded Colby cheese
1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 8-10 people
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, parsley, dill, green onion, and onion powder.
3. Mix the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, blend together the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, lemon juice, sour cream, buttermilk, and cream cheese cubes until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the creamy mixture to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Add Cheese: Fold in 2 cups of the Colby cheese and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese into the mixture.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a lightly greased 1-quart (1-liter) baking dish.
7. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Colby cheese and ¼ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, finely minced parsley, finely minced fresh dill, finely sliced green onion, and onion powder.
Mix the Creamy Base
In a separate bowl, blend together the whole egg mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, lemon juice, sour cream, buttermilk, and cream cheese cubes until smooth.
Combine Ingredients
Add the creamy mixture to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
Add Cheese
Fold in 2 cups of the Colby cheese and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese into the mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into a lightly greased 1-quart (1-liter) baking dish.
Top with Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Colby cheese and ¼ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
Chicken
Ensure that the chicken breast is fully cooked before shredding for optimal flavor and safety.
Cheese Choices
Feel free to substitute different types of cheese according to your preference, but Colby and cheddar work well together in this recipe.
Spice Level
Adjust the amount of Frank’s RedHot Sauce to your taste preference if you prefer a milder or spicier dip.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again.
Cook techniques
Shredding Chicken
Shred the cooked chicken breast using two forks or by hand for a more rustic texture. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender for easier shredding.
Mincing Herbs
Finely mince parsley and dill using a sharp knife. Pinch the herbs and slice them finely to enhance the flavor in your dish.
Slicing Green Onions
Slice green onions thinly, using both the white and green parts. The green tops add color and mild onion flavor to the dish.
Making a Creamy Base
Blend the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, sour cream, buttermilk, and cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. This mixture creates a rich and creamy texture.
Combining Ingredients
Gently fold the creamy mixture into the chicken mixture. Stir carefully to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated without overmixing.
Baking Technique
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish before adding cheese on top. Baking it ensures the dip is heated through and the cheese melts beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Let the dip cool slightly after baking before serving. Pair it with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer.
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
No, it’s important to use cooked chicken for this recipe. You can roast, boil, or use a rotisserie chicken.
Can I substitute the cheeses in the recipe?
Yes, you can use different cheeses based on your preference. However, keeping the cream cheese, which adds creaminess, is recommended.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add more Frank’s RedHot sauce or incorporate hot sauce or diced jalapeños to increase the heat in the dish.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken dip, packed with layers of flavor from fresh herbs, spices, and a variety of cheeses, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. It serves as a versatile dish, perfect for pairing with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Baking until bubbly adds a delightful touch, making it an irresistible addition to any snack table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Use the same shredded chicken and Frank’s RedHot Sauce mixture spread on a pizza crust, topped with cheese and baked until golden.
Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Mix the chicken dip filling with cooked quinoa and stuff into halved bell peppers; top with additional cheese and bake until the peppers are tender.
Chicken Tacos with Creamy Sauce
Serve the chicken mixture in taco shells topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and drizzled with the creamy sauce for a flavorful twist.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
Combine the chicken dip with cooked pasta and bake in a casserole dish topped with more cheese for a comforting comfort food dish.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Use the chicken mixture as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, adding crunchy veggies for extra texture and flavor.
Spicy Chicken Quesadillas
Spread the mixture between tortillas, add extra cheese, and cook on a skillet until golden brown; serve with salsa or sour cream.
Chicken Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with the chicken dip and additional toppings like jalapeños, olives, and more cheese, then bake until everything is melted and delicious.
