Why You’ll Love This Dip
This recipe is:
- Ultra creamy
- Super cheesy
- Protein-packed (thanks chicken)
- Ready in 25 minutes
- One dish only
- Addictive level: VERY HIGH
And honestly? It tastes like restaurant queso but better.
Warm + cheesy + scoopable = happiness.
Ingredients
Main Base
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- ½ cup Monterey Jack or Mexican blend
- ¼ cup parmesan (optional)
Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or taco seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Optional Add-ins
- Green onions
- Jalapeños
- Corn
- Black beans
- Diced bell peppers
For Serving
- Tortilla chips
- Nachos
- Bread
- Veggie sticks
Step 1 – Preheat
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a small baking dish or skillet.
Cast iron works amazing here if you have one.
Step 2 – Mix the Creamy Base
In a big bowl combine:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Mix until smooth and creamy.
If cream cheese is too firm, microwave 15–20 seconds.
We want smooth, not chunky.
Step 3 – Add Chicken & Flavor
Now add:
- Shredded chicken
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Salt & pepper
Mix well.
Already smells amazing, right?
Step 4 – Add Cheese (Lots of It 😄)
Fold in:
1½ cups of shredded cheese
Save the rest for topping.
Because more cheese on top = that golden bubbly crust we love.
Step 5 – Bake
Spread mixture into dish.
Top with remaining cheese.
Bake for:
15–20 minutes
Until:
- Cheese melted
- Edges bubbling
- Top slightly golden
Optional:
Broil 2 minutes for extra crispy top.
That cheese pull is insane.
Step 6 – Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle:
- Green onions
- Jalapeños
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
Serve hot with tortilla chips.
Dip. Scoop. Repeat.
No forks needed 😄
Texture & Flavor
Let me describe that first scoop…
Top → golden cheesy crust
Inside → creamy, rich, gooey
Chicken → juicy
Salsa → tangy + spicy
Cheese → stretchy heaven
It’s warm, savory, and seriously addictive.
Like nachos but creamier.
Pro Tips
Use Rotisserie Chicken
Huge time saver
Don’t Skip Cream Cheese
This gives thick creamy texture
Fresh Grated Cheese Melts Better
Pre-shredded sometimes clumps
Serve Immediately
Best when hot & melty
Double the Recipe
Trust me… it disappears fast
Easy Variations
Spicy Mexican
Add jalapeños + hot sauce + taco seasoning
BBQ Chicken Dip
Swap salsa for BBQ sauce
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Add buffalo sauce + blue cheese
Veggie Version
Skip chicken, add mushrooms + spinach
Extra Loaded
Add bacon bits + corn + beans
So many ways to play with it.
What to Serve With
Besides tortilla chips, try:
Nachos
Garlic bread
Pita
Crackers
French fries
Stuffed inside wraps
Or honestly… just a spoon 😂
Storage
Fridge: 3–4 days
Reheat: microwave or oven
Add splash of milk if too thick.
Freezing not recommended (cream texture changes).
Final Thoughts
This cheesy baked chicken dip is one of those recipes that feels illegal.
Too easy. Too good. Too addictive.
Warm, gooey, cheesy comfort food that everyone fights over.