Warm & Cheesy Chicken Dip
On a rainy or snowy day, sometimes you just want something warm and comforting. That’s when this warm & cheesy chicken dip comes into play.
Not only is this dip super easy to make, but it’s great for parties, pot lucks, small get-togethers (game night with the neighbors) or if you just want something tasty while watching a weekend football game or for a movie marathon in your pajamas.
Chicken, Cheese & Lot’s Of Yum
I’m sure you could make this with some leftover cooked chicken, but I tend to whip this up with canned chicken. For a little flavor enhancement, I use two kinds of cream cheese, plain and with chives. Although if you only go with regular cream cheese, I would recommend you throw in some chopped green onion to help enrich the flavor.
More Cheese Please!
The importance of softening the cheese, allows you to better blend the flavors and makes it easier to work with. Simply, set out the cream cheese to warm up at room temperature, but if you’re impatient, like me, then heat up the cheese in a bowl in the microwave for a minute.
Once all the ingredients are mixed up, you want to sprinkle additional cheese across the top. After baking, the cheese topping creates a layer over the dip and actually keeps the dip warmer a little longer. Plus, you have that joy of breaking through a layer of cheese for all that gooey goodness underneath.
Now To Enjoy Warm & Cheesy Chicken Dip
I typically, serve this warm and cheesy chicken dip with crackers, nacho chips or even pieces of crusty bread, but I’m sure you could include some veggies (carrots, celery…). It’s pretty versatile and the flavors are not over powering.
This recipe also serves as a great base for a hot crab dip. The only changes I would make, when using shell fish, would be to add a little more lemon and paprika. Or even try a little Old Bay Seasoning – be a little adventurous!
A warm and cheesy chicken dip that’s perfect for parties or for informal gatherings. So good and easy to whip up that it’s bound to become a family favorite.
- 1 12 oz can of chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese – softened
- 3 oz cream cheese w/ chives – softened
- 1 green onion – chopped
- 3 garlic cloves – minced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- a couple shakes of paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese Colby Jack or Chedder
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Pre-heat oven to 350-degrees. Then in a 2-quart casserole dish add in canned chicken and flake with a fork.
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Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves and add to the chicken.
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Then add in the softened cream cheeses, mayonnaise, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir all ingredients until well blended.
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Top with shredded cheese and bake, uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove and let stand for 5 minutes and serve immediately with crackers, chips or pieces of bread.