Description
Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer blending shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and tangy banana peppers. Baked to perfection with a melty cheesy top and enhanced with savory spices, this dip offers a delicious balance of creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors. Ideal for game days, parties, or casual snacks, it pairs wonderfully with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup chopped banana peppers (mild or hot, to taste)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Spices: Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the mixture, mixing well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped banana peppers, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese, ensuring everything is fully blended.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the dip mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top for even baking.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and thoroughly warmed through.
- Optional Broil for Browning: For a golden, lightly browned top, broil the dip for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dip cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley to add a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm along with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of banana peppers according to your heat preference.
- Use mild banana peppers for a less spicy flavor or hot banana peppers for more kick.
- This dip can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or more cream cheese.
- Serve with a variety of dippers like chips, crackers, or veggie sticks to cater to different dietary needs.
- Storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator is recommended; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana pepper dip, chicken dip, creamy chicken dip, baked dip, cheesy dip, party appetizer, game day snack
