If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have your guests raving and coming back for more, look no further than the delectable Willard Chicken Cheese Dip! This creamy, cheesy delight combines tender shredded chicken with a zesty kick, making it the perfect appetizer for any gathering. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress. Whether it’s game day, a cozy get-together, or just a casual night in, this dip will elevate your snacking experience to a whole new level. Ready to dive into this cheesy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring no large chunks of cream cheese remain.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon to create a uniform surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are slightly bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the temperature to stabilize and flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top of the hot dip as a fresh garnish.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the chicken in advance. Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook and shred your chicken the day before.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dip, start with less and add more until you reach your desired spiciness.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the dip too dense.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a variety of dippers like tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh veggie sticks to cater to different tastes.
- Keep It Warm: If you’re serving at a party, consider keeping the dip warm in a slow cooker on low heat to maintain its creamy texture throughout the event.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
