Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip is a flavorful, spicy treat perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Combining tender shredded chicken with tangy banana peppers and melty cheeses, it’s sure to become a favorite appetizer.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are evenly incorporated.
4. Step 4: Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped banana peppers, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
7. Step 7: Optional: For a golden brown top, broil the dip for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve warm with your choice of chips, crackers, or toasted bread.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dip, use mild banana peppers and reduce the smoked paprika.
• Try adding a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Swap out shredded chicken for cooked turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken if you prefer.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
• To make this dip ahead, assemble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dip may thicken when chilled, so stir well before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip gluten-free?

Yes! This dip itself is gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free chips or bread.

Can I prepare this dip using leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor, making this dip quick and easy to prepare.

Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 53 reviews

This Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip is a flavorful, cheesy appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken combined with mild or hot banana peppers, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and a blend of spices. Baked until bubbly and optionally broiled for a golden top, it’s perfect for serving warm alongside chips, crackers, or toasted bread at parties or casual gatherings.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Peppers

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup chopped banana peppers (mild or hot, to taste)

Dairy and Creamy Base

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise

Spices and Seasoning

• 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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the dip’s rich base.
3. Add Spices: To the creamy mixture, add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dip.
4. Incorporate Chicken and Cheeses: Stir in the shredded chicken, chopped banana peppers, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until everything is well combined and evenly mixed.
5. Transfer and Smooth: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the top to create an even layer for baking.
6. Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and heated through.
7. Optional Broil: If desired, broil the dip for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve a lightly browned, golden top. Watch closely to prevent burning.
8. Cool and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the dip to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley to add freshness and color.
9. Serve: Serve the warm dip with chips, crackers, or toasted bread for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Notes

• You can adjust the heat level by using mild or hot banana peppers depending on your preference.
• Using freshly cooked chicken breast will enhance the flavor, but leftover or rotisserie chicken works great too.
• For a lighter version, substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and cheeses.
• If you like your dip extra cheesy, feel free to add more mozzarella or cheddar.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
• This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: banana pepper chicken dip, creamy chicken dip, baked chicken dip, cheesy chicken dip, party appetizer