Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
