This baked dip is a creamy delight with jalapeños and chicken that packs a flavorful punch! Perfect for game days or casual get-togethers!
Friends always ask me to make this dip because it’s just that good. I love serving it with tortilla chips—it’s hard to stop eating it! You might want to keep it a secret! 🤫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I usually go for rotisserie chicken because it’s super convenient and has great flavor. If you don’t have it, any boiled chicken will do—just make sure to shred it well.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it mixes easily! For a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt. It will change the texture a bit but still tastes great.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add great heat! If you’re iffy about spice, try using less or substitute with bell peppers for a milder dip.
Cilantro: I think fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors, but if you’re not a fan, parsley is a good alternative. Just chop it fine!
How Do You Mix Everything So It’s Creamy and Smooth?
The mixing step is key for a creamy texture. Start with the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Blend them together until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This makes it easier to incorporate the other ingredients!
- Use a hand mixer or a fork for the best results; avoid whisking as you want smoothness.
- Add the chicken and spices gradually to blend flavors without overmixing.
- Don’t forget to fold in the cheese gently; this helps maintain a nice texture in your dip!
Baked Chuy’s Jalapeno Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3-4 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional sliced jalapeños and chopped cilantro for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Time Needed:
You will need about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and mix everything together, then around 20-25 minutes for baking. Total time is about 35-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help your dip bake evenly and become bubbly and golden.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a fork or mixer to blend them together until the mixture is smooth without any lumps. This will be the creamy base for your dip.
3. Add Ingredients:
Now, add your shredded chicken, chopped jalapeños, cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly so all the flavors mix nicely.
4. Cheese It Up:
Next, stir in 3/4 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix well to incorporate the cheese into the chicken mixture.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the creamy mixture into a baking dish (around 8×8 inches or similar). Spread it out evenly with a spatula. This is where the dip starts to get exciting!
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. This will create a lovely cheesy crust as it bakes.
7. Bake the Dip:
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese on top is melted and starts to turn a nice golden brown.
8. Cool & Garnish:
After taking it out of the oven, let the dip cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with additional slices of jalapeños and some chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your dip hot with tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors that everyone will love!
This dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Happy dipping!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Dip?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe as it’s already cooked and packed with flavor. Just shred it up, and you’re good to go!
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Foods?
If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat. Alternatively, you can use mild peppers like green bell peppers instead.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip in advance and cover it tightly. Refrigerate it overnight; when you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it in the oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of sour cream to refresh the creaminess.
