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Creamy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Dip: Easy 15-Minute Appetizer

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This creamy, cheesy dip combines smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh jalapeno heat in a dippable format that’s ready in 15 minutes. Perfect for game day or any gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble.
  3. While the bacon cooks, dice the fresh jalapenos (remove seeds and membranes for less heat) and chop the pickled jalapenos.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides.
  5. Add the sour cream and mayonnaise to the cream cheese. Mix on low speed until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Mix in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Using a spatula, fold in the shredded chicken, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, the Monterey Jack cheese, the crumbled bacon (reserve a tablespoon for topping), the fresh diced jalapenos, and the chopped pickled jalapenos until evenly distributed.
  8. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or small skillet. Smooth the top.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Add the reserved bacon crumbles and a few extra slices of pickled jalapeno if desired.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. For a browned top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
  11. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives if using.
  12. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks.

Notes

For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and shred your own cheese. The dip can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting cold. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and mayonnaise. The dip freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno popper dip, chicken dip, creamy dip, game day appetizer, easy appetizer, 15-minute recipe, bacon, cheddar, party dip

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-jalapeno-popper-chicken-dip-easy-15-minute-appetizer/