Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe

Introduction

Nashville Hot Chicken dip is a spicy, creamy crowd-pleaser that combines the bold flavors of classic Nashville hot chicken in a comforting, easy-to-serve form. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, this dip delivers heat and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Nashville-style hot sauce)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pickles (for topping)
• Extra shredded cheese for topping
• Sliced green onions (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish, about 8×8 inches or similar size.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and pickle juice if using. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Fold in the shredded chicken and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly mixed.
4. Step 4: Spread the dip mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a cheesy crust, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped pickles and sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dippers such as crackers, chips, or sliced vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts to control the heat level to your preference.
• Try adding a little smoked sausage or bacon for extra smoky flavor and texture.
• Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
• Using pickle juice adds a tangy brightness, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder dip.
• Serve with sturdy dippers like toasted baguette slices or pretzel chips to hold up to the rich dip.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a low oven until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This dip is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick snacks.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the toppings and bake just before serving for best freshness.

What are good alternatives for the hot sauce?

You can use any preferred hot sauce, including sriracha or a milder buffalo sauce, but traditional Nashville hot chicken flavor comes from a cayenne-based hot sauce, so try to choose one with similar heat and spice profile.

Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 133 reviews

This Nashville Hot Chicken Dip is a spicy, creamy, and cheesy appetizer inspired by the famous Nashville hot chicken flavor. Combining shredded cooked chicken with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and a flavorful hot sauce mixture, this baked dip is perfect for parties and game days, served warm with chips, crackers, or veggies.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dip Mixture

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Nashville-style hot sauce)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice (optional)

Toppings and Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped pickles (for topping)
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• Sliced green onions (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dip Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and pickle juice if using. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it’s completely smooth and well-blended.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese: Fold in the cooked shredded chicken and the 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese gently until evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
4. Spread into Baking Dish: Transfer the dip mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
5. Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of the dip for an extra cheesy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven. Immediately sprinkle with chopped pickles and sliced green onions if desired. Serve the dip warm with your favorite dippers such as crackers, tortilla chips, or cut vegetables.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the dip.
• For best flavor, use cooked chicken that is shredded finely.
• Pickle juice is optional but adds a subtle tang that complements the spicy flavors.
• This dip can be prepared ahead of time, then baked just before serving.
• Serve with sturdy dippers that can hold the thick, creamy texture of the dip.

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken dip, spicy chicken dip, baked chicken dip, party appetizer, game day snack