Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip is a flavorful and comforting appetizer perfect for gatherings or game day. Combining tender shredded chicken with tangy banana peppers and melted cheeses, it offers a delightful balance of creamy and mildly spicy flavors that everyone will love.

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 softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the creamy mixture and stir well to combine all the seasonings evenly.
4. Step 4: Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped banana peppers, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until everything is fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges.
7. Step 7: For a golden top, optionally broil the dip for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully 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 favorite chips, crackers, or toasted bread.

Tips & Variations

• Use mild banana peppers if you prefer less heat, or spicy ones for an extra kick.
• Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want more spice.
• For a richer flavor, try mixing in a little grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
• To make it vegetarian-friendly, replace chicken with cooked and chopped mushrooms or artichoke hearts.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dip a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh when ready to serve.

What can I serve this dip with?

This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots.

Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 270 reviews

This Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip is a flavorful, cheesy appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken, tangy banana peppers, and a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar. Baked until hot and bubbly with an optional broil for a golden top, it’s perfect for serving warm at parties or as a tasty snack with chips, crackers, or toasted bread.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 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 Base

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

Seasonings

• 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 and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
2. Mix base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the dip base.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dip.
4. Incorporate chicken and cheeses: Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped banana peppers, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is combined well.
5. Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula for even cooking.
6. Bake the dip: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges.
7. Optional broiling: For a golden brown top, optionally broil the dip for 2 to 3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Cool and garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly, then garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for freshness and color.
9. Serve warm: Serve the dip warm alongside chips, crackers, or toasted bread for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

• The heat level can be adjusted by choosing mild or hot banana peppers according to your preference.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily with the other ingredients for a creamy texture.
• You can prepare the dip ahead and refrigerate before baking; just increase baking time slightly if starting cold.
• Baking uncovered allows the dip to develop a bubbly surface while the optional broil adds a nicely browned top layer.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.

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