Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip Recipe

Introduction

This creamy banana pepper chicken dip is a flavorful and comforting appetizer perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Combining tender shredded chicken with tangy banana peppers and a blend of cheeses, it’s easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mixture; mix thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped banana peppers, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
7. Step 7: For a golden top, optionally broil the dip for 2 to 3 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
9. Step 9: Serve warm with chips, crackers, or toasted bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use mild or hot banana peppers depending on your heat preference to customize the dip’s spiciness.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
• Swap shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses with pepper jack for a smoky kick.
• If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
• Make the dip ahead and refrigerate before baking to let the flavors meld even more.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

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 a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.

What can I serve with this dip?

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

Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

This Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip is a flavorful, cheesy appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken breast blended with zesty banana peppers and a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Baked until hot and bubbly with a golden top, it’s perfect for game day, parties, or casual snacking, served warm alongside chips, crackers, or toasted bread.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dip 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. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly incorporated into the creamy base.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped banana peppers, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar cheeses thoroughly to create a cohesive mixture.
5. Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and fully heated through.
6. Optional Broil: For a golden brown top, broil the dip for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Cool and Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired before serving.
8. Serve: Enjoy warm with chips, crackers, or toasted bread for dipping.

Notes

• Use mild or hot banana peppers depending on your spice preference.
• For easier shredding, poach or roast chicken breast before shredding.
• Mayonnaise and sour cream add creaminess; do not substitute both to maintain texture.
• To make ahead, prepare the mixture and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Broiling time is optional but enhances flavor and appearance.

Keywords: chicken dip, banana pepper dip, creamy dip, baked dip, party appetizer, game day snack