This Chicken Enchilada Dip is a creamy, cheesy delight packed with tender chicken and flavorful spices. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying during a cozy night in!
I love serving it with crunchy tortilla chips. Warning: it’s so good that you might not want to share! But hey, you can always make another batch. 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is essential for this dip. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover cooked chicken if you have it. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken with black beans or chickpeas for protein.
Enchilada Sauce: The red enchilada sauce adds bold flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, try using salsa or a green enchilada sauce. Just remember, this may change the taste a bit, but it can be just as good!
Cream Cheese: Soften it well to mix easily. If you want a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt, though it may change the creaminess. Personally, I love the tanginess cream cheese brings to the dip!
Cheese Blend: I like using a Mexican blend for its flavor and meltability. If unavailable, a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works perfectly. You can also make it spicy by adding pepper jack cheese!
Green Chilies: These optional ingredients give a nice kick. If you can’t find them, try some jalapeños for spiciness, or leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
How to Achieve the Perfect Mix and Bake?
Combining the ingredients correctly is key to a great dip. Start with softened cream cheese—this makes mixing a breeze! Gently fold in the sour cream and enchilada sauce until smooth.
- Combine them in a large bowl, using a spatula.
- Add in your shredded chicken, green chilies, and cilantro. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish, and don’t forget to get it to the edges for even cheese coverage!
- Bake until bubbly and golden, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid burning!
How to Make Chicken Enchilada Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup chopped green chilies (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Enchilada Dip comes together quickly! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20-25 minutes for baking. All together, you can expect this delicious dip ready in about 35-40 minutes, perfect for a quick get-together or game day treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip will bake evenly and come out bubbly and golden.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and enchilada sauce. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend everything until it’s nice and smooth. This is the creamy, flavorful base for your dip!
3. Add the Chicken and More:
Next, stir in the shredded chicken, and if you’re feeling spicy, add the optional green chilies. Toss in the chopped cilantro for freshness! Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
4. Spread in Baking Dish:
Transfer the creamy mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even baking. A good spread helps everything blend together nicely!
5. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese generously on top of the mixture. This cheesy layer will melt beautifully and create that perfect dip topping.
6. Bake It Up:
Now, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want to see it bubbling and getting a lovely golden brown color on top. It’s going to smell amazing!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done, carefully take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly—just enough to avoid burns. While it’s cooling, slice your avocado for garnish and chop a bit more cilantro for a fresh touch.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Before serving, arrange the sliced avocado and extra cilantro on top, and if you like, add a dollop of sour cream in the center to make it even more delightful. Grab those tortilla chips, and you’re ready to dig in!
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Enchilada Dip with friends and family. It’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Dip?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds delicious flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it right in!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just spread it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and when you’re ready, bake it as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese, although it will change the creaminess slightly. You can also use a low-fat cream cheese if preferred.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating can enhance the flavor!
