Few party dishes light up a table—or win over spicy food fans—quite like Nashville Hot Chicken Dip. This irresistible dip combines all the soul-soothing spice of famous Nashville hot chicken with a rich, creamy base and crunchy pickle topping, perfect for scooping up with chips, crackers, or warm bread. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just crave something with bold Southern flavor, this dip satisfies craving after craving with its signature spicy kick, tangy flair, and melty cheese goodness. It’s one of those “just one more bite” recipes that quickly becomes a crowd favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what makes Nashville Hot Chicken Dip shine: it’s the perfect balance of everyday staples and flavor-packed add-ins that all play a role in creating knockout flavor, mouthwatering texture, and a pop of color. Think trusty kitchen favorites—plus a couple secret weapons—coming together for a crave-worthy result.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a winner for both speed and incredible richness, but any baked or leftover chicken works beautifully.
- Cream cheese (softened): This is the creamy backbone of the dip, giving it irresistible smoothness and body.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and lightens up the cream cheese so the dip stays dippable and luscious.
- Mayonnaise: Rounds out the flavors and makes everything even silkier—don’t skip it!
- Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): The secret to that unmistakable Nashville punch, use more or less to find your perfect heat.
- Brown sugar: Just a little brings out the spice and echoes the sweet-heat balance that makes Nashville hot so addictive.
- Smoked paprika: Brings gentle smokiness that evokes authentic fried chicken flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: The key spice if you want that true Nashville warmth. Adjust for more or less fire.
- Garlic powder: Adds savoriness without extra prep—classic Southern flavor, no fuss.
- Onion powder: Lends a subtle background sweetness and depth, tying everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For melty, sharp hits of cheese running through every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This gives beautiful stretch and that irresistible cheese-pull.
- Dill pickle chips (chopped): Brings savory crunch and bold acidity, just like pickles in a Nashville hot sandwich.
- Sliced green onions (optional): A fresh finish that adds color and mild bite on top.
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet with oil or nonstick spray—this keeps the dip from sticking and makes for easier serving once it’s hot and bubbly.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Hot Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a thorough mix with a spatula or hand mixer until everything is velvety-smooth and beautifully blended—this is the magic that fuels the signature Nashville Hot Chicken Dip flavor.
Step 3: Fold in the Chicken and Cheeses
Next, add your shredded chicken, the sharp cheddar, and oozy mozzarella. Gently fold together so the chicken is evenly coated and those cheese strands are distributed throughout. You want every bite to be an irresistible combo of meat and cheese!
Step 4: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Spread your mix evenly into the prepared baking dish or skillet. Slide into your hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is piping hot and the cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Once the Nashville Hot Chicken Dip is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle with chopped dill pickles for tang and crunch. Add a scattering of sliced green onions if you want a little color and zip. Serve steaming hot with chips, crackers, or toasted bread right alongside.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
Garnishes
When it comes to finishes, a quick toss of chopped dill pickles on top is an absolute must—they brighten up every bite and echo that iconic Nashville flair. A handful of sliced green onions (if you like a bit of raw bite and a pop of green) takes the dish from homey to party-ready in seconds. For something indulgent, you can even drizzle on a little extra hot sauce just before serving!
Side Dishes
This dip loves company! Serve your Nashville Hot Chicken Dip with a big bowl of crunchy kettle chips, your favorite crackers, homemade crostini, or even sturdy veggie sticks for a lighter twist. On a game day spread, try it with a platter of sliced celery and carrots—just like classic chicken wings.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the standard dish: try piling the dip into mini ramekins for individual portions, or scoop it onto slider buns with a pickle garnish for bite-sized sandwiches. It’s also a showstopper as a filling for stuffed mini peppers, or served right from a sizzling cast iron skillet for that Southern comfort-food touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Nashville Hot Chicken Dip (it happens—sometimes!), scrape what’s left into an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to four days, retaining its creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness. Just remember to let it cool a bit before refrigerating.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dip, either baked or unbaked. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and seal tightly; it should last well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be aware the texture may be slightly less creamy than when fresh—but the flavor is still all there!
Reheating
Reheat your dip gently in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until hot and bubbling again, about 15-20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works great—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until everything is warmed through and cheesy once more.
FAQs
Can I make Nashville Hot Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the entire dip the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed. This makes it the perfect make-ahead party food or potluck star.
Is there a way to adjust the spiciness?
Definitely. To dial back the heat, reduce the amount of cayenne and hot sauce. For more fiery flavor, increase either one—or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking. Taste as you go!
What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is super convenient and already juicy, but any cooked and shredded chicken will work—baked, poached, or even grilled. Use what you have or what’s easiest for you.
Can I make Nashville Hot Chicken Dip in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and heat on low for 2–3 hours until hot and melty. This is a fantastic low-fuss option that keeps the dip warm throughout your gathering.
Is Nashville Hot Chicken Dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free as written—just double-check all your ingredients, especially hot sauce and spice mixes. Serve with gluten-free chips, crackers, or veggies to keep everything celiac-friendly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a bold, spicy, and utterly irresistible appetizer, Nashville Hot Chicken Dip is destined to become your new go-to. Give it a try at your next gathering or game night and watch guests flock back for seconds and thirds—you might want to double the batch!
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Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Nashville Hot Chicken Dip is a spicy and flavorful twist on a classic party favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with shredded chicken, it’s perfect for serving with crackers or chips at your next gathering.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup dill pickle chips, chopped
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth.
- Add chicken and cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped dill pickles and green onions. Serve warm with crackers or chips.
Notes
- Adjust heat level by varying cayenne and hot sauce amounts.
- This dip can also be prepared in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
