Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip is a deliciously rich and tangy appetizer that combines shredded chicken with melty cheeses and the mild heat of banana peppers. Perfect for parties or casual snacks, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its bold yet approachable flavor.

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.
3. Step 3: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the creamy mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Step 4: Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped banana peppers, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until everything is well mixed.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dip mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly throughout.
7. Step 7: For a golden top, optionally broil the dip for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve warm with chips, crackers, or toasted bread.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
• Swap regular mayonnaise for avocado mayo for a healthier alternative.
• Use reduced-fat cheeses and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to make a lighter version.
• To make a vegetarian dip, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts.
• Try smoked gouda or add chipotle powder for a smoky flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until bubbly again, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture. This dip can also be frozen, though the texture may change slightly after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh banana peppers instead of jarred?

Yes, fresh banana peppers work well and can reduce the sodium content. Be sure to finely chop them and adjust the quantity to your desired heat level.

Is it possible to prepare this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dip, cover it, and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 104 reviews

Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer combining shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a blend of cheeses with tangy banana peppers and subtle spices. Baked until hot and bubbly, this dip offers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savory flavors, ideal for parties, game days, or casual snacking.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

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 and Prepare Baking Dish: 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, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Seasonings: Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the creamy mixture, stirring thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Combine Main Ingredients: Fold in the shredded chicken breast, chopped banana peppers, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese, mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Transfer and Smooth: Spoon the dip mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking and presentation.
6. Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and cheeses are melted.
7. Optional Broil: For a lightly browned, golden top, broil the dip on high for an additional 2 to 3 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, then serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

• Use mild or hot banana peppers depending on your spice preference.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat and boost protein.
• Try reduced-fat cheese and mayonnaise for a lighter version.
• For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
• This dip keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain creamy texture.
• Freeze for longer storage but note texture may change slightly upon thawing.
• Vegetarian option: replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or artichokes.
• Serve with gluten-free chips or veggies for gluten-free diets.

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