If you have ever wished that all the bold, fiery goodness of Nashville hot chicken could magically transform into a creamy, shareable dip, you are in for a treat with this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe. It combines tender shredded chicken, spicy Nashville hot sauce, gooey cheeses, and tangy pickles to create the perfect party appetizer or game-day snack that’s bursting with southern heat and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to impress your friends, this dip delivers a punch that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in layering the flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so irresistible. From creamy cheeses to tangy pickles and that unmistakable spicy-hot sauce, every item is essential for the perfect balance.
- 4 cups shredded chicken: The hearty and tender base that carries all the spicy goodness throughout the dish.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Adds luscious creaminess and binds everything together smoothly.
- 1.5 cups Nashville Hot Chicken sauce: The hero ingredient that delivers authentic southern heat and flavor.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings a cool tang to balance the fiery spice and enriches the creamy texture.
- 2 ounces finely diced dill pickles: Provide a crisp, vinegar-kissed bite that contrasts beautifully with the richness.
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice: Intensifies the pickle flavor and adds a punch of acidity to brighten the dip.
- 6 ounces shredded mozzarella: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection adding mild cheesy flavor and stretch.
- 2 ounces shredded cheddar: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, golden melted finish that entices with every bite.
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the dip bakes evenly and melts into creamy perfection. While this heats up, you can begin combining those delicious ingredients to build layers of heat and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Magic
In a spacious bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, Nashville hot sauce, sour cream, diced pickles, pickle juice, and shredded mozzarella. Stir gently but thoroughly until every bite promises a blend of spicy, creamy, and tangy notes that define this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe.
Step 3: Spread in a Baking Dish
Next, transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, covering the entire dish. This creates a perfect base for the ooey-gooey cheese crust that’s coming next. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Pop the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the cheeses to melt beautifully and the flavors to meld, resulting in a warm, comforting dip that’s ready for its cheesy finishing touch.
Step 5: Add Cheddar and Finish Baking
After the initial bake, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheddar has melted, is bubbling, and slightly golden for that irresistible crust.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, add a few extra dill pickles on top along with a drizzle of Nashville hot chicken sauce for an extra kick and a beautiful presentation. Serve it while hot and watch everyone dive in!
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra diced pickles or pickle slices on top add texture and a fresh tang that brightens the rich dip. A drizzle of the Nashville hot sauce after baking not only amps up the heat but also makes the dip look vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with classic dippers like sturdy tortilla chips, crisp celery sticks, crunchy carrot sticks, or even warm pita bread. These sides add contrast in texture and make it easy to enjoy every spicy, creamy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe inside a hollowed-out bread bowl or alongside mini slider buns for a hands-on experience that doubles as a sandwich. You can even spoon it over nachos for an extra spicy game-day platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dip can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day—just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dip freezes well for up to 2 months. Just store in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it creamy and prevent overheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dip?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is actually perfect for this recipe because it’s already cooked and shredded, saving you time and adding extra flavor.
How spicy is this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe?
The heat level depends on the Nashville hot sauce you choose, but it generally offers a medium to hot spice level. You can adjust by adding more or less sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
This particular recipe relies heavily on chicken for its signature flavor, but you could experiment with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken substitute if you want a vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to serve this dip at a party?
Keep it in a warm casserole dish or a slow cooker set on low to maintain that gooey, melty texture so guests can dip freely throughout the event.
Is this dip good for meal prep?
Yes! It makes a fantastic meal prep option if paired with veggies, crackers, or bread for easy lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you love the fiery thrill of Nashville hot chicken but want something shareable and creamy, this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe is a must-try. It’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. I promise once you’ve tried it, it’ll be a favorite you come back to again and again.
Print
Nashville Hot Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Nashville Hot Chicken Dip is a spicy, creamy, and cheesy appetizer that combines shredded chicken with Nashville hot sauce, cream cheese, and a blend of cheeses. Baked to perfection, this dip delivers bold Southern flavors perfect for parties or game day snacks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Shredded chicken
- 8 ounces Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1.5 cups Nashville Hot Chicken sauce
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 2 ounces Finely diced dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons Dill pickle juice
- 6 ounces Shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 2 ounces Shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, Nashville hot sauce, sour cream, diced dill pickles, pickle juice, and shredded mozzarella cheese thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out while baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Add Cheddar Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheddar cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and top with a few extra dill pickles and a drizzle of Nashville hot chicken sauce to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the dip hot with your choice of chips, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more Nashville hot sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper before serving.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience in shredding.
- Adjust the amount of pickle juice to taste for a tangier flavor.
- Serve with sturdy dippers such as corn chips, pita chips, or sliced baguette to scoop the thick dip easily.
- This dip can be made ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
