Are you craving a mouthwatering appetizer that will have your guests begging for the recipe? Look no further than this irresistible Cheesy Baked Mexican Chicken Dip that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone loves! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for game nights, parties, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a medium-sized baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded chicken. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with cream cheese.
- Add the salsa, black beans, chili powder, and cumin to the cream cheese and chicken mixture. Stir all ingredients until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even easier preparation and extra flavor boost.
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- For a spicier version, choose a hot salsa or add some diced jalapeños to the mix.
- Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.
- For a healthier twist, use low-fat cream cheese and add extra vegetables like corn or diced bell peppers.
- If you want a more golden top, broil the dip for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking - just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
