Easy Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dip brings the signature heat and flavor of Nashville hot chicken into a fun, shareable dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to devour. It’s rich, cheesy, spicy, and full of shredded chicken—everything you want in a warm, comforting dip. Serve it with chips, bread, or celery sticks and watch it disappear. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked, shredded chicken
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce (such as cayenne-based or Nashville hot sauce)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Pickle chips (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Add chicken and cheese: Stir in the shredded chicken, cheddar, and mozzarella until well combined.
4. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped green onions and pickle chips if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crostini, crackers, or veggies.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 and takes about 30 minutes total, including prep and bake time.

Variations

• Slow cooker version: Combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours until hot and melted.
• Buffalo-style twist: Use buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a hybrid flavor.
• Extra spicy: Add jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper for a serious kick.
• Milder version: Cut back on the hot sauce and cayenne, and add extra sour cream for a gentler heat.
• Ranch-flavored: Stir in ranch seasoning for a tangy twist on the heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, microwave in short intervals or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Stir before serving to redistribute melted cheese and chicken.

FAQs

What makes it “Nashville hot”?

Nashville hot seasoning typically includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of sugar—bringing heat with a hint of sweetness.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, though freshly cooked and shredded chicken offers better texture and flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dip ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

Cayenne-based sauces or a Nashville hot-style sauce give the most authentic flavor. Use your favorite!

Can I make this dip in a skillet?

Yes, use an oven-safe skillet and bake directly in it for a rustic presentation.

Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your hot sauce and dippers are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze it?

Freezing is not recommended, as dairy-based dips can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

What can I serve with this dip?

Tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, crackers, celery sticks, or waffle fries are great dipping options.

How can I tone down the spice?

Use less hot sauce and cayenne, and increase sour cream or cream cheese for a milder version.

Can I add toppings?

Absolutely! Crumbled bacon, crispy onions, or pickled jalapeños make great toppings.

Conclusion

Easy Nashville hot chicken dip brings the fiery charm of Nashville’s signature dish into a rich, creamy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something bold and spicy, this dip hits all the right notes with minimal effort. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple on your snack table.

Easy Nashville Hot Chicken Dip

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Easy Nashville hot chicken dip is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer inspired by classic Nashville hot chicken. Packed with shredded chicken, bold hot sauce, and melted cheeses, it’s perfect for parties, game day, or any spicy craving.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup hot sauce (cayenne-based or Nashville hot sauce)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Pickle chips (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
3. Stir in shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
6. Remove from oven, garnish with pickle chips and green onions if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Adjust hot sauce and cayenne to control the spice level.
• Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
• Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, celery, or toasted bread.
• This dip can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg