Marry me chicken dip
Marry Me Chicken Dip is creamy, cheesy, and full of tender chicken with a little kick of spice that makes it totally irresistible. It’s loaded with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Marry Me Chicken Dip is creamy, cheesy, and full of tender chicken with a little kick of spice that makes it totally irresistible. It’s loaded with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a touch of sun-dried tomatoes or spicy peppers that come together in the best way. This dip is the perfect mix of smooth and hearty, making it a crowd favorite every single time.
I love making this dip for game nights or casual get-togethers because everyone always asks for the recipe afterward. It feels like a little bit of comfort wrapped in each bite, and it’s so simple to whip up. I usually bake it right in a casserole dish until it’s bubbly and golden, and the smell fills the whole house with such a cozy vibe.
My favorite way to serve it is with crispy crackers, warm bread, or even fresh veggies for a lighter crunch. It’s such an easy starter or snack that gets everyone around the table chatting and dipping happily into the cheesy goodness. If you haven’t tried making Marry Me Chicken Dip yet, it’s definitely one to keep in your recipe box for any time you want to impress without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken adds protein and texture. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, and leftover chicken works perfectly too.
Cream Cheese: It makes the dip creamy and smooth. Use full-fat for best results, but low-fat cream cheese can work if you prefer.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: These cheeses give gooey melt and a nice sharpness. You can swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor.
Roasted Red Peppers: They add a sweet, smoky touch. If unavailable, sun-dried tomatoes or mild roasted chiles are good replacements.
Basil: Fresh basil brightens the dip. If fresh isn’t handy, parsley or cilantro can work as tasty alternatives.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy and Bubbly Dip?
Making the dip creamy and bubbly comes down to mixing and baking right.
- Beat cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream until smooth to avoid lumps.
- Mix all ingredients evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Spread mixture in an even layer in an oven-safe dish so it bakes uniformly.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the dip bubbles around the edges and the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken slightly and make scooping easier.
These steps help you achieve that perfect creamy texture and a golden crust that’s inviting and delicious every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to combine all the creamy ingredients smoothly without spilling.
- Hand mixer or spoon – to blend the cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream into a lump-free base.
- Oven-safe baking dish – a medium-sized dish to bake the dip evenly and catch all the bubbling cheese.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, so your dip tastes just right.
- Spatula or spoon – to spread the dip evenly in your baking dish and scoop servings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked bacon or sausage for a smoky, hearty twist that adds extra richness.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like your dip with a bit more heat and kick.
- Mix in chopped spinach or artichoke hearts for a veggie boost and extra freshness.
- Top with extra mozzarella or pepper jack cheese before baking for a gooey, cheesy crust.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Dip?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped (or diced sun-dried tomatoes)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley or cilantro)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or crackers, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in around 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dip ready to share and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you finish mixing the dip.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This creates a nice, rich base for your dip.
3. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
Stir in the shredded chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped roasted red peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like some spice. Mix everything well.
4. Season and Add Fresh Herbs:
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Then stir in the fresh chopped basil evenly throughout for a fresh burst of flavor.
5. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased oven-safe dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle a little extra fresh basil on top if you like. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. Thaw it safely in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.
Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy that creamy, warm texture again.
What Can I Use Instead of Roasted Red Peppers?
If you don’t have roasted red peppers, diced sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully and add a nice tangy sweetness. Mild roasted chiles are also a tasty option if you want some extra flavor without too much heat.