Creamy Chicken Bacon Dip

This creamy chicken bacon ranch dip combines tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese into a decadent appetizer that disappears within minutes at every gathering. I created this for my family's game night and it quickly became our most requested recipe.

This dip first appeared at our Super Bowl party last year and now my teenagers ask for it whenever friends come over. The combination of familiar ranch flavor with savory bacon has converted even my pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Forms the rich base that holds everything together and provides silky texture
• Ranch dressing mix: Infuses classic herby flavor throughout every bite
• Rotisserie chicken: Saves preparation time while adding substantial protein
• Sour cream: Creates tanginess that balances the richness of the cheeses
• Bacon pieces: Add smoky crunch and irresistible flavor throughout the dip
• Scallions: Provide fresh color and mild onion flavor that complements the ranch seasoning
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Creates a beautifully melted top layer with complex flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Ingredients:

Gather and measure all ingredients before beginning. Chop bacon into small pieces and slice scallions thinly. Shred rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces ensuring consistent texture throughout the dip.

Create Cream Base:

Place cream cheese and ranch packet in your baking dish and microwave for one minute stirring halfway through. The cream cheese must be completely softened to incorporate properly with other ingredients.

Mix Main Components:

Stir chicken sour cream bacon scallions pepper and one cup of cheddar into the cream cheese mixture until completely combined. Ensure even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.

Add Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle the remaining three quarters cup of cheddar evenly across the top of the dip. This will create a golden cheesy crust that enhances both appearance and texture.

Bake Until Bubbly:

Place the dish in your preheated 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges bubble vigorously. This indicates that all ingredients have melted together properly.

Broil For Color:

Switch oven to broil setting and cook for 3 to 5 minutes watching carefully until cheese develops golden brown spots. This final step creates irresistible texture and deeper flavor.

Garnish and Serve:

Top with additional bacon pieces and fresh scallions for visual appeal and textural contrast. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly for the best experience.

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I always keep an extra rotisserie chicken in my refrigerator specifically for this recipe. My husband claims the corner pieces with the most golden cheese are the best part and sneakily tries to claim them before guests arrive.

Make Ahead Options

This dip excels as a prepare ahead dish perfect for busy entertaining. Assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance stopping before the baking step. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve remove from refrigerator while oven preheats to take the chill off then bake as directed adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight making this an ideal candidate for advance preparation.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this hearty dip into an impressive spread by offering various dipping options. Sturdy items work best crusty bread cubes pretzel rods celery sticks bell pepper slices carrot sticks cucumber rounds or hearty crackers. For a beautiful presentation arrange the dip in the center of a large platter surrounded by concentric circles of different colored vegetables and breads. This creates not only a stunning visual but allows guests to find their preferred dipping option easily.

Dietary Adaptations

This versatile recipe can be adjusted for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For a lighter version use reduced fat cream cheese and sour cream though the texture will be slightly less rich. Those following keto or low carb diets can enjoy this dip with vegetable dippers for a satisfying meal. For gluten sensitive individuals verify your ranch seasoning packet is gluten free most commercial brands are but always check labels. The recipe is naturally gluten free when served with appropriate dippers.

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Whether you prepare this for game day or casual snacking, this dip never fails to delight your guests!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dip through Step 4, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake for about 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly, then broil as directed.

→ What can I serve with this chicken bacon ranch dip?

This versatile dip pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber slices.

→ Can I substitute the rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can use any cooked chicken - leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Just ensure it's well-drained and shredded or chopped.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave until hot, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

→ Can I make this dip lighter or with substitutions?

Yes! Try using light cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. The flavor profile will remain similar with fewer calories.

→ Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is generally gluten-free, but always check the ranch dressing mix package to ensure it contains no gluten ingredients. Serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetables for a completely gluten-free option.