Rotisserie chicken, bacon, 2 kinds of cheese, fresh jalapenos, then baked, makes this Hot Chicken Jalapeno Dip the hit of any party.

My husband loves jalapeno poppers and I love hot chicken dip, so this appetizer was the perfect compromise. We enjoyed it while watching football last weekend, but I can see it being served at more times than this.

We love any appetizers with a creamy, cheesy filling. Some other ones you may want to try are HOT PIMENTO SAUSAGE DIP and GARLIC PARMESAN CHEESE DIP.

HOW TO MAKE HOT CHICKEN JALAPENO DIP:

(Full recipe and instructions on printable card below in post)

INGREDIENTS:

Bacon: Cook until crisp, drain grease, and crumble.

Cream Cheese: This makes the great base. Set out to soften at room temperature. The ingredients will combine easier.

Milk: This helps the ingredients to combine well, and adds to the creaminess of the dip.

Sour Cream: Gives the dip a little tang and helps to balance the cream cheese flavor.

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: If at all possible, shred your own from a block of cheese. The flavor is so much better, and it tends to melt easier. You can use a package of pre-shredded if necessary. Save 1/2 cup of the cheese out to sprinkle on the top before baking.

Rotisserie Chicken: This is so much quicker, but if you prefer to cook your own chicken, it works the same. Dice the chicken or chop into small pieces. This makes it easier to scoop onto a cracker or bread.

Jalapenos: Use 2 fresh ones, diced or cut into small pieces. Slice a couple rings to use as a garnish on top. Fresh jalapenos are preferred, but if you need to use them from a jar, drain them and cut into small pieces. You would use a 4oz can or jar.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Arrange the ingredients. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2 quart baking dish with no stick cooking spray. May use an ovenproof skillet if desired.

Cook the bacon first, drain grease, crumble and set aside.

Using an electric mixer, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and milk together until smooth. Add part of the cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, jalapenos, and chicken. Mix until well combined.

Spread into baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake about 20 minutes. Top with jalapeno slices.

Transfer to a serving dish, or arrange this dish on serving board. Surround with veggies, scoops, bagel chips, crackers, or party breads.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

It is quick and easy to make.
Can be prepared a day ahead of time, and baked when you need it.
It is an easy appetizer to transport to a party.
The flavor is awesome and it is an excellent crowd pleaser.

TIPS:
Wear gloves and avoid touching your eyes when working with jalapeño peppers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can this dip be made ahead of time?
YES. I have frequently made it a day ahead, and then baked close to serving time. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I serve with this dip?
Any kind of dippers. Breads, Crackers, Scoops, Chips, Fresh vegetables like celery or bell peppers all work perfectly.

How can I make it spicier?
Leaving the seeds in the jalapenos will add more heat. You could also add a few sprinkles of cayenne pepper for additional heat.

This post was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.