Marry me chicken dip
Marry Me Chicken Dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and just the right touch of spice. It’s the kind of dip that makes you want to grab…
Tip: save now, cook later.Marry Me Chicken Dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and just the right touch of spice. It’s the kind of dip that makes you want to grab a chip (or a spoon) and keep going back for more. With flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses, this dip is rich and comforting without being too heavy.
I love making this dip when I have friends over because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s so easy to throw together and can be ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for last-minute get-togethers. Plus, I find that it tastes even better after sitting for a little while, so I often make it ahead of time to let the flavors really meld.
My favorite way to serve this dip is with some crunchy crackers or sliced baguette on the side, but it’s also fantastic with fresh veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, and I find it’s usually the first thing to disappear from the table, which says a lot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked shredded chicken makes this dip quick and easy. Rotisserie chicken works great! For a lighter option, you could use turkey or even canned chicken.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and tang. Make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing. You can swap with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, but the texture will be a bit different.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They bring a lovely tangy sweetness. If you don’t have these, chopped roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes work in a pinch.
Cheeses (Parmesan & Mozzarella): Parmesan gives a sharp flavor while mozzarella melts beautifully. Feel free to try provolone, fontina, or cheddar for another flavor profile.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning blends herbs like oregano and basil, perfect for this recipe. If you don’t have it, use dried basil and oregano separately.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cheesy Top on This Dip?
The golden bubbly crust on top is the best part of this dip. Here’s how to nail it:
- Spread the dip evenly in your skillet or dish to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface, don’t pile it too thick.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) so the cheese melts slowly and browns nicely without burning.
- Keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes; cheese can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Let the dip cool for a few minutes so it thickens and is easier to scoop.
Using a cast iron skillet helps with even heat distribution, giving you that lovely crust. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe dish will do just fine!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast iron skillet – perfect for even heating and great stovetop-to-oven cooking.
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix all the creamy ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula or spoon – helps you stir and spread the dip evenly in your skillet.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot skillet.
- Cheese grater – if you’re shredding mozzarella or Parmesan fresh for the best melt and flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked crumbled sausage to add a richer, spicy twist.
- Add chopped spinach or kale for a fresh, green touch that boosts nutrition.
- Try smoked mozzarella or pepper jack cheese to bring in smoky or spicy flavors.
- Mix in some chopped jalapeños if you like it hotter and a bit more exciting.
Marry Me Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh veggies, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Marry Me Chicken Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20–25 minutes to bake, for a total of roughly 30–35 minutes until it’s hot, bubbly, and beautifully golden on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your dip mixture is prepared.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Flavors and Cheeses:
Stir in Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Fold in Chicken:
Gently mix in the cooked shredded chicken until the ingredients are evenly combined.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the mixture evenly in a cast iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh veggies. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding and mixing. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add the mozzarella topping and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring if needed to keep it creamy.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Dip?
This dip is perfect with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumber. It’s also great as a spread on sandwiches or wraps!
