Description

This Southwest Hot Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer packed with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and spicy jalapeños. Perfect for a crowd, it combines a blend of cheeses melted smoothly with cream cheese, sour cream, and butter, creating a warm, flavorful dip served best with tortilla chips or crackers. The addition of fresh diced tomatoes and avocado on top adds a fresh contrast to the rich and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Dairy

8 oz cream cheese (low fat is ok)
16 oz sour cream (light is ok)
6 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
1 1/2 cups (6 oz) mild cheddar cheese (shredded)

Protein and Vegetables

12 oz can chunk chicken breast (drained or 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken)
4 oz can diced jalapeños (hot variety, drained)
15 oz can black beans (rinsed and drained)
15 oz can yellow corn (or 1 1/2 cups freshly cooked corn kernels, drained)
2 garlic cloves (pressed)

Garnishes and Serving

Mild cheddar cheese (shredded for topping)
1 roma tomato (diced)
1 avocado (diced)
Tortilla chips or crackers (for serving)

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Instructions

Combine Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, and Butter: In a medium pot over medium heat, add the cream cheese, sour cream, and unsalted butter. Warm them together, whisking continuously until the mixture is completely melted and blended smoothly.
Add Parmesan and Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded parmesan and mild cheddar cheeses. Continue cooking and mixing until the cheeses melt fully and the mixture begins to bubble gently, ensuring a creamy and cohesive base.
Incorporate Chicken, Vegetables, and Garlic: Add the drained chunk chicken breast, diced jalapeños, rinsed black beans, drained corn, and pressed garlic cloves into the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and heat through, bringing the mixture to a light boil. Then, remove from heat.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the hot chicken dip to a serving dish. Top with additional shredded mild cheddar, diced roma tomato, and diced avocado as garnishes if desired. Serve warm alongside tortilla chips or crackers for dipping.

Notes

Use light or low-fat versions of cream cheese and sour cream if you want to reduce fat content.
The jalapeños provide heat; adjust the quantity or use mild peppers for less spice.
Rinsing canned black beans helps reduce sodium and improve flavor.
This dip can be kept warm in a slow cooker on low if serving over a longer period.
Fresh cooked corn can be substituted for canned corn for a sweeter, fresher taste.
For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.