Chicken Enchilada Dip Melted Cheese

The first time I made this dip for a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the baking dish until it came out of the oven. Now she requests it for every gathering, and I've learned to make a double batch because it disappears faster than you can say touchdown.

Last winter my neighbor brought over some leftover rotisserie chicken, and we whipped this up on a snowy Friday night. We ended up standing around the oven with forks, eating it straight from the dish while the kids watched a movie.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and adds that slow-cooked flavor without the effort
• 8 oz cream cheese softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly into the base without leaving lumps
• 1 cup sour cream: This adds tang and creaminess that balances the rich cheeses
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts beautifully and creates those irresistible cheese pulls
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth and a bit of bite to the creamy base
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce: This is the flavor powerhouse that gives the dip its authentic enchilada taste
• 1/2 cup canned diced green chilies: Drain them well so they dont make the dip too watery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper: Fresh peppers add sweetness and a little crunch in every bite
• 1/3 cup chopped green onions: These add mild onion flavor and pretty green flecks throughout
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Cumin is essential for that Mexican spice profile we all love
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness that makes the dip taste restaurant-quality
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder disperses evenly and wont burn like fresh garlic might
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and color right before serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F:

Give your oven plenty of time to reach the full temperature so the dip cooks evenly

Mix the creamy base:

Beat the softened cream cheese sour cream and half the cheeses until completely smooth

Add the flavor builders:

Stir in the enchilada sauce chilies bell pepper green onions and all those spices

Fold in the chicken:

Gently mix in the shredded chicken so every scoop gets some tender meat

Spread into your baking dish:

Press the mixture into a 9-inch oven-safe dish in an even layer

Cheese it up:

Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar all over the top

Bake until bubbly:

Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are golden

Add the finishing touches:

Scatter fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices on top right before serving

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This recipe has become my go-to for new neighbors and housewarming gifts. Something about warm cheesy food just makes people feel at home.

Make It Your Own

Swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese if your crowd loves some heat. I once made this with hatch green chile enchilada sauce instead of red and it was absolutely incredible.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond tortilla chips try warm flour tortillas cut into triangles or even sturdy vegetables like bell pepper strips and jicama for dipping.

Game Day Strategy

You can assemble everything up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.

• Set out all your dipping options before the dip comes out of the oven
• Keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker on low setting for parties
• Double the recipe for bigger crowds and use a 13x9 baking dish

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Theres something magical about watching people gather around a warm dish of dip and suddenly forget about everything else except the next bite.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast such as rotisserie or poached chicken is ideal for tender, flavorful results.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, add sliced jalapeños or extra chili peppers to increase heat, or use mild enchilada sauce for a gentler flavor.

→ Are there any recommended substitutions for cheese?

Monterey Jack can be swapped for pepper jack to add a spicy kick, while cheddar adds sharpness and depth.

→ How should this dish be served?

Serve warm, paired with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or warm tortillas to complement the creamy texture and flavors.

→ What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly to maintain texture and flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

It can be gluten-free if using gluten-free enchilada sauce and serving with gluten-free chips or tortillas.