Crack Chicken Dip

This crowd-pleasing crack chicken dip is the definition of addictive comfort food, and there’s a reason for its name! 

Imagine ranch, bacon, cheese, and tender chicken all melted together into one irresistibly creamy, hot dip. 

Pair it with chips, veggies, or even pile it on some bread. You really can’t go wrong.

Once you try it, you’ll invent excuses to make it again!

Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Dip

Full of Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese, savory bacon, tender chicken, and zesty ranch creates an irresistible blend of flavors. It keeps people coming back for “just one more” scoop.

Simple to Make: With just a few easy steps and basic ingredients, this recipe is an effortless yet impressive crowd-pleaser.

Party-Perfect: This dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It serves multiple guests with minimal effort. It’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or any social gathering.

Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with chips, crackers, bread, or even veggies. This dip is endlessly versatile.

Ingredients

• Cooked Chicken: It makes the dip more substantial and satisfying, with tender, juicy bites in every scoop.
  
• Cream Cheese: The creamy base gives the dip its rich and smooth texture, ensuring every bite is indulgent.
  
• Ranch Dressing Mix: It adds tangy, herby flavors to balance the richness of the cheese.
  
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky crumbles bring irresistible savory and salty notes to the dip.
  
• Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth cheese adds gooeyness and depth of flavor.
  
• Sour Cream: It lightens the mixture while contributing tanginess and a luscious, velvety consistency.
  
• Green Onions: The fresh, mild garnish adds a pop of color and a light, zesty finish to complement the richness.

How to Make Crack Chicken Dip

You won’t believe how easy this dip is to make!

1. Prep. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

2. Mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped chicken. Stir thoroughly until well blended.

3. Prepare for baking. Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out for even cooking.

4. Bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges.

5. Garnish and serve. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh and colorful touch. Serve warm with your favorite dippers, such as chips, crackers, or vegetables.

Tips For the Best Crack Chicken Dip

Here’s how to make the dip even more sensational.

• Choose the best chicken. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and enhanced flavor. Or, cook and shred chicken breasts with light seasoning to control salt content.

• Fresh is best. Shred the cheese fresh from the block for better melting. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.

• Prep your cream cheese. Let cream cheese fully soften at room temperature for at least 1 hour to ensure smooth mixing and prevent lumps.

• Choose your consistency. If the dip seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

• Get dipping. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, bell pepper slices, pretzel crisps, bagel chips, carrot sticks, or toasted baguette slices.

How to Store

If you have leftover dip, follow these steps to keep it fresh.

To Store: Allow the dip to cool completely before transferring it to an air-tight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

To Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. Microwave smaller portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

To Make Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Store it unbaked in the refrigerator, but bring it to room temperature before baking.