Marry Me Chicken Dip

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This Marry Me Chicken Dip is the kind of creamy, savory, "wait...what is IN this?!" appetizer that disappears the moment it hits the table. One bite and you'll understand why people joke that it might just lead to a proposal.

If you love dips that are decadent, cozy and full of bold flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Dip is about to become your new go to. I couldn't wait to share this recipe with you since it has the same irresistible taste as my Marry Me Chicken Salad. The texture is warm, velvety and scoopable with just the right amount of chunky chicken goodness.

I first made a version of this dip for a potluck with friends and it became the unexpected star of the whole spread. Everyone kept saying it reminded them of a more "grown up cousin" to my Buffalo Chicken Dip with Rotel, but with an Italian flair.

Now it has a permanent place on my appetizer table alongside my Cowboy Queso Dip and this 5 Ingredient Million Dollar Dip because it fits every kind of event. Game day? Perfect. Holiday party? Even better. Family movie night, potlucks, bridal showers you name it, this marry me chicken dip goes together with other dips people already know and love.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE MARRY ME CHICKEN DIP

• Bold flavor: You get that restaurant level creamy garlic parmesan richness without complicated steps or hard to find ingredients.

• Iconic "Marry Me Chicken" taste in dip form: All the reasons people love the famous chicken dish with the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, velvety cream sauce are transformed into a warm, ultra scoopable appetizer everyone devours.

• Works for every event or crowd: Whether it's game day, a cozy girls night, holiday party or casual family hangout, this dip fits right in.

• Easily customizable: Want more heat? Add chili flakes. Creamier? Stir in more mozzarella. Tangier? Add a squeeze of lemon.

• Reheats well: Even after chilling, it comes back to life with a splash of cream. This makes it ideal for make ahead prepping and enjoying any leftovers.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED

• Chicken: Use cooked and shredded chicken. A rotisserie chicken is perfect to use for this recipe or shredded chicken breasts.

• Cream cheese: Use full fat for best flavor and make sure it's softened when ready so it incorporates well.

• Sour cream: Any brand will do to help give the dip creaminess.

• Shredded mozzarella and parmesan: Use freshly grated for best taste and texture. The pre-packaged ones have anti-caking agents and ingredients that aren't the best.

• Garlic: Minced garlic gives such great aromatic flavor. Chop your own or use jarred.

• Italian seasoning, onion powder and salt: The seasonings for the dip.

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Use the jarred ones packed in oil and then chop them up into little bits.

• Fresh spinach: Along with the sun-dried tomatoes gives that Mediterranean feel; chopped into small pieces for the dip.

• Fresh basil: For garnish.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

HOW TO MAKE MARRY ME CHICKEN DIP

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Mix together cream cheese and sour cream.

Step 2: Add in 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder and salt, mix until combined.

Step 3: Fold in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and shredded chicken.

Step 4: Spread mixture into a baking dish/skillet and top with remaining mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil for 1 minute the garnish with basil and sun-dried tomatoes.

EMILY'S TIPS

• Use a rotisserie chicken for best texture and ease. It's juicy, shreds well and saves time. Dry chicken results in a dip that feels pasty.

• Use a cast iron skillet for baking. It retains the heat and will keep the dip warm longer when serving.

• Chop the sun-dried tomatoes very finely. Too large pieces overpower the dip so tiny bits distribute their sweet tangy flavor evenly.

• Warm your cream cheese to room temperature. Softened cream cheese blends smooter and prevents lumps when baking.

• Stir in a handful of mozzarella for stretchiness. If you want the "cheese pull moment" mozzarella melts smoother than cheddar.

• Broil the top for the final 2-3 minutes. This gives you that gorgeous golden crust that makes the whole dish look restaurant worthy.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve this warm dip with gluten free pita chips, crunchy kettle style chips, toasted gluten free baguette slices or gluten free pretzel crisps. For veggies, it goes great with cucumbers, carrots or mini bell peppers for dipping.

It pairs perfectly on an appetizer table alongside:

• Spicy Shrimp and Guacamole Bites
• Honey Garlic Meatballs
• BBQ Chicken Nachos
• Buffalo Wings

MAKE AHEAD AND STORAGE

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire dip 1 day before your event. Just mix all the ingredients, transfer them to a baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed and add an extra 5 minutes since it will be cold.

• Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.

• Freezing: Due to the dairy content, I don't advise to freeze.

RECIPE FAQ'S

Can I use canned chicken?

You can, but the dip will be softer and more mushy. Fresh or rotisserie chicken gives the best bite.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone works as a great substitute for an even silkier result. Greek yogurt can lighten it up but it won't be as thick.

Do the sun-dried tomatoes have to be in oil?

Oil packed tomatoes add the richest flavor. If you use dried ones, rehydrate them in warm water first.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Yes! Mix everything together and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

I hope you give this Marry Me Chicken Dip a try! If you do give this recipe a try, please let me know!

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