Let’s be real—who doesn’t love a dip that’s both spicy and creamy? And when you combine the bold, fiery flavors of Nashville Hot Chicken with a cheesy, gooey dip, you’ve got yourself a game-changer. If you’ve ever had Nashville hot chicken, you know it’s all about that kick of heat, crispy coating, and tender, juicy chicken. Now, imagine all of those iconic flavors turned into a dip that’s perfect for scooping up with crunchy chips, crispy bread, or fresh veggies. This Nashville Hot Chicken Dip brings all the heat, flavor, and comfort we crave, but in a shareable, cheesy, dip-worthy form. Trust me—this is going to be your new party go-to.
Why You’ll Love Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
This dip isn’t just about its bold flavors; it’s about creating that unforgettable, spicy experience in every bite. Here’s why this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip is about to take your appetizer game to a whole new level:
Spicy and Savory Perfection
Nashville hot chicken is known for its serious heat, and we’ve brought that same fiery punch to this dip. The dip has layers of flavor with just the right amount of heat to make your taste buds tingle without overwhelming you. It’s savory, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more.
Creamy and Comforting
It’s a dip, after all, so you’ve got a creamy base that makes the spicy heat even more comforting. The combination of cream cheese, ranch, and melty cheese creates a texture that’s velvety and smooth—perfect for scooping up!
Quick and Easy to Make
Who doesn’t love a recipe that comes together fast? With a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you’ll have this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip ready in no time. Whether you’re throwing together a last-minute party snack or prepping for game day, this dip is an easy win.
Customizable
You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, whether you want a little kick or something more fiery. You can also switch up the chicken by using rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep or go with a different type of cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
Crowd-Pleasing
This dip is a crowd-pleaser in every sense. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and satisfying—everything you need to keep guests coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that disappears in minutes, and everyone will want the recipe.

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Ingredients
To make this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip, you’ll need:
Shredded Chicken
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook up some chicken breasts and shred them. Either way, you’re looking for tender, juicy chicken to soak up all the flavors.
Cream Cheese
A smooth, creamy base to give the dip its rich and velvety texture. This helps balance out the heat and adds that comforting creaminess.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch is a classic pairing with Nashville hot chicken and brings extra creaminess and a slight tang to the dip.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is the perfect melty cheese for this dip. It adds that gooey, cheesy goodness we crave.
Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning (or Hot Sauce + Spices)
This is where the heat comes in! You can buy pre-made Nashville hot seasoning or use a mix of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar to recreate that signature fiery flavor.
Pickles (for garnish)
Nashville hot chicken often comes with pickles, so we’re finishing this dip with a few tangy pickle slices on top. It’s a delicious contrast to the spice and adds a pop of freshness.
Instructions
Here’s how you can whip up your own Nashville Hot Chicken Dip:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot for baking the dip.
Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken
If you’re using chicken breasts, cook them until fully cooked and shred them into small pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just shred it straight from the container!
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese (softened), ranch dressing, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of Nashville hot chicken seasoning (or your homemade seasoning). Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish (a 9×9 inch dish works perfectly) and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and top with sliced pickles for that classic Nashville hot chicken touch. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or toasted bread for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s the breakdown for one serving of Nashville Hot Chicken Dip (about 1/8 of the dip):
- Calories per serving: 280
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 570mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Vitamin A: 15% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 2% of daily value
- Calcium: 20% of daily value
- Iron: 6% of daily value
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
How to Serve Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
Nashville Hot Chicken Dip pairs perfectly with a variety of dippable treats. Here are some serving ideas:
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy and salty tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up all the creamy goodness.
- Celery Sticks: For a light, fresh crunch, celery is the way to go and balances out the richness of the dip.
- Toasted Bread: Serve with some crispy baguette slices or toasted bread for a more substantial dipper.
- Vegetables: Carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices also work well for a fresh, low-carb option.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice: If you love spice, feel free to add more Nashville hot seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the hot seasoning.
- Make it Ahead: This dip can be made ahead of time! Prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought Nashville hot chicken seasoning?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Pre-made Nashville hot seasoning is a great shortcut. Just follow the directions on the package for the right amount to use.
Q2: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep it in advance. Just store it in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I make this dip spicier?
A3: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture for more heat, or sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: While cheddar is classic, you can swap in pepper jack, mozzarella, or any other meltable cheese you like.
Q5: What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
A5: If you’re not a fan of ranch, try using blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile.
Q6: Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
A6: Yes! Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours until hot and bubbly.
Q7: Can I make this dip with leftover chicken?
A7: Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will work perfectly in this dip.
Q8: How can I make this dip less spicy?
A8: Reduce the amount of Nashville hot seasoning or cayenne pepper. You can also add more cream cheese or ranch to balance out the heat.
Q9: Can I freeze Nashville Hot Chicken Dip?
A9: Yes! You can freeze the dip before baking it. Just store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q10: What can I serve with this dip?
A10: Serve it with tortilla chips, fresh veggies like carrots and celery, or even toasted bread for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Conclusion
This Nashville Hot Chicken Dip is the ultimate combination of spicy, creamy, and comforting flavors all in one bowl. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With that spicy kick, cheesy goodness, and tangy pickles on top, you’ll be scooping this dip up in no time! So, get ready for a flavor explosion and make sure to have plenty of dippers on hand because this dip goes fast!
Print
Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Nashville Hot Chicken Dip packs all the bold, spicy flavors of the famous fried chicken into an irresistible, creamy dip—perfect for game day, parties, or anytime cravings strike! Serve with celery, pickles, and crusty bread for the full experience.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup sour cream
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
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2 tbsp Nashville hot chicken spice blend (or make your own—see notes)
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
For Serving:
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Sliced celery
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Pickle spears
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Toasted baguette slices or crackers
Instructions
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Prep Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix Dip: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo until smooth. Stir in shredded chicken, cheddar, Monterey Jack, hot sauce, brown sugar, and spices.
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Bake: Transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
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Broil (Optional): For a crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes.
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Serve: Garnish with extra hot sauce or a drizzle of honey for balance. Serve warm with celery, pickles, and bread.
Notes
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Homemade Spice Blend: Mix 1 tbsp cayenne, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp chili powder, and ¼ tsp salt.
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Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Milder Version: Reduce cayenne and hot sauce by half.
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Extra Heat: Add 1 tsp of cayenne or a splash of extra hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg