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    Home > Appetizers and Beverages > Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese

    Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese

    Published: Oct 10, 2021 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Chicken Ranch Dip with Triscuits and wheat Thins.

    Just 4 ingredients make up this popular quick and easy Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese. Addictive as it is delicious, serve this with crackers, tortilla chips, bread or veggies. This recipe for chicken dip recipe is made even easier by using canned chicken. Ready in minutes.

    Chicken spread dip served with triscuits and wheat thin crackers.

    This recipe for chicken dip with cream cheese was first published September of 2013 and updated October 2021 with new photos and step by step instructions.

    Every single time I serve this chicken spread appetizer I am consistently asked for the recipe.

    It’s creamy, its hearty, it so simple to make and best of all, extremely popular.

    It’s a perfect game-day appetizer recipe because it’s easy to eat. Just serve it with an appetizer knife for spreading, and there’s no fuss or mess. That makes it perfect finger food. You can serve it with crackers, sturdy chips, or even sliced baguette.

    The slightly sweet and tangy cream cheese is a welcome partner for salty savory chicken. Add everyone’s favorite, a package of ranch dressing, and with a bite of heat from your favorite salsa …. who can argue with that flavor profile. It’s unique and it simply works.

    This chicken dip recipe can be made with your favorite brand of purchased salsa or my fresh Essential Restaurant Style Salsa or canned home made salsa recipe.

    Its just flat out crazy delicious. Let’s take a look.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Only 4 ingredients to make this chicken dip! How simple can it get? As soon as the cream cheese comes to room temperature and soft enough to stir everything up, it’s ready in about 5 minutes.

    Ingredients to make chicken ranch dip
    Ingredients To Make Ranch Chicken Dip
    • Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing Seasoning
    • Your favorite salsa
    • 1 large can chunk chicken breast, 12.5 ounces
    • Cream Cheese softened to room temperature, 2 8-ounce blocks

     

    Ingredients to make chicken ranch dip in a bowl ready to be mixed together.
    Step 1

    Step 1: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.

    Mixing chicken ranch dip to a smooth texture in a large bowl.
    Step 2

    Step 2: Using a large spoon, mix everything together until well combined. Once you’re finished, the texture will resemble a chicken pate. Smooth, creamy and ready for that cracker.

    Serving Tip: Right before serving, sprinkle with Chimayo Chili Powder. If you don’t have Chamayo use ground Ancho chile powder. If you don’t have Chamayo and would still like a sprinkle of red, how about a little bit of paprika, crushed red pepper flakes or even Aleppo pepper flakes? You can even top this with sliced black olives. It simply creates a better presentation.

    Serve it up and be ready to share the recipe.  Everyone will ask.

    Riffs on Chicken Ranch Dip

    1. If you’re opposed to making this a canned chicken dip, simply bake two small boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces) in the oven. When cooled, shred the meat and proceed with the recipe.
    2. I’ve called this appetizer recipe a chicken dip, but it’s thick enough to be referred to as a cheesy chicken spread. Grab your favorite sandwich bread and make a chicken salad sandwich.
    3. Instead of serving with crackers, serve this with sturdy vegetables, such as celery, sliced cucumbers, sliced radishes. Just remember to keep it colorful.
    4. Half an avocado, remove the seed and spoon this Ranch Chicken Spread into the avocado, for a zippy easy quick lunch.

    So if you’re looking for an appetizer with chicken for your next party, consider trying this Chicken Ranch Dip … it’s a winner.

    How Long Does It Take For Cream Cheese To Come To Room Temperature

    Because it’s high in fat, cream cheese will come to room temperature (soft stage) in about an hour.

    Use Rotisserie Chicken

    One of this appeals of this recipe for chicken dip is that it uses canned chicken. Easy and quick. But why not substitute rotisserie chicken. Simply using forks, shred the chicken into small chunks and continue with the recipe.

    Can This Ranch Chicken Dip Be Made In Advance?

    Absolutely yes. As with many recipes, allowing the flavors to “marry” will result in a more flavor. You can make this dip a couple of days ahead. Pull it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving so let is soften a bit.

    Is This Chicken Dip With Cream Cheese Keto Friendly and Gluten Free?

    Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Packet is a certified gluten free product. Source: The Gluten Free Bar. Chicken breast and cream cheese are naturally gluten free and Keto friendly, as well as salsa, as long as the manufacturer hasn’t added too much sugar. Read the label. And with only 4 grams of carbs per serving this is most certainly a low carb option.

    Can You Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?

    Yes, there is so much flavor in the Ranch Dressing, so much texture with the chicken and and a punch of heat with the salsa, that a bit of sacrifice with flavor from a low fat cheese will hardly be noticed.

    Hot to Serve

    • This dip is almost like a chicken spread, so sturdy is the key. A sturdy cracker such as Triscuits or Wheat Thins is a must.
    • Fritos are a good choice and sturdy potato chips work well.
    • Celery and carrot sticks are a healthier choice.

    Recipe for Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese

    Chicken appetizer spread using canned chicken served with crackers.

    I hope you give this chicken dip recipe a try and if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating. Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes.

    And if you have a favorite chicken dip recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.

    And if you’re looking for more appetizer recipes, don’t miss my Appetizer Category. You’ll find lots of fun finger food recipes, including the most popular on my site for Campechana, a delightful Mexican appetizer.

    More Appetizer Dips with Cream Cheese

    • Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball Recipe
    • Quick Easy Jalapeno Artichoke Dip
    • Elway’s Artichoke Dip with Cream Cheese
    • Cream Cheese Hatch Green Chile Dip
    Chicken ranch dip served with crackers

    Chicken Ranch Dip With Cream Cheese

    This is a recipe for Chicken Ranch Dip. Just 4 ingredients make up this popular chicken appetizer.
    4.63 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer Recipes
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 195kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese softened to room temperature (2 8-ounce packages)
    • 12.5 ounce canned white meat chicken drained, reserving 1 Tablespoon liquid to add to thin the dip
    • 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix
    • 1/4 – 1/2 cup Jarred Salsa I started with 1/4 cup and added salsa until I liked the flavor combination depending on heat and flavor
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Using a large spoon, mix all ingredients together until well-blended. Serve with crackers or vegetables. I like Triscuits or Wheat Thins.

    Notes

    • Garnishing this chicken dip recipe with a red powder makes for a better presentation. Try using smoked paprika, or Aleppo pepper for a slightly different flavor profile.
    • Because it’s high in fat, cream cheese will come to room temperature (soft stage) in about an hour.
    • Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Packet is a certified gluten free product. Source: The Gluten Free Bar. Chicken breast and cream cheese are gluten free and Keto friendly. Salsa is keto friendly unless the manufacturer has added too much sugar. Read those labels. Ditch the crackers and substitute carrots and celery sticks.
    • Can This Ranch Chicken Dip Be Made In Advance? Absolutely yes. As with many recipes, allowing the flavors to “marry” will result in a more flavor. You can make this dip a couple of days ahead. Pull it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving so let is soften a bit.
    • Serving ideas: Serve this with crackers, tortilla chips (Fritos come to mind because they’re sturdy), bread or veggies. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 553mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 638IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    Chicken Dip With Cream Cheese …It’s What’s For An Appetizer

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. MARY says

      December 05, 2021 at 10:00 am

      ANYONE TRY THIS WITH CANNED ALBACORE?

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        December 06, 2021 at 6:56 am

        Hi Mary. I’ve not tried it with Albacore, but it sounds like a good idea. If you do try it, please come back and leave a comment about the flavors. Thanks.

        Reply
    2. John / Kitchen Riffs says

      October 13, 2021 at 8:56 am

      Such a terrific looking dip! I’d like a bowl for dinner, please. 🙂

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        December 06, 2021 at 6:56 am

        It’s delicious John. Very popular every time I serve it.

        Reply
    3. Abbe@This is How I Cook says

      October 12, 2021 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      What a great dip! Will have to add it to my list of Must Try’s! We need to get together soon!

      Reply
    4. Martha Jo Burns says

      June 07, 2021 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      Made this to take to an outdoor baby shower in the park yesterday afternoon. It was gone before we got to the gifts! I think it WAS an extra gift to the party!! Thanks for something so easy and yummy!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        June 08, 2021 at 5:35 am

        Hi Martha Jo. And thanks for your note. So glad this recipe was a hit. It is one of the most popular appetizer recipes on my site, everyone seems to love it.

        Reply
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    I'm Lea Ann, A Culinary School Grad bringing you Wild West Colorado inspired recipes. You'll find lots of Southwestern, and Mexican food recipes, and some favorites from Culinary School along with pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous home cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of inspiration and reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

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