Cheesy Chili Crisp Honey Chicken dip
This Cheesy Chili Crisp Honey Chicken Dip is the kind of crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed appetizer that instantly disappears. Think creamy, cheesy, spicy, and a little sweet, all baked into one bubbling hot dish. I’ve made this three times this month, it’s that good!
I know standard buffalo chicken reigns supreme for party appetizers, but this unique twist on a warm cheesy chicken dip is NEXT LEVEL. Okay, my Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Dip is pretty fire too.
I made this cheesy chili crisp honey chicken dip for my husband’s birthday party, and then a girls crafting night in, and then for a friend’s bachelorette party. Needless to say, I’m addicted! Each and every time I have gotten requests for the recipe. So here it is!
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What makes this recipe so addictive:
- Incredible flavor: The chili crisp adds heat and crunch, the julienned shallots and garlic give a depth, while the honey rounds it out with a subtle sweetness.
- Bubbly top: Creamy, melty cheese combined with tender shredded chicken makes every bite satisfying and the bubbly cheesy top so irresistible..
- Crowd favorite: Everyone loves a hot, cheesy dip with a bubbly top. This one feels gourmet but uses simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Rotisserie chicken – Using rotisserie chicken saves time but you can of course make your own chicken.
- Sour cream – Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth, creamy base.
- Cream cheese – The backbone of the dip, lending richness and that classic cheesy texture. I use the spreadable kind that comes in a tub.
- Chili crisp – A crunchy, spicy condiment made from chili flakes, garlic, and oil; adds both flavor and texture. Trader Joe’s carries a mild enough one that works for a big crowd.
- Honey – Just a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
- Aromatics – Garlic and shallot sliced paper thin with a mandolin, to cook right in the dip, they bring depth and aromatic flavor.
- Cheese – I like a mix of shredded jack or mozzarella, and white cheddar cheeses. Melts beautifully for that stretchy, gooey finish, and a bubbly toasty top.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make cheesy chili crisp Honey chicken dip:
- Step 1: Combine chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, chili crisp, honey, and cheese in a bowl.
- Layer the dip at the bottom of a pan, then top with paper-thin slices of garlic and shallots.
- Layer the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake and serve with chips or crackers.
Substitutions and variations
- Make it spicier: Add extra chili crisp (or use a spicy one), or stir in a pinch of cayenne.
- Make it milder: Use less chili crisp and more honey to tone down the heat.
- Different cheeses: I like the sharpness and color of white cheddar, and the meltyness and neutrality of Jack cheese. If you have another shredded cheese of choice, use that!
- No sour cream? No problem, just substitute with more cream cheese instead.
Equipment
This hot honey chicken dip recipe, for the most part, uses standard equipment you have in your kitchen. It bakes up beautifully in a 9×13 baking dish, or a 12-inch cast iron skillet (10-inch would be just fine too).
To thinly the shallots and garlic, I use a mandolin slicer. You can also use one that is a part of the chopper set or on the side of a box grater!
Storing Cheesy chili crisp Honey chicken Dip
Preparing ahead
You can prepare this dip (steps 2 and 3 below), up to three days in advance. Cover and store in the fridge un-baked. When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350F and resume at step 4.
Storing leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm stove-top, in the microwave, or back in the oven. Option to add extra freshly shredded cheese when reheating!
FAQ
What chili crisp should i use?
There are so many to choose from, it can get overwhelming! Trader Joe’s Garlic Chili Crunch is a mild one. Momofuku Goods and Fly By Jing have spicy ones. If you’re not sure, try a little taste before mixing it all in to see. If you are making this for a crowd and you’re not sure of people’s spice tolerance, err on the side of mild.
What cheese is best in this recipe?
I like a combination of freshly shredded Monterey Jack and Sharp White Cheddar. Pepperjack would be a great spicy cheese too! I find shredding cheese from a block produces the best result in dips.
What if i Don’t have a mandolin?
Some. box graters have a mandolin side. You can also cut thin slices using a sharp knife.
Rate this recipe
If you try this Cheesy Chili Crisp Honey Chicken Dip recipe (first of all, thank you!), be sure to leave a star-rating and a comment below! Be sure to tag me in Instagram and TikTok with your creations!
Cheesy Chili Crisp Honey Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken bones and skin discarded, meat shredded
- 16 oz cream cheese I use the "cream cheese spread" in a tub rather than the block
- 1 cup sour cream can substitute with full fat greek yogurt, or cream cheese
- ¾ cup chili crisp SEE NOTE 1
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 shallots sliced paper thin, SEE NOTE 2
- 6 large cloves garlic sliced paper thin, SEE NOTE 2
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded jack or mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- chips, crackers, or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prep. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish or a cast-iron skillet (10-12 inch) and set aside.
- Combine the base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, chili crisp, and honey. Stir until smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the shredded cheese, garlic, and shallots.
- Assemble the dip. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remainder of the julienned shallots and garlic on top. Option to drizzle some extra chili crisp on top too. Lastly, add the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake until bubbling. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden and bubbling. I like to finish it off under the broiler for a couple minutes to brown the top (keep a careful eye to not let it burn). Allow to cool slightly. Option to garnish with chives and a drizzle of honey. Serve with chips, crackers, or crusty bread and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to slice thin slivers of garlic and shallot, or
- Use a knife to mince the shallots and garlic, or
- Substitute for ½ teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder
