One night a few weeks ago, when Justin was at a meeting, I got a craving for some time of dip, but I had no idea what to make. We were getting very low on groceries, and I had some chicken thawed that I didn’t make for dinner that night.
So I started digging through the refrigerator and pantry to see what I could throw together. I had some Wheat Thins crackers, which are always my favorite for a dip, and thought I might be able to make a chicken dip. I bought the crackers to make my buffalo chicken dip since I haven’t posted that here yet, but I didn’t know we were out of buffalo sauce.
What did I have on hand? Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken, and ranch powder. And my trusty crackers.
The chicken was still uncooked, so I went ahead and boiled the chicken. While it was cooking, I got the cream cheese out so it could soften a bit. It’s not my favorite way to cook chicken, but if it’s going in something like a dip, then it isn’t too bad. And it shreds easily, especially in the stand mixer.
After I shredded the chicken, I added in the rest of the ingredients and folded it all together to make this easy cheesy ranch chicken dip. And it was delicious! I know I say the recipe makes about eight servings but I ate almost half of it in one night!
Justin tried some the next day and loved it as well. The great thing about the dip is you can eat it warm or cold, and both ways are delicious. Of course, you can use other crackers such as club crackers or Ritz crackers, but my favorite is always the Wheat Thins.
The dip took about 10-15 minutes to make, only because I had to cook the chicken. You could also use a rotisserie chicken, especially if you like both the light and dark meat, which would cut down on the prep time as well.
Step by Step
In a medium saucepan, boil the chicken until it’s cooked through.
Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch powder.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the pan and shred. Then, gently fold the chicken into the cheese
Recipe
Easy Cheesy Ranch Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (bonesless, skinless)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 pkg ranch powder
- crackers
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, boil the chicken until cooked through
- Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch powder
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the pan and shred
- Gently fold the chicken into the cheese mixture
- Serve either warm or cold with crackers
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We enjoy making all kinds of different dips. This cheesy chicken dip sounds like a keeper. Will have to make it when I make chicken, we always have leftovers and this would be a perfect way to use it up.
Yes, this would be a great way to use up leftover chicken! We love dips here, too.
You had me at cheesy. No wait, you had me at ranch. Either way it sounds delicious and now I’m craving cheese and ranch!
Me too! Cheese and ranch are two of my favorite flavors as well.
I love ranch and I love cream cheese, won’t have thought to add them together. This sounds delicious!
I’ve put the two together in a few things and it works surprisingly well together!
Oh, this looks super yummy. I will definitely have to try this. I love trying new recipes!!
It’s such a yummy dip! So easy to make, too.
Love that you were able to whip something tasty with what you already have! Will definitely try this!
Some of my favorite recipes have come from times when I am pulling a few ingredients together to see what we can create!
Oooo!!! This looks soooo yummy! We love dips. Thanks for the recipe!!!
I am such a sucker for a good dip. I can make meals out of them!
This dip is perfect for a March madness party! So yummy!
April
It would be perfect for almost any party! Dips are some of the best appetizers for a party since people can grab as much or as little as they want.
Oh my jeeze! I wouldn’t be surprised if I caught my husband eating this out of the bowl with a spoon – he is ranch obsessedddd!
Ummm…..I may have done the same as I was making it!! I love ranch and cheese, so it was a no-brainer for me!
Oh, this looks so yummy. I love it. I will be making this for sure. I would try it for a sandwich even. Thank you for sharing this.
I didn’t even think about putting it on a sandwich. I’ll have to give that a try next time I make some because this batch is long gone!
Stop! This looks SO good! I love dips that have a bit more substance (like a meat). They make such a great app to bring to dinner parties. Definitely book marking this one!
I do too. They are a bit more filling and I don’t feel quite as bad when I make a dinner out of it!
This looks really yummy. I love unique dips like this. I think it would be yummy to sandwiched it between some crackers too. Or maybe a yummy bread sandwich.
Someone else suggested a sandwich too. I’ll definitely have to try that next time I make this!
Ooooo nothing better than a yummy dip!!!! They make the best things to serve when you have company. Definitely pinning so I can try!!!
So true! Dips are great for when you have people over or when you need something to bring to a potluck party.
This would be a great dish to take to friends houses. I feel like it would be pretty easily loved by all!
It’s perfect for a get-together or if you’re like me keep to yourself and end up eating the whole thing!
I absolutely love this need to try. I make dips all the time I’ll have to try this one i think it will be a crowd pleaser.
Everyone I know who has tried this one when I made it has loved the dip.
I need to give this a whirl, as my other half would love this. I will be trying this next week xx
All four of us love this dip here! I hope you guys enjoy it, too.
My kids would totally love this! And it looks so yummy and easy besides – great recipe, thanks!
It’s so easy. The hardest part is shredding the chicken but if you have a stand mixer that can be done easily with the paddle attachment!
I am always looking for good dips to make for parties and this one is so good! The chicken, the ranch, the cheese – it is pretty much the perfect dip!
This is great for a party since it’s a bit more filling with the chicken, but still light and yummy!
I love that this dip only takes four ingredients. It typically scares me away when there is a huge ingredient list. Definitely making this soon!
Sometimes I enjoy the long ones since it’s a fun challenge, but most of the time, simple is best!
Looks simple to make and tasty to eat. love this recipe!
This dip covers both of those: simple and tasty!
Wow, this looks yummy and easy to make. I have to try to make this for a potluck!
This is a perfect dip for a potluck. It’s easy and still a bit filling with the chicken in it.
This sounds really tasty and a great option when you have chicken and not many ideas how to prepare it! However, in total honesty, cheddar cheese and me aren’t good friends… what would you suggest as a replacement for it?
I haven’t tried it with any other cheese because cheddar is my favorite, but you could try any other yellow cheese and see how it comes out. I don’t know if the white cheeses, like mozzarella, would give the same sharp flavor that a yellow cheese does. If you make it with a different one I’d love to know how it comes out!
Can you use canned chicken
I haven’t tried it before, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. As long as you get most of the liquid out of the chicken since you don’t want it to be runny when you mix everything together.