Cheesy Smoked Chicken Pesto Dip.
A warm, smoky, cheesy chicken dip with bright pesto and tomatoes that’s perfect for parties.
Equipment
- oven-safe baking dish (8-inch pie plate or similar)
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 12 ounces smoked cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup pesto your favorite pesto, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
- baguette slices, chips or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the grated smoked cheddar and minced garlic to the cream cheese and stir until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped cherry tomatoes, shredded chicken, 1/4 to 1/2 cup pesto (to taste), kosher salt, black pepper, and liquid smoke until evenly distributed.
- Spoon the mixture into an 8-inch pie plate or similar oven-safe baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with baguette slices, chips, or crackers.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth dip.
- Adjust pesto amount to taste for more or less basil flavor.
- Freshly grate the cheddar for best melting and texture.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.