Nashville Hot Crispy Bacon and Pickle Chicken Dip Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To maximize the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the mixture before cooking. These additions can enhance the depth of the Nashville hot profile without overpowering the main ingredients. If you prefer a smokier dip, ensure your bacon is cooked until it is very dark and crispy, as this will infuse a deeper, more robust flavor into the cheese and chicken mixture while it simmers.

When serving, consider offering a variety of dipping vessels alongside the classic crinkle-cut kettle chips. Celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even toasted baguette slices can provide a nice contrast to the fried chips.

If you have guests who are particularly sensitive to heat, serve the Nashville hot sauce on the side or reduce the amount used in the initial assembly. This allows everyone to customize their experience while still enjoying the rich, creamy base of the dip.

Variations

• Buffalo Style Dip: Replace the Nashville hot cayenne butter sauce with your favorite buffalo wing sauce. Add a drizzle of blue cheese dressing on top before serving to complete the classic flavor profile.
• Cheesy Jalapeno Dip: Incorporate diced pickled jalapenos along with the dill pickles for an extra kick of heat. You can also sprinkle fresh sliced jalapenos on top as a garnish to add vibrant color.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dip is cooled within 2 hours after cooking before placing it in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended, as the high dairy content in the cream cheese and cheddar may cause the texture to separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through and smooth.

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Because it contains dairy, it is crucial that the dip is cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before being placed in the refrigerator.

Properly stored, the dip will maintain its flavor for up to three days. When reheating, be sure to stir it well, as the oils may separate slightly during the chilling and reheating process. If it seems too thick, a teaspoon of water or milk can help restore the original creamy texture.

This dip is excellent for making ahead of time. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to cook it. When you are ready to serve, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and cook on low for the recommended two hours. This is a fantastic way to handle party prep, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the dip cooks hands-free.

Serving ideas

When serving, the presentation is key to making this dip feel special. Place the warm ceramic insert on a trivet in the center of your serving area. Surround the insert with bowls of thick, crinkle-cut kettle chips, which are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the dip.

Having extra bacon bits and fresh dill pickle slices in small side bowls allows guests to top their own servings if they desire an extra boost of crunch or acidity with their dip.

Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting throughout the duration of your party to ensure the dip stays at the perfect temperature for scooping. If you notice the dip beginning to thicken too much as it sits, simply stir in a small amount of warm water or milk to loosen it up.

Providing small appetizer plates and napkins will help guests enjoy the experience comfortably, making this Nashville hot chicken dip the highlight of your snack spread.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Nashville Hot Crispy Bacon and Pickle Chicken Dip

Prep 10 minCook 2 hRest 5 minTotal 2 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded chicken
• 16 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Nashville hot cayenne butter sauce
• 1 cup crispy chopped bacon
• 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
• 1/4 cup extra crispy bacon bits, for serving
• 1/4 cup tangy dill pickle slices, for serving

Instructions

1. Keep the shredded chicken in the refrigerator until ready to use. Place the chicken, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Nashville hot cayenne butter sauce, crispy chopped bacon, and diced dill pickles into the ceramic insert of your slow cooker. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed to facilitate smooth melting during the cooking process.
2. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 2 hours. This duration ensures the cream cheese and cheddar fully melt into a cohesive, creamy sauce, while the heat from the Nashville sauce permeates the shredded chicken thoroughly. The internal temperature of the chicken must reach at least 165°F (74°C).
3. Once cooked, remove the lid and give the dip a final stir to combine everything into a uniform consistency. Top with additional crispy bacon bits and fresh tangy dill pickle slices. Serve warm directly from the ceramic insert with thick crinkle-cut kettle chips for scooping.

Contains: milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

6.2 g

Fat

24.8 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

2.1 g

Sodium

780 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.