Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken

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Easy chicken dip with canned chicken and cream cheese is delicious for an appetizer party. It’s got a hearty texture with artichokes, chopped celery, and toasted pecans. Serve it on water crackers, pita chips, or baguette slices for game day tailgating, happy hour cocktails, or appetizers for girls night in.

chicken artichoke cheese spread recipe in silver dish with knife spreader

This appetizer is unique and different from most dips. There’s chicken, cream cheese, pecans, and artichokes for a terrific blend of flavors and textures.

Take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving so it’s easy to dip or spread.

Why You’ll Love It

You can serve this cold appetizer at room temperature for a couple of hours. There’s no worry about keeping it warm. It’s a fantastic football party food idea.
It’s a make-ahead recipe so the flavors have time to blend together for the perfect bite. Make it the night before your party so the flavors can fully develop.
This is a fantastic option to take to potluck parties or other gatherings.
The recipe makes a lot so it’s great for appetizer parties that host a crowd.

PARTY TIP: You can serve this in a small bowl, or mold it into a cheese ball along with a spreader knife.

Ingredients

Good quality canned chicken breast meat. Drain the can before using the meat inside.
Cream cheese block. Let is come to room temperature so it’s easy to work with.
Shredded parmesan cheese. While shredding it yourself is always tastier, you can use packaged shredded cheese for this. Substitute with white cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
Canned artichoke hearts. Use canned rather than jarred; the jars are filled with an oily brine that adds additional flavor you don’t want in the recipe.
Chopped pecans. Find small packages that are already chopped, in the baking aisle, to save time.
Green onions and lemon juice.

How to Make It

Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Using your hands works best for this.
Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or over night. It’s got to have time for the flavors to marry.
Let soften a bit at room temperature before serving so that it’s easy to spread.
Enjoy with a variety of crackers or toasted baguette slices, celery boats, or fill inside of cucumber cups.

Expert Tips

Want to make this a bit softer or more spreadable? Add 2 tablespoons of milk or mayonnaise and mix it in well.

Make this a day ahead for best flavor and easy entertaining.

PARTY TIP: Freeze half the recipe for later, or cut the ingredients in half for a smaller get-together.

Make Ahead & Freeze

Tightly wrap the cheese spread with saran wrap and freeze unused portion up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in refrigerator overnight.

FAQ’s

What goes well with chicken dip?

Chicken dip with cream cheese is great on water crackers, pita chips, pretzel crisps, Triscuits, Wheat Thins, baguette slices or crostini.

What’s the best canned chicken?

A recent comparison rated Costco’s Kirkland brand as the best canned chicken and I agree! It’s premium chunk chicken breast meat and it’s the only brand we use. It’s also the right size for our dip recipe, at 12.5 ounces. Read more about the best brands in this article from Mercury News.

Is canned chicken cooked?

Yes, it’s fully cooked and ready to eat or use in recipes. Once opened, use it within 5 to 7 days.

Do you have to rinse canned chicken?

You don’t have to rinse canned chicken. You can give the top of the can a rinse under hot water before opening, if you want, to make sure it’s clean.

More Appetizers with Canned Chicken

For more party appetizers that use convenient canned chicken try these recipes.

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