This 4-Ingredient Chicken Thurston Dip combines shredded chicken and melted cheddar in a creamy base of cream cheese and mayonnaise. It comes out of the oven bubbling around the edges, ready to scoop with corn chips, tortilla chips, or sturdy crackers.
What You’ll Need
- Cooked shredded chicken. Measure 2 cups and pull apart any long shreds so the dip is easy to scoop.
- Cream cheese. Soften 8 ounces until it stirs easily. This helps it blend evenly with the mayonnaise.
- Mayonnaise. One cup loosens the cream cheese and helps the mixture spread evenly in the dish.
- Shredded cheddar. Mild cheddar gives the dip a mellow flavor. Use sharp cheddar if you want the cheese flavor to stand out.
How to Make Chicken Thurston Dip
Stir the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until mostly smooth, then fold in the shredded chicken and cheddar. Spread the mixture in an even layer in a lightly greased 8-inch baking dish or small casserole dish.
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the dip is hot in the center and bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the cheese settles and the dip is easier to scoop.
Serving and Make-Ahead Tips
Serve warm with corn chips, tortilla scoops, or buttery crackers. Celery sticks and bell pepper strips add a cool crunch alongside the creamy dip.
To get a head start, mix the dip and refrigerate it covered until you’re ready to bake. A chilled dip may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Check the center before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Remove the skin and bones, then shred enough meat to measure 2 cups. Both breast and thigh meat work well.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Use the same amount of shredded Colby Jack for a milder dip or Pepper Jack for a little heat.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the dip in an oven-safe dish until hot throughout.
4-Ingredient Chicken Thurston Dip Recipe Card
A warm baked chicken dip with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and melted cheddar.
- Prep time — About 10 minutes, plus cream cheese softening
- Bake time — 20–25 minutes
- Rest time — 5 minutes
- Servings — 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small casserole dish or an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Stir together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a medium bowl. Fold in the shredded chicken and cheddar until evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until hot throughout and bubbling around the edges.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with corn chips, tortilla chips, or crackers.