If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with flavor, creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy, you’re going to want to stick around for this one. I’m thrilled to share my Bubbly Hot Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip Recipe with you—it’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or just when you want a seriously satisfying treat. Trust me, once you try this dip, it’ll become your new go-to appetizer for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The blend of cream cheese and yogurt gives this dip an irresistibly smooth base that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect Balance of Heat: The jalapeño and enchilada sauce bring a gentle spice that’s lively but not overwhelming.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you serve it with chips, tortillas, or even over rice, this dip adapts to how you like to eat.
- One-Dish Wonder: Easy to prep and bake all in one pan—minimal mess and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a dreamy, melty dip that’s both hearty and full of Southwestern flair. I usually keep these pantry basics on hand so I can whip this up whenever cravings hit.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained for a clean, hearty base. I like using canned for convenience.
- Cream cheese: Brings that luscious creaminess that binds everything beautifully.
- Whole milk yogurt (or sour cream): Adds tang and lightness; I lean toward yogurt for a fresher finish.
- Red enchilada sauce: Mild or medium works depending on your heat preference—this gives the dip its signature zing.
- Pinto beans: For texture variety and that classic bean dip richness.
- Shredded chicken: Pre-cooked is totally fine—leftover rotisserie chicken works like a charm.
- Corn: Sweetness balances the heat; canned or thawed frozen corn both do the trick.
- Green onions: Gives a nice fresh bite and a pop of color.
- Jalapeño: Seeded if you want milder heat, or leave some seeds for extra kick.
- Mexican blend cheese: I recommend shredded and divided—part goes inside, and part tops the dip for that golden crust.
- Fresh cilantro: Just a sprinkle for garnish and that burst of herbal brightness.
- Tortilla chips: For scooping up this deliciousness—and yes, I’m all for eating as many as the dip holds.
Variations
I love playing around with this dip, and you absolutely should too! It’s so forgiving and flexible—you can customize it to suit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever you have in the fridge.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the shredded chicken for extra beans or a medley of sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. My veggie-loving friends can’t get enough!
- Heat adjustments: If you want more spice, I add a diced chipotle in adobo or a pinch of cayenne; for milder, leave out the jalapeño altogether.
- Cheese swaps: Try pepper jack for more spice or a smoky cheddar for depth—each gives a new twist I’ve enjoyed in tastings.
- Serving style: Turn it into a layered dip by adding dollops of guacamole or sour cream on top before serving for a cool contrast.
How to Make Bubbly Hot Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9-inch oven-safe skillet or an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. It’s a small step but saves you so much scrambling later. While the oven warms up, get your beans rinsed and drained, dice the jalapeño and green onions, and have your shredded chicken ready. Lining up your ingredients like this makes the next steps feel like a breeze.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Base
In a food processor or blender, combine one can of black beans (rinsed and drained), cream cheese, yogurt, and that gorgeous red enchilada sauce. Pulse it all until smooth and creamy. This creamy base is where the magic starts—it’s full of flavor and will hold all the mix-ins together perfectly. If you don’t have a processor, you can try mashing well by hand, but blending creates such a silky texture that I always recommend it.
Step 3: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Gently stir in the second can of beans, shredded chicken, corn, half of the shredded cheese, diced green onion, and jalapeño to your creamy base. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every bite gets a little bit of each layer of flavor and texture. Then scoop this mixture into your prepared pan and smooth it out.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake Until Bubbly
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top and pop the dip into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until you see that gorgeous bubbly cheese sauce starting to turn golden brown around the edges. This bubbly, hot finish is what truly brings together the rich, spicy flavors and impressive presentation, so don’t rush this part! If the cheese browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When it’s out of the oven, give it a quick garnish of fresh cilantro and extra green onions—you’ll love how those fresh pops of color and brightness balance the rich dip. Serve hot with plenty of tortilla chips. This dip also rocks over rice or cauliflower rice if you want a fun twist on meal-style dipping.
Pro Tips for Making Bubbly Hot Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: I love using leftover rotisserie chicken—it saves so much prep time and adds seasoned goodness.
- Control the Heat: When I first made this, I included the jalapeño seeds by mistake—it was WAY too spicy, so I now always remove seeds unless I want extra kick.
- Even Cheese Coverage: I sprinkle cheese halfway through the mix and reserve some for the top so it melts into every layer and creates that beautiful bubbly crust.
- Don’t Skip the Yogurt: I learned the hard way that yogurt adds a fresh tang and silky texture that sour cream alone can’t quite match.
How to Serve Bubbly Hot Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh garnishes to brighten heavy dips. For this, I always top with cilantro and sliced green onions—they add color, a fresh herbal note, and just a little crunch. Sometimes I’ll throw on a few sliced cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color as well.
Side Dishes
This dip shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips or sturdy pita chips. If you want something heartier, try serving it alongside a simple Mexican rice or a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for contrast. I’ve even been known to scoop it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal option.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes serve this dip layered in a pretty clear glass dish so guests can see all the colorful layers. Another fun idea is to turn it into a DIY burrito spread—set out bowls of this dip alongside tortillas and your favorite toppings so everyone can build their own delicious creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. This dip stays creamy and flavorful for up to 3-4 days—I like to dip in it for quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dip successfully before, just be sure to freeze it in a tightly sealed container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The texture stays surprisingly good, though the cheese may be a little less bubbly after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave-safe dish or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. I cover it with foil while reheating to keep moisture in, then uncover for the last few minutes to refresh the cheesy top. It tastes almost as fresh as when first baked!
FAQs
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Can I make the Bubbly Hot Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance, keeping it covered in the fridge before baking. This actually helps the flavors meld and makes for an easy bake-and-serve appetizer when guests arrive.
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What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, you can mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until fairly smooth, then mix in cream cheese, yogurt, and enchilada sauce well before adding other ingredients. The texture won’t be quite as silky but still delicious!
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Is this dip very spicy?
The dip has a gentle heat that you can control easily—removing seeds from the jalapeño tones down the spice, and using mild enchilada sauce keeps it approachable for most palates. You can always add heat in small increments to suit your taste.
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Can I make this dip vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! For vegetarian, just omit the chicken or replace it with extra beans or veggies. For a vegan version, swap cream cheese and yogurt for plant-based alternatives, and use vegan cheese. The dip will be just as tasty with those swaps.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Bubbly Hot Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip Recipe comes together with layers of creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness. When I first tried making it, I had no idea it would quickly become one of my family’s favorite snacks and a real crowd-pleaser at every party. If you want a fuss-free recipe that delivers big on flavor and warm comfort, this dip is your new best friend. Give it a go—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
PrintBubbly Hot Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Bubbly Hot Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Combining black and pinto beans, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and a melty Mexican cheese blend, this dip is baked until golden and bubbly. It’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser served best with tortilla chips or as a filling for burritos.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt (or substitute sour cream)
- 1 (15 ounce) can red enchilada sauce (mild or medium)
For the Mix-ins:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans (or black beans), rinsed and drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken
- ¾ cup corn (canned or thawed)
- 1/3 cup diced green onion
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1 ¾ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
To Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra green onion
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch oven-safe skillet or an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare the creamy base: In the bowl of a food processor or a high-powered blender, combine one can of rinsed and drained black beans, cream cheese, plain whole milk yogurt (or sour cream), and red enchilada sauce. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then pour this base mixture evenly into the prepared skillet or pan.
- Add mix-ins and cheese: Gently stir into the creamy base the remaining can of rinsed and drained pinto or black beans, shredded chicken, corn, ¾ cup of the shredded Mexican blend cheese (reserve 1 cup for topping), diced green onions, and diced seeded jalapeno. Spread the ingredients evenly over the base layer in the skillet.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese on top. Place the skillet or pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown slightly around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro and extra diced green onions. Serve the dip immediately with tortilla chips, pita chips, or tortillas. It also pairs well over rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream for the plain whole milk yogurt if preferred.
- Adjust the jalapeno quantity based on your spice tolerance, or omit seeds for less heat.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
- Use leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe (approx. 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg