Super Snackin’ Sunday: Chicken Taco Dip

By Mrs. Big Flavors On September 23, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Are you lucky enough to have one of those semi-authentic Mexican restaurants near you? The one with a menu that’s sixteen pages long, but all of the main dishes pretty much sound exactly the same? Dinner options are always some form of meat and beans, stuffed with tons of cheese into a hard or soft tortilla shell. When we go to our local Mexican restaurant for dinner, I can never decide which menu item to choose. Well, except for the pitcher of margaritas. But, when it comes to the food, I feel that I could just close my eyes and pick something at random, knowing that whatever I end up with is going to be a huge plate of cheesy and meaty goodness.

Ingredients for Chicken Taco Dip The side dishes, however, are a whole different story. While there may be fewer options, this whole section of the menu has many more unique flavors. And, I can never decide on just one, I always want to order them all. I have to get the guacamole, of course, with that cool and refreshing combination of avocado and cilantro. And, I need a chunky tomato and jalapeno salsa to spice things up a bit. Plus, don’t forget a bowl of queso fundido with a huge basket of chips.

Single Serving of Chicken Taco Dip

Even when we’re doing taco, enchilada, or fajita night at home, all of these side dishes are necessary accompaniments to the main meal. Which got me thinking… why go through the effort of eating each component on its own? Why not just layer all of the traditional taco ingredients along with my favorite Mexican side dishes into one large casserole dish? Then, by adding that creamy layer of some sour cream and cream cheese, it’s an instant party taco dip with plenty of unique layers, and each layer packed with flavor.

This taco dip has refried beans, guacamole, tomatoes, fajita-style chicken, sour cream, and three layers of cheese. Served with some corn tortilla chips, your traditional taco nights will soon become a thing of the past. This recipe comes together in a matter of minutes, and allows you to easily customize each layer with your favorite ingredients. You can make your own versions of salsa and guacamole, or purchase some store-bought options. If you want to switch out beef for the chicken, or even make it meatless, you can be sure it will still taste just as delicious. If this dish isn’t spicy enough for your family, simply add some sliced jalapenos on top. What’s important is that each bite carries that spicy taco flavor with a dense and creamy texture.

Game Day Chicken Taco Dip

Print recipe

Serves	10
Prep time	30 minutes
Meal type	Snack, Starter

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 white onion (diced)
1lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into small pieces)
1 packet fajita seasoning mix
1 can refried beans
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
4oz light cream cheese (at room temperature)
1.5 cups light sour cream
2 10 ounce cans Rotel diced tomatoes & green chiles
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
2 cups guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
tortilla chips (for serving)

Directions

1.	In a saute pan, heat olive oil over medium low heat. Once hot, add onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Add chicken, and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
2.	Once chicken is cooked through, drain juices from pan. Place back onto heat. Add faijta seasoning packet and 1/4 cup water to pan, stir to combine all ingredients. Cook chicken for 3 minutes more, then remove from heat and let cool.
3.	In a bowl, combine refried beans, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne. Stir to combine all ingredients. Set aside.
4.	In another bowl, mix together sour cream and cream cheese until smooth. Set aside.
5.	In a baking dish, layer refried beans, shredded cheese, chicken mixture, then sour cream mixture. Then, add layer of guacamole, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and top with remaining shredded cheese. Refrigerate until serving, at least one hour. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

This chicken taco dip is perfect for football Sunday, along with a frosty mug of beer to wash it all down. Octoberfest is always a great choice, in my opinion. And, since the Bills did end up winning last Sunday, I should probably shut my mouth and stop complaining about how terrible they are. I’ll just stuff my face with taco dip instead.

Need some more super snacks for Football Sunday?

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