Easy Cheesy Chicken Artichoke Skillet Dip: Your Go-To Hot Appetizer for Any Occasion
In mere minutes, you can have this incredibly delicious, warm, and cheesy chicken artichoke skillet dip ready to serve. Pair it with crusty bread, your favorite chips, or crisp crackers – and then watch it vanish before your eyes. This dip isn’t just perfect for game days, lively parties, and festive holidays; it also makes for a delightful and effortless appetizer-style dinner on any given night.
A fantastic bonus: this versatile recipe includes a convenient slow cooker cooking option, making entertaining even easier!
There’s something undeniably universal about the appeal of a warm, gooey, and richly cheesy dip. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a culinary embrace that pairs perfectly with a robust piece of artisanal bread, a handful of crunchy crackers, or a generous scoop of tortilla chips. While everyone has their preferred dipper, the dip itself is almost universally adored.
Every time I serve this warm and luscious cheesy chicken artichoke skillet dip, it consistently disappears faster than any other appetizer on the table. Its inviting aroma and comforting flavor profile seem to draw people in, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
I find myself making this delectable dip for various occasions: holiday gatherings, community potlucks, and, my absolute favorite, as a star component of a game day appetizer spread. There’s just something about a spirited game and a fantastic dip that goes hand in hand.
Growing up with a brother who was an avid sports fanatic, particularly fond of football, I became accustomed to the background hum of games. While I may not be the biggest sports enthusiast myself, I’ve grown to appreciate the excitement of watching a good match. In fact, after years of game commentary forming the soundtrack to my life, I’ve even come to find it strangely soothing. Sunday fall afternoons spent leisurely reading the newspaper with a football game on in the background now evoke a profound sense of comfort.
What adds even more comfort to these relaxed afternoons, however, is savoring a bowl of this warm, mouthwatering chicken artichoke skillet dip! It effortlessly fits into a larger spread of appetizers, but it’s equally satisfying when served simply with a plate of fresh, crisp cut vegetables.
In fact, consider this: this chicken artichoke dip, accompanied by a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad, can transform into an easy, fun, and flavorful dinner any night of the week. Who says hot dips are exclusively for parties?
Crafting the Perfect Cheesy Chicken Artichoke Skillet Dip
Simple Ingredients for an Incredible Flavor
The ingredients required for this cheesy chicken artichoke dip are wonderfully simple, often items you already have stocked in your freezer and pantry. This is especially true if you frequently prepare homemade rotisserie chicken (or opt for a store-bought version) and keep a convenient stash of cooked, shredded chicken in your freezer for quick meals.
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- Canned or frozen artichoke hearts (well-drained and chopped)
- Fresh onion
- Fresh garlic
- High-quality olive oil
- Essential seasonings: dried basil, salt, and black pepper
- Chicken broth (for added moisture and flavor)
- Sour cream (for creamy texture and tang)
- An assortment of your favorite cheeses
Choosing Your Cheese: The Heart of the Dip
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility when it comes to cheese. You can truly use any cheese you have on hand, which allows for wonderful variations in flavor and texture. For the particular version shown in the images, I opted for a delightful combination of two distinct cheeses: a classic white cheddar, known for its mild sharpness and smooth melt, and Dubliner, a wonderfully flavorful, sharper cheese that offers a hint of nuttiness and a satisfyingly firm texture when melted.
I’ve also prepared this dip using exclusively sharp cheddar, which, as expected, gives the dip a more vibrant yellow hue and a pronounced cheddar flavor. Another memorable batch was made with an aged Havarti, a personal favorite, which imparted a wonderfully strong and distinctive flavor profile to the dip, elevating it to another level.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or blends to discover your absolute favorite combination. Consider trying Gouda for a smoky touch, Gruyere for its complex, nutty notes, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra savory kick. Each cheese will bring its own unique character, making this dip endlessly adaptable to your palate.
When the goal is to enjoy a game, socialize at a gathering, or simply unwind, a super easy and quick dip like this one is your ultimate ally. Thanks to the use of pre-cooked chicken, the preparation takes just a few minutes. After a short 20-minute bake in the oven, this irresistible dip is ready to be devoured.
Is a Cast Iron Skillet Essential?
While not strictly mandatory, a cast iron skillet offers several advantages that make it my preferred choice for this recipe. The beauty of cast iron is its ability to allow you to sauté the vegetables, mix all the ingredients, and bake the dip all in the same pan! This significantly reduces cleanup, a major win in any kitchen.
Beyond convenience, cast iron is renowned for its superior heat retention compared to stainless steel. This means your delicious dip will stay wonderfully warm at the table for a much longer time, perfect for leisurely snacking during parties or game days. Plus, ever since I finally mastered how to properly clean and care for cast iron, it has become my absolute go-to pan for countless dishes.
That being said, if a cast iron skillet isn’t available, any other oven-proof skillet or baking dish will work perfectly well for this recipe. The important thing is to get this delicious dip on your table!
Can This Dip Be Prepared in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely, yes! This chicken artichoke dip is wonderfully adaptable for slow cooker preparation, making it an even more hands-off option, especially when you’re hosting. The only minor modification is that you’ll need to brown the onions and spices in a separate skillet initially to develop their flavor before transferring them to the slow cooker. Once that step is complete, simply combine all the dip ingredients, reserving half of the cheese for topping, and spread the mixture into the bowl of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the dip is thoroughly warmed through, bubbling, and the cheese has melted into a creamy, luscious layer. For parties or extended gatherings, you can then switch your slow cooker to the WARM setting (if available) to keep the dip at the perfect serving temperature for hours.
I realize I haven’t quite emphasized enough just how incredibly delicious this dip truly is. Every single time I prepare it, my family absolutely devours it. The very first time I served it, my daughter couldn’t stop exclaiming, “Mom, this is so good!” It’s a rare occurrence to find any leftovers of this fantastic dip!
What to Serve with Chicken Artichoke Dip?
The beauty of this cheesy chicken artichoke dip lies in its versatility when it comes to serving. I’ve enjoyed it with classic tortilla chips, which also offer a convenient gluten-free option. It pairs beautifully with various crackers, from the hearty crunch of Triscuits to more delicate varieties. And, as showcased in the photos, it’s absolutely phenomenal with the toasted slices of easy homemade baguettes – the cheesy dip clinging to the crispy bread is pure perfection.
I also have a strong feeling it would be utterly amazing served with slices of rustic sourdough artisan bread, wouldn’t you agree? The tangy notes of sourdough would provide a wonderful contrast to the rich creaminess of the dip. Don’t limit yourself though; fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or cucumber slices also make excellent dippers, adding a refreshing crunch and a healthy balance to this indulgent appetizer.
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Cheesy Chicken Artichoke Skillet Dip
Equipment
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Cast Iron Skillet (or any oven-proof skillet)
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Slow Cooker (for the optional method)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup cooked chicken diced (about 1/2 to 3/4 pound)*
- 1/3 cup chicken broth divided
- 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, water-packed drained and chopped (about 1 cup)**
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese divided (your choice or combo of sharp cheddar, gouda, gruyere, aged Havarti, parmesan, or other flavorful cheese)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (Alternatively, refer to the slow cooker option in the Notes section below.)
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In a 10-inch cast iron skillet or another oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring only once or twice to allow for some slight browning on the onions, which adds depth of flavor.
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Pour in half of the chicken broth and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring gently until the onions are tender and translucent.
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Stir in the remaining chicken broth, cooked chicken, chopped artichokes, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese until thoroughly combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet and then generously sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges. Serve this hot and delicious dip immediately with your choice of bread, crackers, and/or chips. Enjoy!
Notes
**Alternatively, you can use frozen artichoke hearts; ensure they are thawed, well-drained, and chopped to yield approximately 1 cup.
Slow Cooker Option:
- Begin by browning the diced onions and spices (garlic, salt, pepper, basil) in a separate skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
- Once the aromatics are softened and fragrant, add them to your slow cooker. Then, mix in all the remaining ingredients, except for half of the shredded cheese which will be used for topping.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the slow cooker bowl and sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 2-3 hours, or until the dip is hot throughout and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
- For extended serving at a party, you can keep the slow cooker on the WARM setting (if your appliance has this feature).
Nutrition
More Quick and Easy Dip Recipes to Try:
Irresistible Chicken, Dried Tomato & Feta Dip
Velvety Homemade Feta Dip and Dressing
The Best Chunky Guacamole Recipe
This beloved recipe for Cheesy Chicken Artichoke Skillet Dip has been thoughtfully updated and re-shared; it was originally published in January of 2016.