It’s the last Friday of January — time for a relaxed weekend recipe. Let’s talk Chicken Jalapeño Popper Dip and then get cozy online.
Super Bowl Sunday is approaching, and while I’m not fixated on the game, I’m definitely excited about the food. The Super Bowl is the ultimate excuse for indulgent snacks, and this creamy, cheesy jalapeño dip is destined for my game-day spread. It’s simple, shareable, and packed with flavor — the kind of dish you’ll want on a crowded table.
This dip is essentially a giant, deconstructed jalapeño popper: sautéed jalapeños and garlic, toasted spices, cream cheese, tangy Greek yogurt, and lots of sharp cheddar. I fold in shredded chicken for substance and finish it with a crunchy layer of crushed potato chips. I used jalapeño-flavored kettle chips to echo the heat, but any sturdy chip works. Serve it warm: it’s fantastic on baguette slices, sturdy crackers, chips, or vegetables — whatever you prefer.
(Close-up of the toasty chip topping — yes, please.)
Now, a few quick internet recs I’ve been enjoying lately:
- Binge-watched Broad City recently — an easy 6–7 hour commitment if you’re in the mood for wild, hilarious comedy.
- Adele’s Carpool Karaoke with James Corden is a delight if you haven’t seen it yet.
- There’s a penny-pinching rap video that’s unexpectedly epic — I’ve watched it more times than I’ll admit.
- Kevin Hart doing hipster bits is oddly perfect.
- Anjelah Johnson’s stand-up is a must-watch for quick laughs.
- Kristen Bell’s Africa video is irresistibly charming.
- I loved a recent podcast episode about the birth of MTV — nostalgic if you miss music videos and classic news segments.
- And yes, I’m aware of Kanye’s recent social media rant — chaotic times.
A few recipes I want to try when I get back to NYC:
- Char-grilled cauliflower with fried cannellini beans and spiced pumpkin hummus — a vegetable-forward, flavorful dish from a friend in the food community.
- Chai-infused French toast — sounds cozy and sleep-in-worthy; gluten- and dairy-free options are available.
- Brussels sprouts soba noodle salad with miso-tahini dressing — a noodle craving solution that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
- Spaghetti pie with pecorino and black pepper — intriguing and possibly brilliant because of that noodle fix.
- Sweet potato quesadillas — I’m tempted to add scrambled eggs and make tacos.
- Dan Dan zucchini noodle soup with crispy pork topping — yes, please.
If you’ve made something great lately, share it — I’m always collecting suggestions.
Happy weekend — may it be festive and cozy.
Casual Friday: Chicken Jalapeño Popper Dip
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (if you like heat, leave the seeds in one jalapeño)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup finely shredded chicken breast, from 1 small chicken breast
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed kettle cooked potato chips, I used Jalapeño Kettle Brand potato chips
- Thinly sliced jalapeño rounds or scallions for garnish, optional
- For serving:
- Chips, crackers, baguette slices, or veggies of your choice
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the jalapeños and garlic. Cook about 2 minutes until the peppers soften and the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the cumin and smoked paprika and cook another minute to toast the spices. Add the shredded chicken and stir to combine.
-
Lower the heat and add the cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the grated cheddar. Taste and season with a pinch of salt if needed. If you like more heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce.
-
Transfer the dip to an 8-inch pie dish or small casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and top with the crushed potato chips.
-
Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chips are lightly browned. Serve warm.
Notes
For a creamier or vegetarian version, omit the chicken.
The recipe can be doubled and baked in a larger skillet or casserole dish for a crowd.
You can substitute 6 slices of crumbled bacon for the chicken if you prefer.
Like this? Leave a comment below!