Earlier in the decade, the food world really turned up the heat. Things got really, really spicy for a minute there. Even honey got hot. Eventually we chilled out, but a few regional favorites transcended the trend to become nationally beloved. Nashville hot chicken is one of them.
Deeply flavorful and palate-bustingly spicy, hot chicken is comfort food for people who like things hot. It’s also a mess. Like our classic Buffalo Chicken Dip, this Nashville Hot Chicken Sausage Dip brings the same sweet-and-spicy punch without the deep fryer. Sizzle up some Melty Cheddar Chicken Sausage, layer in the heat, then add cream cheese and mozzarella to cool things down. Top it with briny pickles and you’ve got a one-skillet dip ready to turn up the heat on any game-day or party spread.
SERVING MULTIPLIER:
1X
2X
3X
4X
Ingredients
Dip
1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
1 package Melty Cheddar Chicken Sausage, finely diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you prefer a scorcher)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
For serving
½ cup sliced dill pickle chips
Paprika
Hot sauce
Celery sticks and/or carrot sticks
Crackers or crostini
Instructions
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Servings: 1
1
Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes, until browned and crispy.
2
Reduce the heat to low. Add the garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and dark brown sugar. Stir for about 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant (you’ll probably know they’re ready when your eyes start watering).
3
Add the chicken broth, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is gently simmering.
4
Preheat your oven’s broiler to high heat.
5
Top the dip with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil for about 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown in spots.
6
Let cool for a few minutes, then top with a heavy dusting of paprika, the sliced dill pickle chips, and a few shakes of hot sauce. Serve with veggie sticks and crackers.
