Shrimp & Chicken Queso Dip
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or pan-seared)
1 cup shrimp, peeled & deveined (leave tails on for presentation if desired)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
½ cup onion, finely diced
½ cup bell pepper (red or green), finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel style, drained)
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream (plus extra for topping)
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar + Monterey Jack)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional toppings: pico de gallo, extra sour cream, jalapeños
For serving:
Tortilla chips
Breadsticks or toasted baguette slices
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken & shrimp:
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden and set aside.
Add shrimp, cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté veggies:
In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Mix the base:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Add sour cream, canned tomatoes with chilies, and shredded cheese. Stir until creamy and combined.
4. Season & combine:
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Fold in the cooked chicken and half of the shrimp.
5. Bake the dip:
Transfer mixture to an oven-safe baking dish.
Top with remaining shrimp and extra cheese.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Garnish & serve:
Top with fresh cilantro/parsley, a dollop of sour cream, and pico de gallo if desired.
Serve hot with tortilla chips and/or toasted bread.
Oh my goodness, let me tell you, this Shrimp & Chicken Queso Dip isn't just a recipe; it's a party in a bowl! I stumbled upon this combination a while back, and it quickly became my absolute go-to for game nights, potlucks, and even just a cozy Friday evening with friends. What I adore about it is how it takes a classic queso up several notches with the addition of tender, juicy shrimp and savory chicken. It's truly a gourmet twist on a beloved comfort food, and trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe! One of my favorite things is how versatile it is. While the recipe perfectly outlines using cooked shrimp and grilled chicken, don't be afraid to experiment! For the chicken, if you've got some leftover roast chicken or even rotisserie chicken, it works beautifully. Just shred or dice it. And with the shrimp, make sure not to overcook them – they turn rubbery so fast! A quick sear until they're just pink is all you need. The key to that incredibly creamy texture everyone raves about? It's all in the cream cheese and sour cream base melting together perfectly with the shredded cheese. If you're looking to really impress, consider a few tweaks. For an extra rich and smooth queso, I sometimes swap out half of the Mexican blend cheese for white American cheese. It melts like a dream! And if you love a bit more kick, feel free to add an extra diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with your chili powder. For a full-blown seafood queso experience, you could even add a little cooked crab meat along with the shrimp – it's divine! Serving this dip is half the fun! Of course, classic tortilla chips are a must (and what's pictured, right?), but I also love to offer a platter of crisp veggies like bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, and carrot sticks for a lighter option. Toasted baguette slices or even warm pita bread are fantastic for scooping up all that cheesy goodness. To keep it warm throughout your gathering, a small slow cooker on the 'warm' setting is a lifesaver. Just transfer the baked dip into it, and it stays perfectly dippable for hours. And for those rare moments you have leftovers (it's rare, I tell you!), this queso reheats surprisingly well. Pop it in the microwave or a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, and you're good to go. It might thicken a bit, so a splash of milk can help bring it back to that creamy consistency. Seriously, if you're looking for an appetizer that guarantees happy faces and empty bowls, this creamy Shrimp & Chicken Queso Dip is the one. You absolutely have to try it!
❤️