Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a delightful warm appetizer that brings comfort and joy to any gathering. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights at home. The combination of ground chicken, cream cheese, and spices creates a delicious dip that your guests will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can focus on enjoying the moment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Frito Chili Cheese Dip can be made in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for last-minute get-togethers.
- Flavorful Layers: With ground chicken, cream cheese, and spices, every scoop is packed with bold flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences—there are endless possibilities!
- Perfect for Sharing: Serve this dip with Frito’s Scoops and watch as your guests eagerly dive in for more.
- Versatile Appetizer: Great for any occasion—be it a casual family dinner or a lively party.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on your Frito Chili Cheese Dip, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for even heating and gives a beautiful presentation right from oven to table.
- Mixing Bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients smoothly without any mess.

Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 lb. ground chicken hamburger, cooked and drained
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 10 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained well (like Rotel)
- 15 oz. can chili starter (like Bush’s Chili Magic)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 2 tsp. brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1-2 tsp. hot sauce (I used Louisiana)
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
For Toppings
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 5 strips Turkey Bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 2 green onions, diced (green and white parts)
For Serving
- Frito’s Scoops
How to Make Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is both comforting and satisfying. Here’s how you can whip it up in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dip Base
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the softened cream cheese with the cooked ground chicken.
2. Add all remaining dip base ingredients: diced tomatoes, chili starter, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, hot sauce, and diced onion.
3. Mix well until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Bake the Dip
- Transfer the dip mixture into a greased cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish.
- Top with additional cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until melted.
Step 4: Add Toppings
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped Turkey Bacon over the top.
- Return to the oven for another 3–4 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by adding diced green onions on top. Serve warm alongside Frito’s Scoops for dipping!
This recipe yields about 10 servings, making it perfect for sharing! Enjoy your flavorful Frito Chili Cheese Dip!
How to Serve Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a warm and cozy appetizer that brings joy to any gathering. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a hit with guests. To enjoy this delicious dip, consider the following serving suggestions.
Perfect Pairings with Frito Chili Cheese Dip
- Crispy Tortilla Chips – These provide a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy dip.
- Fresh Veggie Sticks – Carrots, celery, and bell peppers add a crisp, refreshing contrast.
- Sliced Jalapeños – For those who love heat, jalapeños will spice things up nicely.
- Guacamole – The creaminess of guacamole pairs well with the zesty flavors of the dip.
- Salsa – A fresh tomato salsa can add brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
How to Perfect Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a warm and cozy appetizer that is full of flavor and super easy to make. We’ll get this chili cheese dip mixed together, bake it, then top it with crispy Turkey Bacon and green onions. Serve it with Frito’s Scoops of course and your guests will be fighting over who gets the last scoop.
- Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh ingredients elevate the flavor of your dip significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the hot sauce according to your taste for more or less heat.
- Experiment with Cheeses – Try mixing different cheeses for added depth of flavor.
- Bake Until Bubbly – Ensure you bake until bubbly for a perfect texture.
- Garnish Generously – Adding more green onions or even diced tomatoes on top enhances presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a warm and cozy appetizer that is full of flavor and super easy to make. We’ll get this chili cheese dip mixed together, bake it, then top it with crispy Turkey Bacon and green onions. Serve it with Frito’s Scoops of course and your guests will be fighting over who gets the last scoop.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread serves as a delightful counterpart to the spicy dip.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers – These colorful bites filled with cheese or beans are fun and tasty.
- Crispy Potato Wedges – Baked or fried potato wedges are perfect for dipping into the cheese.
- Loaded Nachos – Layered nachos topped with beans, cheese, and jalapeños complement the dip well.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers add a protein boost next to your dip.
- Savory Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas cut into triangles create an excellent dippable option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Frito Chili Cheese Dip, a few common mistakes can hinder the delicious outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Overmixing the Ingredients: Mixing too vigorously can cause the cream cheese to become too runny. Aim for a smooth consistency without overworking it.
- Skipping the Flavor Tasting: Not tasting as you go can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Always sample the dip after mixing in the spices and adjust them according to your preference.
- Neglecting to Drain Ingredients: Failing to drain the diced tomatoes well can result in a watery dip. Make sure to remove excess moisture for a thicker texture.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well, affecting both texture and taste. Opt for high-quality shredded cheddar for the best results.
- Baking at Incorrect Temperature: Baking at too low of a temperature can prevent the dip from becoming bubbly and golden. Preheat your oven properly to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Container Type: Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness.
Freezing Frito Chili Cheese Dip
- Duration: Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Container Type: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Frito Chili Cheese Dip
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat covered for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Frito Chili Cheese Dip?
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a creamy and savory appetizer made with ground chicken, cream cheese, chili starter, and topped with turkey bacon and green onions. It’s perfect for gatherings!
Can I customize my Frito Chili Cheese Dip?
Absolutely! You can add different spices, vegetables like bell peppers, or substitute cheeses based on your preferences. The recipe is versatile!
How do I serve Frito Chili Cheese Dip?
Serve warm, accompanied by Frito’s Scoops or any tortilla chips. It’s a crowd-pleaser at parties and game days!
Is Frito Chili Cheese Dip suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dip stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it ideal for meal prep. Just reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a delightful blend of flavors that makes it an excellent choice for any gathering. Its simplicity allows you to customize it with various toppings or ingredients based on personal tastes. Try this recipe and watch it become a favorite at your next event!
Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, hearty flavors with a satisfying crunch. This warm appetizer features ground chicken, cream cheese, and spices, creating a rich dip that’s perfect for game days, parties, or cozy evenings at home. With its easy preparation and customizable nature, you’ll find yourself making this delicious dish time and again. Serve it alongside Frito’s Scoops for a delightful experience that will have your guests coming back for more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chicken, cooked and drained
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 10 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
- 15 oz. can chili starter
- 2.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup for the base + 1.5 cups for topping)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce
- ½ medium white onion, diced
- 5 strips turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 green onions, diced (for garnish)
- Frito’s Scoops for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with cooked ground chicken. Add diced tomatoes, chili starter, cheddar cheese (reserve some for topping), garlic powder, chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, hot sauce, and diced onion. Mix until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle chopped turkey bacon on top and return to the oven for an additional 3–4 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with diced green onions before serving warm with Frito’s Scoops.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 120g
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
