When I think of game days, family nights, or cozy get-togethers, this Frito Chili Cheese Dip always comes to mind. The first time I made it, it was purely out of curiosity. I had a few ingredients left in the fridge — some ground chicken, cream cheese, and a bag of Frito’s Scoops waiting to be used. I decided to mix them up into a dip, and to my surprise, it turned out so creamy, flavorful, and comforting that it quickly became one of my most requested recipes. Since that day, it’s been my go-to dish whenever I need something warm and satisfying to share.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly simple yet feels indulgent. The creamy base, paired with the spicy chili flavor and crispy Turkey Bacon topping, creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Every bite feels like a small burst of comfort food heaven. Whenever I serve it, people can’t help but gather around the skillet, scooping up every last bit with their Frito chips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Frito Chili Cheese Dip because it’s full of flavor and made with everyday ingredients. It’s warm, rich, and has just the right amount of spice. The creamy blend of cheeses and tender ground chicken gives it a hearty texture that everyone enjoys.
Versatile
This dip is ideal for all kinds of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a football game, or simply craving something savory, it fits perfectly. You can also customize the heat level — add more or less hot sauce to match your taste.
Budget-Friendly
Every ingredient in this recipe is affordable and easy to find. With just one pound of ground chicken and a few pantry staples, you can make a large batch that feeds a crowd. Plus, it uses items that are often already in your kitchen, making it an economical choice for last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients for Recipe
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1 lb ground chicken hamburger, cooked and drained
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1 block cream cheese, softened
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10 oz can diced tomatoes, drained (like Rotel)
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15 oz can chili starter
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1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp chili powder
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2 tsp brown sugar
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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1–2 tsp hot sauce
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½ medium white onion, diced
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1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
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5 strips Turkey Bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
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2 green onions, diced
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Frito’s Scoops for serving
How to Make This Recipe
When I first made this Frito Chili Cheese Dip, I was amazed by how effortlessly it came together. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, even though it only takes minutes to prepare. Every time I mix the creamy base, layer the cheese, and smell it bubbling in the oven, I know it’s going to be a hit. Let’s go through the process step by step so you can experience that same satisfaction.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, lightly grease or butter an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. I prefer using a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, as it retains heat beautifully and keeps the dip warm long after serving.Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground chicken hamburger until fully browned. Make sure to break it apart with a spoon as it cooks so the pieces are small and even. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat and set it aside to cool slightly.Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Stir it with a spatula or hand mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy. Next, fold in the cooked ground chicken, diced tomatoes (drained), and the chili starter. Blend everything until the mixture looks uniform and well-combined.Step 4: Add Flavor and Spice
To give the dip its bold flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon cumin. These spices build a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Then, add 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce to bring the level of spice you prefer. Finally, mix in ½ diced white onion for a hint of crunch and freshness.Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine
Now, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix until it’s evenly distributed through the dip. The cheese melts into the creamy mixture, creating that irresistible texture we all love. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if needed — sometimes a small pinch of salt or extra chili powder can make it just right.Step 6: Bake the Dip
Transfer the entire mixture into your greased skillet or baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese on top starts to melt and the edges turn slightly golden.Step 7: Add the Toppings
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped crispy Turkey Bacon evenly across the top. The smoky flavor of the Turkey Bacon adds an incredible layer of taste and crunch. Return the dish to the oven for another 3–4 minutes, just until everything is hot and bubbly again.Step 8: Final Touch and Serve
After removing the dip from the oven, immediately top it with diced green onions (both the white and green parts). They add a pop of color and freshness that brightens the creamy, savory dip. Serve it warm with plenty of Frito’s Scoops — they’re sturdy enough to handle every delicious, cheesy bite.Quick and Easy
This recipe couldn’t be easier. From start to finish, it takes only 20 minutes, and cleanup is minimal. Most of the ingredients go straight into one bowl, and baking takes just a few minutes. You’ll have a warm, cheesy dip ready before guests even arrive.
Customizable
You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your family’s preferences. If you like extra spice, add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder slightly. You can even replace the ground chicken with lean ground beef or turkey if you prefer. For a vegetarian twist, swap the meat with cooked beans or a meat substitute.
Crowd-Pleasing
Every time I serve this Frito Chili Cheese Dip, it disappears quickly. Its creamy, spicy, and cheesy layers make it a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or preparing a cozy movie-night snack, this dip always steals the spotlight. Everyone loves scooping up the cheesy goodness, and there’s never a bite left behind.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily prepare the dip mixture a few hours in advance. Just cover the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it as directed until hot and bubbly.Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Absolutely. Combine all ingredients as directed and cook on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add the Turkey Bacon and green onions just before serving. It stays perfectly warm and creamy for parties.Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Simply replace the ground chicken with plant-based crumbles or cooked beans such as black beans or kidney beans. The rest of the recipe remains the same.What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and warm in short intervals, stirring each time until evenly hot.Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing is possible, though best enjoyed fresh. If you freeze it, allow the dip to cool completely first, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Frito Chili Cheese Dip
This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is the ultimate comfort appetizer — creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s made with ground chicken, cream cheese, and bold spices, then topped with crispy Turkey Bacon and green onions. Perfect for parties, game nights, or any time you crave something warm and satisfying, this dip is always a crowd favorite.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale-
1 lb ground chicken hamburger, cooked and drained
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1 block cream cheese, softened
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10 oz can diced tomatoes, drained (like Rotel)
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15 oz can chili starter
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1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp chili powder
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2 tsp brown sugar
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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1–2 tsp hot sauce
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½ medium white onion, diced
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1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
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5 strips Turkey Bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
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2 green onions, diced (green and white parts)
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Frito’s Scoops for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
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In a skillet, cook ground chicken until browned, then drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, and chili starter until smooth.
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Add garlic powder, chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, hot sauce, and diced onion. Stir until evenly combined.
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Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and blend well.
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Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared skillet. Sprinkle with 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges bubble and the cheese melts.
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Top with chopped Turkey Bacon and bake for another 3–4 minutes.
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Remove from oven, sprinkle with green onions, and serve warm with Frito’s Scoops.
Notes
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Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference.
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For a vegetarian option, use beans or plant-based crumbles instead of chicken.
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Keep the dip warm in a slow cooker for parties or buffets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes