This creamy, savory Trader Joes Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip is made with shredded rotisserie chicken, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, all ready in just 30 minutes. Bubbling golden cheese meets a zesty, rich base for an appetizer that far outshines the refrigerated tub. I love serving this hot dip at game day parties when I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Makes This Version Different
I have bought the original tub from Trader Joe’s countless times, but I always found the texture a bit too uniform, almost like a paste. By making this at home, I discovered that using fresh rotisserie chicken and frying my own bacon completely transforms the dish from a standard snack into a substantial appetizer. You get distinct bites of tender meat and crunch that the store-bought version just cannot replicate due to packaging constraints.
Another surprise was how much better this tastes when baked fresh rather than microwaved from a plastic container. The sharp cheddar creates a proper melted crust on top, and the ranch seasoning blooms beautifully in the heat. It captures that addictive flavor profile we love but elevates it with ingredients that taste real rather than processed.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joes Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch Seasoning Mix (or 3 tbsp homemade blend)
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded (rotisserie works best)
- 6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded and divided
- 2 tbsp Green Onions, sliced (for garnish)
How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
- Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Solids: Add the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir gently with a spatula until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish (about 1 quart) or a cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Recipe Tips
- Shred cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own block of sharp cheddar ensures a gooey, cohesive texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For the closest match to the savory Trader Joe’s flavor, use rotisserie chicken rather than boiled breast. The seasoned skin and dark meat add moisture and depth that keeps the dip from tasting bland.
- Room temperature cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly soft before mixing. If it is cold, you will end up with small white lumps in your dip that won’t melt away.
What To Serve With Trader Joes Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
Sturdy tortilla chips or ruffled potato chips are the classic choice because they can hold up to the weight of this thick, meaty dip. For a fresher contrast, I serve this with celery sticks and carrot chips, which cut through the richness of the cream cheese and mayonnaise base.
How To Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy base may separate and become grainy upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dip in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5 minutes to the cooking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip is generally gluten-free if you check your ranch seasoning packet and bacon to ensure they contain no hidden gluten fillers. Always verify the labels on your specific ingredients to be safe.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream. It adds a slightly tangier flavor and boosts the protein content without compromising the creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 285
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 3g
- Protein: 14g
Trader Joes Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
8
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesTrader Joes Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip combines creamy sour cream, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon for the ultimate appetizer ready in 30 minutes. This copycat recipe uses fresh rotisserie chicken and zesty ranch seasoning for a game day favorite that tastes better than the store-bought tub.
Ingredients
8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 packet (1 oz) Ranch Seasoning Mix (or 3 tbsp homemade blend)
2 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded (rotisserie works best)
6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 1/2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded and divided
2 tbsp Green Onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Solids: Add the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir gently with a spatula until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish (about 1 quart) or a cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
