Hissy Fit Dip is a fun and tangy treat that’s easy to whip up and impossible not to love. It’s creamy, with a little zing from ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and a mix of savory seasonings that give it a nice kick. This dip has just the right balance between smoothness and zest, making it perfect for sharing at any get-together.
I always make a big bowl of Hissy Fit Dip when friends are coming over because it’s a real crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can customize the level of spice or add extra herbs to make it your own. I like to toss in some chopped green onions for a bit of crunch and color—it just feels right!
When I serve this dip, I like pairing it with crunchy veggies or a basket of crispy tortilla chips. It’s great for munching while chatting or as a quick appetizer before dinner. Every time I bring it to a party, someone always asks for the recipe, which makes me smile every time—I guess it really lives up to its spicy name!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts since they cook evenly and stay tender. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Green chilies: They add a nice kick here. Mild or hot both work, depending on how spicy you like your dip. If you prefer less heat, use mild or skip them altogether.
Sour cream and mayonnaise: These create the creamy base that balances out the spices. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Cheese: Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. Mixing in cheddar gives a sharper taste. Feel free to use any good melting cheese you like.
Fresh herbs: Cilantro or parsley both add fresh color and flavor. Pick based on your taste or what you have on hand.
How Do I Get Perfectly Seared Chicken for This Dip?
Searing the chicken well before baking gives it great flavor and texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Make sure chicken breasts are dry; pat them with paper towels.
- Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and spices before adding to the pan.
- Place chicken in the pan without crowding, and don’t move it for 3-4 minutes so it forms a golden crust.
- Flip and cook the other side until browned, about 3-4 minutes more.
- Remove from heat and transfer to the baking dish to finish cooking in the sauce.
This method locks in juices and adds rich flavor before the creamy sauce bakes around the chicken. It’s the key to making this dish memorable!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – I recommend a large skillet for searing the chicken; it’s quick and gets a nice brown crust.
- Baking dish – A 9×13-inch dish works well to hold the chicken and sauce during baking.
- Mixing bowls – For combining the creamy sauce ingredients. I like using medium-sized bowls for easy mixing.
- Meat thermometer – Helpful for checking that the chicken is cooked through without overdoing it.
- Chef’s knife & cutting board – For chopping garlic, herbs, and chilies easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken instead of seared breasts for quick prep and extra flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes or chopped green onions for more texture and freshness.
- Mix in some cooked bacon crumbles or chorizo for a smoky, savory boost.
- Replace Monterey Jack with pepper jack cheese for extra spice or a different melty cheese like mozzarella.
How to Make Hissy Fit Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green chilies (mild or hot, based on preference)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, 10 minutes to sear the chicken, and 20-25 minutes baking time. Altogether, you’ll spend around 40-45 minutes from start to finish, and then a few minutes to let it rest before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped green chilies, half of the shredded cheese, chopped cilantro or parsley, and lime juice if you’re using it. Stir everything well until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, covering them well. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbly and lightly browned.
4. Rest and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Hissy Fit Dip!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for better searing.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the creamy sauce and sear the chicken in advance, then refrigerate separately for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring the sauce if needed to maintain creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken breasts with thick slices of roasted vegetables like zucchini or portobello mushrooms, and enjoy the creamy, spicy sauce just the same.