Baked Chicken Curry Dip Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 lime, juiced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
• 2 tablespoons finely sliced cilantro stems
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups roughly chopped cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 6 ounces grated mozzarella cheese, divided

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup minced jalapeno peppers
• 1/4 cup minced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450F (230C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, tomato paste, lime juice, garlic, cilantro stems, salt, pepper, garam masala, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix until well-combined using a spatula.
3. Add the green onions, 4 ounces of grated mozzarella, and the chopped cooked chicken to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
4. Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish or a deep pie pan, spreading it out evenly.
5. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. If desired, dust the top with a little more cayenne pepper for extra heat.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish the top with minced jalapeno peppers, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	207
Total Fat	14g (19%)
Saturated Fat	7g (35%)
Cholesterol	62mg (21%)
Sodium	339mg (15%)
Total Carbohydrate	6g (2%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (4%)
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	14g (28%)
Vitamin C	7mg (8%)
Calcium	125mg (10%)
Iron	2mg (9%)
Potassium	245mg (5%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Baked Chicken Curry Dip

The Baked Chicken Curry Dip is a modern twist on traditional curry dishes, blending Indian-inspired flavors with the comfort of a cheesy dip. The origins of curry itself can be traced back to ancient India, where it was made with a variety of spices and ingredients based on regional availability. The use of spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala is central to Indian cooking, and these flavors are evident in this dip. The concept of "baked dips" emerged as a popular party snack in the U.S. in the late 20th century, when people began experimenting with savory cheese-based dips. The combination of curry with creamy ingredients like cream cheese and yogurt in a baked form was a natural evolution of this trend, making it a hit for gatherings and casual meals.

Regional Characteristics of the Baked Chicken Curry Dip

This dish draws heavily from the rich culinary traditions of India, particularly from the use of aromatic spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. The combination of chicken and curry spices is a staple in many Indian dishes, but this dip format is a modern, Westernized version that makes it more accessible to global audiences. In India, curry dishes are often served with rice or flatbreads, but here the dip is commonly served with crackers, pita chips, or even vegetable sticks, offering a fusion of traditional and contemporary culinary elements. The Greek yogurt and cream cheese add a creamy texture, which is not a typical feature in traditional Indian curry but has been adopted to suit Western preferences for creamy dips.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While there are many curry-based appetizers and dips, the Baked Chicken Curry Dip stands out due to its combination of warm, melted cheese and the rich, spicy flavors of curry. Unlike many cold dips, such as the classic hummus or tzatziki, this dip is baked, giving it a gooey, comforting texture. Additionally, while Indian-style dips might include yogurt and spices, they are usually served cold and as part of a larger spread, whereas this dip is designed to be served hot, making it a perfect choice for game days or casual parties. Its uniqueness lies in the harmonious balance of savory chicken, fragrant spices, and melting cheese.

Where Is It Usually Served?

The Baked Chicken Curry Dip is a popular choice for casual gatherings, particularly during game days, potlucks, or holiday parties. Its cheesy, spicy flavor appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It is often served with a variety of dippables such as pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks. This dip is also frequently found at themed parties or events featuring international cuisine, as it combines the global appeal of curry with the familiar comfort of a cheesy, baked dip. Whether at a work gathering or a family dinner, this dish is a fun and flavorful way to share the tastes of Indian-inspired cuisine in a more approachable format.

Interesting Facts About the Baked Chicken Curry Dip

1. The use of garam masala in this dip brings a complex, layered flavor to the dish. Garam masala is a staple spice mix in Indian cuisine, often made with a blend of cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, and cloves. It adds a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic kick that elevates the dish.

2. The combination of yogurt and cream cheese in the recipe helps balance the heat of the curry spices. Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess that complements the richness of the cheese and chicken.

3. The Baked Chicken Curry Dip is a great way to use leftover chicken. If you have roasted chicken or grilled chicken from a previous meal, it can be chopped up and incorporated into this dip, making it an efficient and tasty way to repurpose leftovers.

4. The addition of cilantro, lime, and fresh jalapenos as garnishes adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory dip, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that is both spicy and cooling.

5. While curry dishes are often associated with heavy, long-cooked meals, this dip offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of curry in a fraction of the time. With a total cook time of just 40 minutes, its an accessible option for those who love curry but dont have hours to spend in the kitchen.

FAQ about Baked Chicken Curry Dip Recipe

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