Name: Oriental Chicken Layer Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: PT-490151H38M54S
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup shredded rotisserie chicken; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup cashews, chopped; 3 tablespoons green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/4 teaspoon dried ginger; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 cup water; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 – 4 drops hot pepper sauce; 2 (8 oz) bricks of cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Oriental Chicken Layer Dip is a flavorful and unique appetizer that combines tender shredded chicken with a zesty sweet and sour sauce layered over a creamy base. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this dip offers an exciting blend of Asian-inspired flavors that will impress your guests.

A layered dish in a clear square glass dish placed on a white marbled surface shows several layers: the bottom layer is white and creamy, followed by a green leafy layer, then a layer of brown cooked pieces mixed with purple cabbage or similar vegetable, topped with sliced green onions, fresh green cilantro leaves, and whole cashew nuts. In the background, there is a stack of white plates with a small glass bowl filled with brown sauce and a spoon on top, plus a white bowl filled with golden brown chips or crisps. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3/4 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup cashews, chopped
3 tablespoons green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon dried ginger
Zippy Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup water
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 – 4 drops hot pepper sauce

Cream Cheese Base:

2 (8 oz) bricks of cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine shredded chicken, shredded carrots, chopped cashews, green onions, parsley, minced garlic, soy sauce, and dried ginger. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors and prevent the dip from being watery.
Step 2: On the day of assembly, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, mix the brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir in water, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring or whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens—about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese and milk. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a pie pan or serving dish. Spoon the chicken topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 5: Drizzle about 1/2 cup of the cooled sweet and sour sauce over the top of the chicken layer. Reserve the remaining sauce for marinating chicken or as an additional dip.
Step 6: Serve the dip chilled with crackers for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Refrigerate the chicken mixture overnight as this helps prevent watery dip and intensifies the flavors.
Use a hand mixer for the cream cheese base to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.
For extra crunch, add chopped water chestnuts or bell peppers to the chicken layer.
If you prefer less heat, reduce the hot pepper sauce or omit it entirely.
The remaining sweet and sour sauce can be refrigerated and used as a marinade or dipping sauce for other dishes.

Storage

Store the assembled dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any leftover sweet and sour sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before serving, allow the dip to come to room temperature for the best flavor. If needed, stir gently to recombine any separated layers.

How to Serve

The dish shows two crispy, golden-brown rectangular chips placed on a white plate with one chip holding a colorful topping of mixed vegetables including green leaves, purple cabbage, and light-colored sauce, while the other chip has a mixture of white sauce, brown bits, and fresh green cilantro on top. The chips are slightly curved with a crunchy texture, and the toppings are spread unevenly giving a fresh and rustic look. The white plate is set on a smooth white marbled surface with part of a stack of similar white plates visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs before using them in the recipe. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is there a dairy-free version of this dip?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk for the base.