This fun dish combines creamy crack chicken dip with soft Hawaiian rolls. It’s packed with cheesy goodness, chicken, and tasty spices, making it a great party snack!
You can’t help but smile when you pull apart those fluffy rolls, filled with warm, cheesy dip. I often serve it at parties, and it disappears in minutes. Just don’t forget to save some for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet rolls are perfect for this dish. If you can’t find them, use soft dinner rolls or even slider buns. It’s all about keeping that soft texture!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a big time-saver. You could also use leftover chicken or turkey. If you need a meat-free option, try using canned chickpeas for a unique twist!
Cream Cheese: Soften it nicely to combine easily with other ingredients. If you’re looking for lower fat, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Ranch Dressing: This is key for flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, homemade ranch or a yogurt-based version works well. You can also try other dressings like blue cheese for a different kick.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds crunch and flavor. You can use turkey bacon for a leaner choice or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella add great cheesy goodness. Feel free to mix in pepper jack for some heat or use vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free!
How Do I Ensure My Dip Is Creamy and Well-Mixed?
Getting the dip creamy and properly mixed is crucial. It’s best to use softened cream cheese for easy blending. Here’s a helpful method:
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to mixing.
- Start by mixing just the cream cheese with the ranch dressing until smooth.
- Then gradually add in the shredded chicken, cheese, and bacon, folding gently. This prevents over-mixing and keeps the texture nice.
Mixing well at each step makes sure all the flavors blend beautifully! If it seems too thick, a splash of milk can help loosen it up.
How to Make Crack Chicken Dip Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
For the Chicken Dip Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (optional)
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at a total time of about 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a fun dish that’s sure to impress your family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure your rolls bake evenly and become deliciously golden.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This filling is the star of your rolls!
3. Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls:
Take the Hawaiian rolls and carefully slice them in half horizontally. Make sure they stay connected at the back. Place the bottom half in a greased baking dish to prepare for the filling.
4. Add the Chicken Mixture:
Spoon the crack chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Make sure to spread it out nicely so every bite has that tasty filling.
5. Top with Mozzarella Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken mixture. This will melt beautifully and create a lovely top layer.
6. Finish with the Top Half:
Now, carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the mozzarella layer. This completes your roll sandwich!
7. Bake Covered:
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. This will help keep the rolls moist and allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Bake Uncovered for a Golden Finish:
After the 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish with chopped green onions and parsley for a fresh touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delicious Crack Chicken Dip Hawaiian Rolls warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness with your loved ones!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and mix it into the dip as you would with any cooked chicken. This will add flavor and make your preparation even quicker!
What Can I Use Instead of Ranch Dressing?
If you’re looking to switch it up, you can substitute ranch dressing with bleu cheese dressing, Caesar dressing, or a homemade dressing made from yogurt and herbs. Adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors since these dressings can vary in saltiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and assemble it in the rolls without baking. Just cover it and refrigerate. Bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
