WARM CHICKEN FIESTA DIP

This crowd-pleasing dip is always a success, whether I follow the recipe as written or if I substitute shredded pork and stir in chopped fresh mushrooms.

—SHANNON COPLEY PICKERINGTON, OH


PREP: 25 MIN. • BAKE: 25 MIN. • MAKES: 8 CUPS

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 /2 teaspoon chili powder

1 /4 teaspoon salt

1 /4 teaspoon pepper

1 /4 teaspoon ground cumin

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 can (10 3 /4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped

4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

1 green onion, thinly sliced

Tortilla or corn chips

1.  In a large skillet, saute green pepper and onion in oil until tender. Add the chili powder, salt, pepper and cumin; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat and set aside.

2.  In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add the soup, tomatoes and jalapeno. Stir in the chicken, 1 cup cheese blend and green pepper mixture. Transfer to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with sliced green onion and remaining cheese blend.

3.  Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with chips.

NOTE Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

PER SERVING 1 /4 cup: 103 cal., 7g fat ( 4g sat. fat ) , 30mg chol., 209mg sod., 2g carb. ( 0 sugars, 0 fiber ) , 8g pro.