In partnership with Safeway
Get ready to turn up the heat for the Big Game with this smoky, spicy, and irresistibly creamy Nashville Hot Chicken Dip—Traeger style. This bold, flavor-packed dip takes your favorite bar snack vibes and infuses them with that signature Traeger wood-fired taste. Perfect for Big Game parties, backyard gatherings, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dip delivers layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of fiery kick.
Imagine the rich, tangy heat of Nashville hot chicken, the smooth creaminess of melted cheese, and the smoky depth only a Traeger can deliver—all coming together in one irresistible bite. It’s the kind of dip that demands attention at the snack table, drawing everyone in with that bubbling, golden top and spicy aroma wafting through the air. Whether you’re hosting a massive Big Game party or a casual get-together with friends, this dip is guaranteed to steal the show.
What sets this dip apart? We’re not just baking it—we’re smoking it low and slow on the Traeger, adding an extra layer of wood-fired flavor that you won’t get from your standard oven. That hint of smokiness perfectly balances the creamy, cheesy base and spicy chicken, making each bite rich, bold, and satisfying. Plus, we’re using Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders straight from the Safeway Hot Bar, which means you can skip the hassle of frying chicken from scratch without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
🏈 The Ultimate Big Game Appetizer 🏈
When it comes to game day snacks, convenience is key—and that’s where Safeway comes in clutch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few hungry fans, Safeway makes it easy to stock up on everything you need for the perfect Big Game spread. From fresh ingredients to pre-made dishes from the deli and hot bar, you can grab all your game day essentials in one quick trip.
Hosting a Big Game party? No problem. Safeway’s got your back with ready-to-eat Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders, fresh produce for dipping, and a wide selection of chips, sauces, and snacks. This dip comes together fast thanks to Safeway’s quality ingredients, leaving you more time to focus on the game (or the commercials—we don’t judge!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Smoky Meets Spicy: Traeger’s wood-fired magic brings out the bold, spicy flavors of the Nashville hot chicken.
- Game Day Ready: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for Big Game parties, tailgates, or any game day gathering.
- Quick & Easy: With pre-cooked tenders from Safeway, you’ll cut down on prep time without sacrificing taste.
- Perfectly Layered: Mixing chicken into the dip and layering more on top ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz Lucerne® cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup Lucerne® sour cream
- 1/2 cup Signature SELECT™ mayonnaise
- 1 cup Lucerne® shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1.5 lbs Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders (from the Safeway Hot Bar), chopped and divided
- Safeway Signature SELECT refrigerated pickles, chopped for garnish
- Signature SELECT™ corn tortilla chips, for serving
- Kettle chips and fresh veggies (like celery and carrots), for dipping
How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Dip on the Traeger
1. Preheat Your Traeger:
Set your Traeger to 350°F with your favorite wood pellets (hickory or mesquite work great for that bold smoky flavor).
2. Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened Lucerne® cream cheese, Lucerne® sour cream, Signature SELECT™ mayonnaise, and 1 cup of shredded Lucerne® mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Chicken:
Chop the Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders from Safeway’s hot bar. Take about 2/3 of the chopped chicken and fold it into the cream cheese mixture along with the sliced scallions. This ensures the spicy chicken flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dip.
4. Layer It Up:
Transfer the creamy mixture to a cast-iron skillet or Traeger-safe baking dish. Evenly spread the remaining 1/3 of the chopped chicken on top of the dip. Sprinkle an extra layer of shredded mozzarella over the top to create that irresistible, golden cheesy crust.
5. Smoke It:
Place the dish directly on the Traeger grill grates, close the lid, and smoke for 25-30 minutes until the dip is bubbly, golden around the edges, and the cheese on top is perfectly melted.
6. Garnish & Serve:
Once out of the Traeger, top the dip with sliced Safeway Signature SELECT brand pickles, extra scallions, and a drizzle of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold. Serve warm with Signature SELECT™ corn tortilla chips, kettle chips, and fresh veggies.
The rich, creamy foundation of the dip—made with Lucerne® and Signature SELECT™ products for smooth, cheesy perfection. 
Layered with creamy goodness and spicy chicken—this Nashville Hot Chicken Dip is Traeger-bound for that signature 
Bold, spicy Nashville hot chicken from Safeway’s hot bar adds the perfect kick to this creamy, cheesy dip.
Why We Love Safeway for Game Day
When it comes to hosting a Big Game party, Safeway makes it effortless. Their hot bar Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders are the MVP of this dip, packed with bold, spicy flavor that saves you the time and hassle of cooking chicken from scratch. Just chop, mix, and you’re ready to roll.
But Safeway’s game day magic doesn’t stop there. With a wide range of Lucerne® and Signature SELECT™ products, you’ll find everything from creamy sour cream to shredded mozzarella—all in one stop. Need chips, fresh veggies, or deli platters? Safeway’s got you covered. Their pre-made deli items and hot bar options are perfect for quick, stress-free entertaining.
Hosting Hack: Skip the stress of last-minute runs. Use the Safeway app to order online for easy pickup or delivery. You’ll get all your game day snacks, dips, and drinks without missing a play.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to stock up on extra chips and pickles—they’re always the first to disappear when this dip hits the table!
Ingredient Spotlight: Nashville Hot Chicken (Safeway Hot Bar)
The real MVP of this dip? The Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders from Safeway’s hot bar. Perfectly crispy, juicy, and seasoned with that signature Nashville heat, they add bold flavor without the hassle of frying chicken from scratch. Layering the chicken both inside and on top of the dip ensures every bite is packed with spicy, smoky goodness—perfect for Big Game snacking.
Serving Suggestions for the Big Game:
- Game Day Spread: Pair with smoked wings, Traeger nachos, or even a smoked chili for the ultimate Big Game feast.
- Topping Hack: Use leftovers (if there are any!) as a spicy, cheesy topping for baked potatoes or mac and cheese.
- Make it a Meal: Add the dip to toasted hoagie rolls for an epic Nashville hot chicken melt.
Similar Recipes to Try:
- Smoked Truffalo Chicken Bites
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
- Smoked-Fried Chicken Wings
- Smoked-Fried Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Ready to Fire Up the Traeger for the Big Game?
Grab your ingredients from Safeway, fire up your Traeger, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this smoky, spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Dip. Whether you’re hosting a Big Game bash or a casual watch party, this dip will be the MVP of your snack table. Don’t forget to tag us in your game day creations—we love seeing what you’re cooking up! 🏈🔥
Nashville Hot Chicken Dip
Equipment
- Traeger grill
- Cast-Iron Skillet or Grill-Safe Baking Dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 8 oz Lucerne® cream cheese softened
- 2/3 cup Lucerne® sour cream
- ¼ cup Signature SELECT™ mayonnaise
- 1 cup Lucerne® shredded mozzarella cheese plus extra for topping
- 3 scallions thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1.5 lbs Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders from the Safeway Hot Bar, chopped and divided
- Safeway brand refrigerated pickles sliced for garnish
- Signature SELECT™ corn tortilla chips for serving
- Kettle chips and fresh veggies like celery and carrots, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Traeger to 350°F using hickory or mesquite pellets.
- In a large bowl, mix Lucerne® cream cheese, Lucerne® sour cream, Signature SELECT™ mayonnaise, and 1 cup of shredded Lucerne® mozzarella cheese until smooth.
- Fold in 2/3 of the chopped Nashville hot chicken and sliced scallions.
- Transfer mixture to a cast-iron skillet or Traeger-safe baking dish.
- Evenly layer the remaining 1/3 of the chopped chicken on top of the dip, then sprinkle with extra shredded mozzarella.
- Smoke for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with sliced pickles, extra scallions, and hot sauce if desired.
- Serve warm with chips and veggies.
Notes
Leftover Tip: This dip makes an epic sandwich filling the next day—just pile it onto toasted hoagie rolls!
Extra Heat: Add a dash of cayenne or drizzle of hot honey before serving for an extra spicy kick.
Game Day Hack: Grab your Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders and other ingredients fresh from Safeway’s hot bar to save time.
This recipe rocks! Gonna make. this! Heading to store to pick up ingredients!!
you won’t be disappointed!