Collage of various food items including pizza, ribs, macaroni and cheese, and grilled meat.

Phlippen Jerk Chicken Queso

The dip that disappears in minutes. Creamy, melty cheese meets smoky jerk chicken and Phlippens Jerk Sauce for a party appetizer that's equal parts comfort food and flavour bomb. Serve it with tortilla chips and watch it vanish.

Prep: 15m | Cook: 20m | Heat: Medium (Phlippens Jerk)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works perfectly)
  • ½ cup Phlippens Jerk Sauce (divided)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and lime wedges for garnish
  • Tortilla chips for serving

The Gear:

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Serving bowl or small cast iron skillet

Instructions:

  1. The Chicken Prep: In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken with ¼ cup of Phlippens Jerk Sauce. Set aside to let the flavours meld.
  2. The Roux: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste and turns slightly golden.
  3. The Cream Base: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. The Cheese Melt: Reduce heat to low. Add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  5. The Mix-Ins: Stir in the jerk chicken, remaining ¼ cup Phlippens Jerk Sauce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. The Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl or keep warm in a small cast iron skillet. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Phlippen Tip: Keep the heat on low once the cheese is added—high heat can cause the queso to separate and become grainy. Low and slow keeps it silky smooth.

Pro-Tips & Pairings:

  • Leftover Love: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. Use leftovers as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or even scrambled eggs.
  • Drink This: A Mexican lager with lime, a margarita on the rocks, or a tropical IPA to complement the jerk spice.
  • Hungry for More? Make it a full appetizer spread by serving alongside our BBQ Phlippen Wings and Phlippen Sweet Heat Cauliflower Bake.
  • Make It a Meal: Pour this over rice and add black beans for a quick jerk chicken rice bowl.