Ingredients
(Yields ~1½ cups—enough for 8–10 generous servings)
The Foundation:
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1 large breast; rotisserie works beautifully)
→ Pro tip: Poach in broth instead of water for deeper flavor—save the liquid for soup!
• 2 medium carrots (about ¾ cup diced), steamed or boiled until fork-tender
The Creamy Bind:
• 2 tbsp full-fat cream cheese, softened (or whole-milk ricotta for lighter tang)
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional but recommended—adds silkiness without overt "mayo" flavor)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated (omit for kids under 2)
The Bright Finish:
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice or ½ tsp lemon zest (brightness cuts richness—don't skip!)
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt (adjust after blending—rotisserie chicken is often salty)
• Freshly cracked black pepper
For Serving:
• Toasted sourdough soldiers
• Seed crackers or lavash
• Crisp cucumber rounds
• Radish slices or carrot sticks
Instructions
1. Cook with purpose
→ Chicken: Poach 1 large boneless breast in simmering salted water or broth for 12–15 minutes until 165°F internally. Rest 5 minutes, then shred with two forks—keep it tender, not stringy.
→ Carrots: Steam 8–10 minutes until easily pierced. Why steam? Preserves sweetness better than boiling. Pat dry—excess water = watery spread.
2. Blend in stages (the secret to silk)
In a food processor:
→ Pulse carrots alone 10 seconds until finely minced.
→ Add chicken, cream cheese, mayo (if using), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
→ Process 45–60 seconds, scraping sides once, until completely smooth. If too thick, drizzle in 1 tsp water or broth while running.
3. Taste and elevate
Transfer to a bowl. Adjust:
✓ Needs brightness? → +½ tsp lemon juice
✓ Too mild? → +pinch of smoked paprika
✓ Too rich? → +tiny splash of apple cider vinegar
4. Chill and serve with soul
Cover surface directly with plastic wrap (prevents skin forming). Refrigerate 30+ minutes to let flavors marry. Before serving:
→ Swirl top with back of spoon
→ Drizzle with olive oil
→ Sprinkle with flaky salt and microgreens or chives
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—swap cream cheese for 3 tbsp unsweetened coconut yogurt + 1 tbsp tahini. Flavor shifts slightly (nutty vs. tangy) but remains luxuriously creamy.
Q: My spread is grainy! How do I fix it?
A: Carrots weren't tender enough or processor wasn't powerful. Next time: (1) Steam carrots until very soft, (2) Blend carrots alone first, (3) Use a high-speed blender if processor struggles.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Not recommended—dairy separates upon thawing, creating watery texture. But it keeps beautifully refrigerated for 4 days in an airtight container.
Q: Baby-friendly version?
A: Absolutely—omit salt, garlic, and pepper. Use ricotta instead of cream cheese. Steam carrots extra-soft. Perfect for 8+ months as finger food on toast soldiers.
Allergy Information
• Contains: Dairy (cream cheese/ricotta, optional mayo)
• Gluten-free (when served with GF crackers/veggies)
• Nut-free | Soy-free (verify mayo brand)
• Dairy-free option: See FAQ above
Always check labels on packaged ingredients for cross-contamination.
Nutrition Facts (per 2-tbsp serving)
Calories: 65 • Protein: 5g • Fat: 4g (Sat: 1.5g) • Carbs: 3g • Fiber: 0.5g • Sugar: 1g • Sodium: 110mg
Rich in Vitamin A, B6, and Selenium
There's a quiet rebellion in this spread: the refusal to let nourishment feel like punishment. In a world of chalky protein powders and joyless "health foods," this golden dip whispers a different truth—good-for-you can taste like a gift.
It's the spread my grandmother would've made not because it was trendy, but because it was wise: using every bit of the chicken, honoring the carrot's sweetness, transforming simplicity into sustenance. And that's the real magic—not in the ingredients, but in the intention behind them.
So spread it thick on warm toast tomorrow morning. Pack it in your child's lunch with cucumber coins. Set it out at your next gathering and watch it vanish before the wine even opens.
Because the best recipes don't shout. They settle softly into your life—and stay.
One last note: Stir in 1 tsp fresh dill before serving for a Scandinavian twist that makes this feel like a spa day for your taste buds.
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