Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly coating it with butter. This ensures the edges of the dip will brown beautifully while maintaining creamy centers throughout the cooking process.
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until completely smooth and free of lumps. Beat the mixture for about two minutes to incorporate air, which creates an even lighter, fluffier texture in the finished product.
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked chicken pieces, stirring gently but thoroughly to distribute both ingredients evenly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper, mixing until the seasonings are completely incorporated throughout.
Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat, then sauté the diced onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This cozy dip appetizer base becomes richer when vegetables release their natural sugars through gentle cooking, creating deeper flavor complexity.
Stir the sautéed vegetables into the cheese mixture along with chicken broth, which adds moisture and helps achieve the perfect consistency. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is heated through and the edges are lightly bubbling around the sides of the dish. The top should appear golden and warm, never dry or separated.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an additional light sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the creamy texture to set slightly.