The Tailgate Combo: Chorizo Queso Dip and Tailgate Chicken Skewers
Celebrate game day with the ultimate combo – Chorizo Queso Dip and Tailgate Chicken Skewers! Member’s Mark™ Taco Seasoning adds a great zesty flavor to the dip, while Member’s Mark™ Lemon Pepper adds some zing to both the chicken and its dipping sauce. You know that bringing one appetizer to the party isn’t enough…keeps the fans happy with this delicious duo!
What to Serve with Chorizo Queso Dip
Chorizo queso dip is rich, spicy, and creamy, so it works well with a mix of crunchy, fresh, and starchy dippers to balance it out. Here are some great serving ideas:
Classic Dippers
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Tortilla chips – sturdy ones that can handle the dip.
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Warm flour or corn tortillas – great for scooping and wrapping.
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Soft pretzels or pretzel bites – salty and chewy pairing.
Fresh + Crunchy
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Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
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Celery sticks
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Carrot sticks
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Jicama slices (mild, crisp, slightly sweet)
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Radishes
Hearty Options
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French fries or waffle fries – loaded fry style.
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Tater tots – especially good for game day.
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Mini potatoes (roasted or smashed) – bite-size and filling.
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Nachos – pile chips with toppings and drizzle the queso.
Meaty Pairings
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Grilled sausage bites (extra chorizo, or smoked sausage rounds)
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Chicken skewers (simple grilled chicken for dipping)
Fresh Balance
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Pico de gallo or fresh salsa on the side
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Guacamole for cooling richness
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Pickled jalapeños for tangy contrast
Dip Pairings for Tailgate Chicken Skewers
For lemon pepper chicken skewers, you’ll want a dip that complements the citrus and pepper without overpowering it. Here are some great options:
Light & Refreshing
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Tzatziki – Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, lemon.
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Lemon-dill yogurt dip – tangy and herby, pairs well with the peppery chicken.
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Cilantro-lime crema – bright and creamy with a zesty kick.
Creamy & Savory
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Garlic aioli – smooth and garlicky with a touch of lemon.
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Honey mustard – sweet-tangy contrast to the pepper.
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Herbed ranch – classic creamy pairing with a peppery bite.
Bold & Flavorful
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Chimichurri – fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, olive oil (adds a sharp freshness).
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Spicy sriracha mayo – creamy heat to balance the lemon.
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Avocado crema – creamy, smooth, and cooling.
The Tailgate Combo
Ingredients
For the Chorizo Queso Dip
- 7-8 ounces Chorizo, casings removed (or you can use 1 lb of ground beef or ground pork)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Corn starch
- 1 (12 oz) can Evaporated milk
- 2 ounces Cream cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 3 tbsp Member's Mark™ Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Diced tomatoes
For the Tailgate Chicken Skewers
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 3 lb Boneless chicken, sliced into 2-inch pieces lengthwise
- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Member's Mark™ Lemon Pepper, divided
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
Instructions
For the Chorizo Queso Dip
- Saute chorizo (or ground beef or pork) in a large pan over high heat until cooked through and crispy, about 10 minutes. Be sure the meat is very crumbly, and stir constantly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- While the chorizo is cooking, melt the butter in a separate medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the cornstarch until combined and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the evaporated milk, and whisk until combined and smooth. Next, add in the cream cheese, and stir until combined. Add in half of the sharp cheddar cheese, and stir until melted. Repeat with the second half of the cheese. Stir in the Member's Mark™ Taco Seasoning, tomatoes, and cooked chorizo until combined.
- Serve with your favorite tortilla chips!
For the Tailgate Chicken Skewers
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, vegetable oil, and 2 tbsp Member's Mark™ Lemon Pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers.
- Place the chicken skewers onto the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the chicken is cooking, mix the mayonnaise and 1 tbsp Member's Mark™ Lemon Pepper in a small bowl. This will be your tasty dipping sauce for the cooked chicken!