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Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe

4.8 from 144 reviews

Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer that combines tender poached chicken, caramelized onions, and a smoky BBQ sauce with a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This crowd-pleasing dip is baked to perfection until bubbly and golden, making it perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dip:

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 small red onions, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, brought to room temperature
  • ¾ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 ¼ cups BBQ sauce, plus more for drizzling
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, plus more for topping
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, plus more for topping
  • 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained

Instructions

  1. Poach the Chicken: Fill a medium pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, submerge the chicken breasts completely in the water. Return the water to a boil, then cover the pot and remove it from heat. Let the chicken cook gently in the hot water for 20–30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks once cool enough to handle.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and continue cooking until they turn golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
  4. Mix the Dip Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, drained corn kernels, caramelized onions, and shredded chicken. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle additional cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
  6. Bake the Dip: Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the dip is bubbly throughout and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
  7. Garnish and Serve: After baking, drizzle more BBQ sauce over the dip and garnish with extra chopped green onions. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time on poaching.
  • For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix.
  • Use a mix of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheese for an extra smoky flavor.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • This dip can be prepared a day ahead, stored covered in the refrigerator, and baked just before serving.
  • Serving with crunchy vegetables such as celery and carrot sticks complements the savory flavors well.

Keywords: BBQ chicken dip, baked chicken dip, smoky chicken dip, party dip, creamy chicken dip, appetizer recipe