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Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe

4.4 from 144 reviews

This Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip is a rich, flavorful appetizer combining tender poached chicken, caramelized onions, creamy cheeses, and smoky BBQ sauce, baked to golden bubbly perfection. It’s ideal for game day, parties, or casual gatherings and pairs wonderfully with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Base

  • 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

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 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: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken breasts ensuring they are fully submerged. Once boiling again, cover the pot, remove it from heat, and let the chicken cook undisturbed for 20–30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred using two forks.
  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 10–15 minutes. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and continue cooking until golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Dip Mixture: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, drained corn, caramelized onions, and shredded chicken. Thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined.
  4. Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to 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 dip. Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
  5. Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and drizzle with more BBQ sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer (165°F).
  • Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Caramelizing the onions slowly over medium heat brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • You can substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite brand or homemade version for different flavor profiles.
  • For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving again.

Keywords: BBQ chicken dip, smoky chicken dip, baked chicken dip, party appetizer, game day dip, creamy chicken dip, cheesy BBQ dip