Dessert

Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe

ByZoe Lane January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

Introduction

This Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and smoky BBQ flavors. Perfect for parties or game day, it’s easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies for dipping.

The dish is shown in a black skillet with a thick, two-layered baked dip. The bottom layer is orange and creamy with a slightly crispy, browned edge across the entire surface. The top layer is white and uneven, creating a textured, creamy contrast. Dark brown sauce is drizzled in thick lines over the top, and small, bright green chopped scallions are scattered evenly across the dish. The skillet sits on a wooden board on top of a blue cloth, with toasted bread slices and a green onion stalk nearby, all against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Step 1: Poach the chicken by bringing a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover, remove from heat, and let cook for 20–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cool enough, shred the chicken with two forks.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and cook until golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, drained corn, caramelized onions, and shredded chicken. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce and sprinkle with extra shredded cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the cheese has melted and turned golden.
Step 6: Remove from oven, drizzle with more BBQ sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching to save time.
Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor.
For a smoky depth, try using smoked gouda instead of cheddar.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. For best texture, reheat in the oven.