Description
This Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Tender shredded chicken is combined with caramelized onions, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, ranch dressing, and smoky BBQ sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. Served warm with chips or veggies, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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
- Poach the Chicken: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken breasts ensuring they’re fully submerged. Return to a boil, cover, and remove from heat. Let the chicken cook for 20–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cool enough, shred using two forks.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes. Sprinkle brown sugar over onions and cook until golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Combine Ingredients: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, garlic, red bell pepper, green onions, cheddar, mozzarella, corn, caramelized onions, and shredded chicken until well combined.
- Assemble in Skillet: Transfer mixture to a cast iron or oven-safe skillet (or baking dish). Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle additional cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake the Dip: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Drizzle with more BBQ sauce and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or veggies for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to easily mix with other ingredients.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- For a spicier dip, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Goes well with tortilla chips, pita chips, or sliced vegetables like carrots and celery.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken dip, cheesy chicken dip, baked chicken dip, smoky appetizer, party dip, game day recipe
