BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor? Look no further than this BBQ Chicken Dip! Perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings, this creamy and savory dip combines tender chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and creamy goodness for an irresistible bite every time. Best of all, it’s super simple to prepare, making it the ideal choice for when you need something that will satisfy a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe

• Easy to Make: This dip requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute snack or appetizer.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch dressing gives this dip a creamy texture while the BBQ sauce and chicken provide plenty of flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just need a snack, this dip is versatile and guaranteed to please.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat level, add more cheese, or try different BBQ sauces for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Shred the Chicken: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and shred the meat using two forks or your hands. If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this dip, cook your chicken breasts or thighs, and shred them after they cool down. To cook chicken, you can boil or pan-fry the meat until fully cooked through, then shred it with a fork.
2. Mix with BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with about 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce to coat the meat evenly. This will infuse the chicken with that smoky, tangy flavor that is key to the dip’s deliciousness.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Ingredients

1. Blend the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the cream cheese for about 20-30 seconds to soften it quickly before mixing.
2. Add Spices: To the creamy mixture, add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. These spices will enhance the flavor of the dip and give it depth.

Step 3: Combine Everything

1. Add the Chicken: Stir in the BBQ-coated chicken into the creamy base, mixing until well combined.
2. Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. The cheese will add flavor and texture, making the dip creamy and gooey as it bakes.
3. Prepare the Dish: Transfer the dip mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Spread the mixture out evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake the BBQ Chicken Dip

1. Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the dip. This will give the dip a melty, golden, and gooey texture when baked.
2. Bake the Dip: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dip in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned on top.
3. Optional – Broil for Extra Crisp: For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dip for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish: Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and drizzle a little more BBQ sauce on top. For added freshness and color, garnish the dip with freshly chopped cilantro.
2. Serve: Serve your BBQ Chicken Dip hot with tortilla chips, crackers, pita bread, or even fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers. You can also serve it with soft bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Tips for Making the Best BBQ Chicken Dip

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s tender, flavorful, and already shredded, so it’s a perfect shortcut for this recipe.
• Adjust the BBQ Sauce: Different BBQ sauces have varying levels of sweetness, smokiness, and heat. Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your taste preference, whether you like it tangy, sweet, or spicy.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dip. You can also swap out the ranch dressing for a spicy ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra zing.
• Make It Ahead: This dip can be assembled a day in advance. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or last-minute parties.
• Serve with a Variety of Dippers: Get creative with what you use to dip into the BBQ Chicken Dip. Aside from chips and bread, you can serve it with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, radishes, or even pretzel sticks for a fun twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use shredded chicken from the deli?
   • Yes, deli chicken or pre-cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to shred it well and coat it with BBQ sauce before mixing it into the dip.
2. Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
   • Absolutely! To make this dip in a slow cooker, simply combine all the ingredients (except the mozzarella) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until hot and bubbly. Add the mozzarella cheese during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow it to melt.
3. Can I make BBQ Chicken Dip spicy?
   • Yes! You can easily add heat to this dip by including diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or even adding spicy ranch dressing. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
4. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
   • Absolutely! You can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or a mix of gouda and cheddar for a different flavor profile.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly again. You may need to add a little extra sauce or cream cheese to bring back its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Dip is the ultimate party appetizer that combines the best of savory, creamy, and smoky flavors in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re serving it for game day, a family gathering, or a potluck, this dip will quickly become a fan favorite. The combination of tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese makes it a dish that everyone will devour. So go ahead, whip up this delicious dip, and watch your guests rave about it!

Yield: 8

BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe

Print

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor? Look no further than this BBQ Chicken Dip! Perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings, this creamy and savory dip combines tender chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and creamy goodness for an irresistible bite every time. Best of all, it’s super simple to prepare, making it the ideal choice for when you need something that will satisfy a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish with olive oil.
   
2. Mix the Dip Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy.
   
3. Assemble the Dip:
   Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, and then top with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
   
4. Bake the Dip:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped green onions (if using) and serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette for dipping.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a little bit of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce to make the dip spicier.

You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.