Description
This Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or game day. Tender, shredded chicken is combined with caramelized onions, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, sweet corn, and infused with tangy BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dip is a crowd-pleaser served warm with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
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
- 1¼ cups BBQ sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 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, then remove from heat. Let the chicken cook in the hot water for 20 to 30 minutes until reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken with two forks.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until they soften. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and continue cooking until golden and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Mix the Dip Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, drained corn, caramelized onions, and shredded chicken. Mix thoroughly until completely combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a cast iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the top and sprinkle extra shredded cheese evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Remove the dip from the oven, drizzle with more BBQ sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm with your choice of crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to help the dip mix smoothly without lumps.
- Poaching chicken keeps it moist and tender for shredding.
- Caramelizing onions with brown sugar adds a sweet depth of flavor.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the mixture.
- This dip can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken dip, smoky chicken dip, party appetizer, cheesy dip, baked chicken dip, game day recipe
