Get ready for the ultimate party dip—warm, cheesy, and packed with smoky barbecue goodness. This Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Dip is the kind of appetizer that disappears within minutes! It’s got tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, loads of melty cheese, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual hangout, or just craving a comforting snack, this dip is about to become your new go-to. Trust me, one scoop, and you’ll be hooked!
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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Dip
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this dip fits the bill.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and no fuss—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Packed with Flavor: The smoky barbecue sauce, gooey cheese, and juicy chicken create a bold and delicious bite every time.
Customizable: Love heat? Add some jalapeños. Want extra smokiness? Use a hickory-smoked barbecue sauce.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s cheesy, it’s creamy, and it’s downright irresistible—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients in Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Dip
Here’s what makes this dip so incredibly delicious:
Shredded Chicken: The heart of the dip, bringing juicy, tender texture to every bite. Rotisserie chicken works great for an easy shortcut.
Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy base that makes this dip ultra smooth and decadent.
Barbecue Sauce: The secret to that rich, smoky, sweet flavor. Use your favorite brand or homemade version.
Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect balance of sharpness and meltiness.
Sour Cream or Ranch Dressing: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and a hint of tang.
Green Onions: For a fresh, slightly sharp contrast that balances the richness.
Bacon (Optional): Crumbled crispy bacon takes this dip to another level of indulgence.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika enhance the barbecue flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F to ensure even baking.
Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream (or ranch), and barbecue sauce. Stir until smooth.
Add the Chicken and Cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken, half of the shredded cheese, and seasonings. Mix until evenly combined.
Transfer to a Baking Dish: Spread the mixture into a greased oven-safe dish, ensuring an even layer.
Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top for that irresistible, gooey finish.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, top with green onions (and bacon, if using), and serve warm.
How to Serve Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Dip
With Chips: Classic tortilla chips or sturdy pita chips are perfect for scooping.
With Veggies: Try celery, carrots, or bell pepper strips for a lighter option.
On Bread: Spread it onto toasted baguette slices for a delicious crostini-style bite.
As a Topping: Use leftovers as a topping for baked potatoes or even inside a grilled cheese sandwich.
Additional Tips
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Use Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for unique flavor variations.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dip ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Double the Recipe: Perfect for feeding a larger crowd—just use a bigger dish and adjust baking time slightly.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned chicken?
A1: Yes, but freshly shredded or rotisserie chicken gives the best texture and flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
A2: Absolutely! Mix everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Q3: What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
A3: Any favorite brand works! For a smoky flavor, try a hickory or mesquite-style sauce.
Q4: Can I freeze this dip?
A4: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Q6: Can I make this dip dairy-free?
A6: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.
Q7: Can I add extra protein?
A7: Try adding black beans or chopped cooked sausage for a heartier dip.
Q8: How do I prevent the dip from getting too thick?
A8: Add a splash of milk or a little extra barbecue sauce before baking if needed.
Q9: What can I do with leftovers?
A9: Use it as a sandwich filling, mix it into pasta, or stuff it into baked potatoes.
Q10: Can I serve this cold?
A10: It’s best warm and melty, but if you prefer it cold, just mix all ingredients and chill before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Dip is the ultimate comfort food appetizer creamy, smoky, and loaded with cheesy goodness. It’s quick to throw together, totally customizable, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re making it for a party or just a night of snacking, this dip is guaranteed to disappear fast. So grab your favorite dippers and dig in you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Dip
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy, smoky, and cheesy barbecue chicken dip is loaded with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, banana peppers, and ranch. A perfect blend of tangy BBQ flavor and melty cheddar cheese, this dip is a must-try for parties, game nights, or any occasion! Serve it warm with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 6 strips bacon, cooked crisp and diced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup banana peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce + extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred melty cheese)
- Tortilla chips, for dipping
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
-
Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add red bell pepper and cook until tender (3-4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add diced onions. Cook for 8-10 minutes until partially caramelized.
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Prepare the Dip Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing until smooth.
- Fold in banana peppers, sautéed red bell pepper, caramelized onions, shredded chicken, half the green onions, and half the shredded cheese.
-
Assemble & Bake:
- Spread mixture into an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top and smooth out.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Halfway through baking, sprinkle crispy bacon over the cheese.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with remaining green onions.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Notes
- This dip can be made in a slow cooker: Cook on high for 2 hours, then stir, top with cheese and bacon, and cook for another 45 minutes until melted.
- Works great with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dip
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg