Description

This Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip is a rich, cheesy appetizer featuring tender poached chicken, caramelized onions, and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses mingled with creamy ranch and tangy BBQ sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, served hot 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
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. Once boiling, add the chicken breasts ensuring they are fully submerged. Return to a boil, cover the pot, then remove from heat. Let the chicken cook in the hot water for 20–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks once cool enough to handle.
Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red onions and cook, stirring occasionally for 10–15 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 the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, 1 ¼ cups BBQ sauce, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, drained corn kernels, caramelized onions, and shredded chicken. Stir well to fully combine all ingredients.
Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle extra shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the surface.
Bake the Dip: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked dip from the oven. Drizzle more BBQ sauce on top and garnish with additional chopped green onions. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Use a cast iron skillet to retain heat and give the dip a nice crust while baking.
You can substitute chicken breasts with cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken dip, cheesy chicken dip, baked dip, party appetizer, game day snack