If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and creamy textures, this BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender shredded chicken with tangy barbecue sauce, rich cream cheese, and a touch of ranch for a dip that’s irresistibly savory. Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in, this dip is simple to make but guaranteed to delight everyone’s taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe shine, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each element plays an important role in adding layers of flavor, creaminess, and a little zing that keep every bite exciting and satisfying.
- Cooked chopped chicken: About 12 ounces or 2 cups of shredded chicken adds hearty protein and texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): An 8-ounce package brings rich creaminess that forms the dip’s luscious base.
- BBQ sauce: Three-quarters of a cup delivers tangy, smoky flavor that’s essential to this recipe.
- Bottled ranch dressing: A quarter cup provides a creamy, herby balance to the barbecue heat.
- Sour cream: Another quarter cup to ensure a smooth, velvety consistency and gentle tang.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: One and a half cups—including one cup mixed in and half cup for topping—add sharpness and melty goodness.
- Green onion (chopped): Just one, sprinkled on top for a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your dip is ready to go in, so it bakes evenly and bubbles beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is well mixed, so every bite of dip has that perfect balance of flavors and creaminess.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Pour your chicken mixture evenly into the dish, spreading it out smooth. This layer will bake into a warm, cheesy, smoky delight.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle the chopped green onion over the dip, followed by the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions not only adds a lovely color contrast but also a mild, fresh onion flavor that cuts through the richness. You can also try a little chopped fresh cilantro or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce if you want to kick up the flavor.
Side Dishes
This dip is fantastic with crunchy tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or even crispy vegetable sticks like celery and carrots. The contrast between creamy dip and crisp dippers makes each mouthful so satisfying, plus it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your BBQ Chicken Dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic touch or portion it into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. You can even turn it into a layered dip with extra cheese and BBQ drizzle on top for a beautiful party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), let the dip cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats or next-day snacking.
Freezing
This BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that creamy texture without becoming watery.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave portions for a minute or so, stirring halfway, but baking preserves that freshly baked texture best.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this dip?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier and adds great flavor without extra effort. Just chop or shred it before mixing.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce. Whether sweet, smoky, or tangy, the sauce you pick will set the dip’s flavor profile, so pick something you love.
Can I make this dip spicy?
Yes! Add a dash of cayenne pepper, a few chopped jalapeños, or swap regular BBQ sauce for a spicy variety to give the dip a fiery kick.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Just serve with gluten-free dippers to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! Mix everything except the toppings, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, transfer to your baking dish, add toppings, and bake as usual.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about digging into a warm, cheesy, tangy BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe with your favorite dippers. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and always a hit wherever you serve it. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen too!
Print
BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and delicious BBQ Chicken Dip combines tender chopped chicken with creamy cheese, tangy ranch, and smoky barbecue sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that you can whip up in just over half an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz cooked chopped chicken (about 2 cups)
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup bottled ranch dressing
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix the ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare to bake: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Pour the combined dip mixture into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip. Then, scatter the chopped green onion on top for added freshness and flavor.
- Bake the dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts for ease and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce based on how tangy or sweet you prefer your dip.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
