BBQ chicken dip is a creamy, tangy, and smoky appetizer that’s packed with tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, zesty barbecue sauce, and a melty layer of cheese on top. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, perfect for game days, parties, or just a cozy night in with friends and family.
I love making this dip because it’s so easy to throw together, but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I usually use a good quality barbecue sauce to get that perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable—you can make it spicier, add some chopped onions, or even a handful of crispy bacon if you’re feeling extra.
Whenever I serve BBQ chicken dip, I like to pair it with sturdy chips, like kettle-cooked or pita chips, so they can hold up to all that cheesy goodness. Sometimes I even scoop it up with veggie sticks for a lighter crunch. It’s always a hit, and I find that it’s the kind of recipe people keep asking me to bring back again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my favorite here because it’s tender and already seasoned. If you’re short on time, shredded canned chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well too.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy base. Soften it first for easy mixing. For a lighter option, you can try reduced-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be less rich.
Barbecue Sauce: This is the flavor superstar. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce. If you like it spicy, pick a sauce with a kick or add hot sauce.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella blend time-tested for meltiness and flavor. Feel free to try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little heat.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and balances richness. You can substitute Greek yogurt if you want a bit more protein and a similar texture.
Green Onions: They add fresh crunch on top. If you don’t have these, try finely chopped chives or parsley.
How Can I Make Sure the Dip Is Creamy and Melts Perfectly?
The trick is to mix all ingredients while cream cheese is soft and smooth. This helps everything blend without lumps.
- Soften cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
- Use room temperature sour cream for smooth blending.
- Mix chicken and cheeses thoroughly so the melt is even.
- Spread evenly in your baking dish to help cook uniformly.
- Bake until bubbly and golden on top, usually 20-25 minutes.
- Drizzle extra barbecue sauce after baking to keep that fresh sauce flavor from getting cooked off.
Following these steps ensures your dip will be smooth, creamy, and perfectly melted every time. Enjoy scooping it up with sturdy chips or fresh veggies!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish – helps the dip bake evenly and look nice for serving.
- Mixing bowl – great for combining all your ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – perfect for mixing and spreading the dip evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your flavors balanced.
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese) – fresh shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for pulled pork for a different smoky flavor and texture.
- Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits for extra crunch and smoky seasoning.
- Stir in corn kernels or black beans for a tasty Tex-Mex twist and added texture.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Optional Seasonings:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For Serving:
- Crackers, tortilla chips, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So in total, you should be ready to enjoy your BBQ chicken dip in around 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Mix Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, barbecue sauce, and sour cream. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Stir in your shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using them. Mix everything together thoroughly to make sure the flavors are evenly spread.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the mixture into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is bubbly and the cheese turns golden brown.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dip from the oven. Drizzle some extra barbecue sauce on top and sprinkle with the sliced green onions. Serve while warm with crackers, tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or your favorite vegetable sticks.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and smoky BBQ chicken dip — a perfect appetizer for sharing with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding and mixing into the dip. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick thaw method by submerging the sealed chicken in cold water for a couple of hours.
Can I Make BBQ Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dip in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
What Can I Serve with BBQ Chicken Dip?
This dip is delicious with sturdy dippers like kettle-cooked chips, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or raw veggie sticks like celery and bell peppers for a lighter option.
