Creamy Barbecue Chicken Dip

This soul-warming barbecue chicken dip transforms casual gatherings into memorable occasions. Combining the smoky essence of barbecue with creamy cheese and tender chicken creates an irresistible appetizer that disappears within minutes of hitting the table.

I first made this for a last-minute game day gathering when I needed something impressive with minimal effort. The empty dish and requests for the recipe confirmed this would become my signature crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• Shredded rotisserie chicken: Saves precious prep time while adding tender protein
• Bacon: Adds smoky crunch that perfectly complements the barbecue flavor
• Red onion: Provides subtle sweetness when partially caramelized
• Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and slight sweetness
• Banana peppers: Deliver mild tanginess that cuts through the richness
• Green onions: Contribute fresh flavor and make a beautiful garnish
• Cream cheese: Creates the perfect creamy base; look for full-fat for best texture
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and lightens the texture
• Ranch dressing: Brings familiar flavor that pairs beautifully with barbecue
• BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite style, from sweet to spicy
• Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible cheese pull; use freshly shredded for best melting
• Tortilla chips: Sturdy scoopable ones work best for this hearty dip

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook red bell pepper until it develops nice browning and becomes tender, about 3-4 minutes. The slight caramelization adds depth to the pepper flavor. Remove and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Caramelizing the Onions:

Reduce heat to medium-low and add diced red onions to the same skillet. Cook slowly until they become soft and develop a slight caramelization, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This slow cooking process transforms the sharp onion flavor into sweet richness.

Creating the Creamy Base:

In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and well-integrated. The room temperature cream cheese is crucial here to avoid lumps in your mixture.

Building Flavor Layers:

Gently fold in the cooked vegetables, banana peppers, chicken, half the green onions, and half the cheese into the cream cheese mixture. This folding technique preserves the texture of each ingredient while ensuring even distribution throughout the dip.

Assembling the Dip:

Transfer the mixture into an ovenproof skillet, spreading it evenly. A cast iron skillet works perfectly as it retains heat beautifully, keeping your dip warm longer. Spread another layer of BBQ sauce over the top to create a glossy, flavorful coating.

Baking to Perfection:

Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the edges bubble vigorously and cheese melts completely. Halfway through baking, add bacon pieces on top, allowing them to slightly integrate with the melting cheese while maintaining their crispness.

Final Touches:

Remove from oven when perfectly bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with remaining green onions for fresh color and flavor contrast. Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the dip to set slightly.

Serving:

Surround with sturdy tortilla chips and watch it disappear. The dip should be enjoyed while warm when the cheese is at its most stretchy and delicious state.

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The banana peppers are my secret weapon in this recipe. Most people expect them in Italian dishes but their mild tang cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the barbecue sauce perfectly. My brother, who claims to hate anything pickle-adjacent, devoured this dip without realizing they were in there.

Make-Ahead Options

This dip can be completely assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding perhaps 5-7 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with a colder base.

Perfect Pairings

While tortilla chips are the classic choice for scooping this hearty dip, consider offering a variety of dippers to please all guests. Sturdy crackers, sliced baguette, thick-cut vegetable sticks like carrots and celery, or even pretzel rods make excellent alternatives. For a low-carb option, butter lettuce cups create edible scoops that add freshness to each bite.

Flavor Variations

This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on your preferences. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. Swap the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and blue cheese for cheddar to create a buffalo chicken dip variation. For a southwestern twist, add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning, reducing the BBQ sauce slightly to balance flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this barbecue chicken dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. For best results, add the final cheese topping and bacon just before baking.

→ What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?

You can substitute any cooked chicken - grilled chicken breasts, leftover roasted chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. For a flavor variation, try pulled pork or shredded beef brisket.

→ Is there a way to make this dip spicier?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce or mix in 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for extra heat.

→ What can I serve with this dip besides tortilla chips?

This versatile dip pairs wonderfully with many dippers: toasted baguette slices, pita chips, pretzel crisps, vegetable sticks like celery, carrots and bell peppers, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

→ Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all ingredients (except half the cheese and bacon) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Add the remaining cheese and bacon on top during the final 30 minutes. This method is perfect for keeping the dip warm during parties.

→ What kind of BBQ sauce works best for this dip?

The style of BBQ sauce will influence the final flavor profile. A sweet and smoky sauce adds depth, while a tangy vinegar-based sauce provides brightness. Honey BBQ works particularly well, but feel free to use your personal favorite.