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A close-up of a hot and cheesy BBQ Chicken Dip in an oval baking dish, topped with BBQ sauce and fresh green onions.

Ultimate Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip

This creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly smokey BBQ chicken dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day or any gathering. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, rich BBQ sauce, and a blend of cheeses, it's baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

For the Smokey BBQ Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup smokey BBQ sauce plus more for drizzling
For the Creamy Dip Base
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp hot sauce optional, adjust to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Blend
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
For Serving
  • Tortilla chips
  • crackers
  • pita bread
  • sliced bell peppers

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Electric mixer
  • Kitchen knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Prepare the BBQ Chicken
  1. Place chicken breasts in a saucepan with chicken broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable. Alternatively, cook in an Instant Pot for 8-10 minutes on high pressure.
  2. Remove chicken from broth (reserve broth for other uses if desired) and shred using two forks, or an electric mixer for quick shredding.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of smokey BBQ sauce. Stir well to coat evenly. Set aside.
Prepare the Dip Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, red onion, cilantro, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dip
  1. Add the BBQ-coated shredded chicken to the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently to combine everything.
  2. Fold in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese into the chicken and cream cheese mixture.
Bake the Dip
  1. Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  2. Top the dip with the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheeses.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Remove from oven. Drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce if desired, and sprinkle with additional fresh cilantro. Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, pita bread, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or a dash more hot sauce to the dip base. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can pre-cook and shred the chicken ahead of time to make prep even faster.