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BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite; sweeter or smoky as you like)
  • 1/3 cup ranch dressing (or 1/4 cup if you prefer less tang)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for melt and stretch)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, crispy bacon bits, extra BBQ drizzle
  • For serving: tortilla chips, pita chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or toasted baguette slices

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (around 8x8 inches or similar).
  2. Soften the cream cheese: Leave it at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or microwave in 10-second bursts until easily spreadable. This helps everything mix smoothly.
  3. Mix the base: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Stir until creamy and uniform.
  4. Add the BBQ and chicken: Fold in the BBQ sauce and shredded chicken until coated. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce as needed.
  5. Stir in cheese and onions: Mix in half of the cheddar, all of the mozzarella, and the chopped green onions. Reserve the remaining cheddar for the top.
  6. Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly in your baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top. Add a light drizzle of BBQ sauce if you want extra tang.
  7. Bake: Place in the oven for 18–22 minutes, until the dip is bubbling at the edges and the top is melted and lightly golden.
  8. Garnish and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with extra green onions, bacon bits, or jalapeños. Serve warm with chips or veggies.