Busy weeknights call for simple wins. Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip gives you big flavor with very little fuss, so you can feed hungry kids and still get dinner on the table fast.
If you love easy crowd-pleasers, try our easy buffalo chicken dip as another quick option for game night or after-school snacks. Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip warms up in under an hour and keeps everyone happy.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip works because it combines familiar flavors kids enjoy with a smoky twist adults appreciate. It takes pantry staples and leftover chicken and turns them into a cozy, shareable dish.
You do minimal prep, toss everything together, and bake. The recipe stays warm and bubbly, so it fits snack time, dinner sides, or party platters. Busy moms will like how it stretches to feed a crowd.
How to Make Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip
This section walks you through the simple steps so you can get the dip in the oven fast. Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip comes together in one bowl and one baking dish.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup cream cheese, softened, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup smoky BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper to taste, Chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)., 2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper., 3. Mix until well combined., 4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly., 5. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling., 6. Serve warm with your favorite chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip
A comforting Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip that combines familiar flavors with a smoky twist, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup smoky BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling.
- Serve warm with your favorite chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Notes
You can make this dip ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free dippers)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
How to Serve
Serve Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip warm with a mix of dippers so everyone finds something they like. Offer sturdy chips for scooping and cut vegetables for a lighter option.
Try tortilla chips, pita chips, or kettle-style potato chips for crunch. Fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips balance the richness. For a casual dinner, pair the dip with a simple salad and toasted rolls.
How to Store
Let the Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, spoon into a small oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave single portions for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot.
Tips and Variations
Keep the recipe flexible for your weeknight needs. Swap rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time. Use a milder or spicier BBQ sauce depending on family tastes.
For a lighter twist, try mixing in plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you want a creamier dip, add an extra 1/4 cup of cream cheese. For a protein boost, stir in a few tablespoons of canned beans.
If you enjoy creative swaps, check out this cottage cheese twist with buffalo flavor by trying the cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip. It gives you a different texture and keeps the prep simple.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip ahead of time?
A: Yes. Mix the ingredients, store covered in the baking dish, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when you are ready to serve.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw and shred the chicken before mixing. The dip heats best with fully cooked, shredded chicken.
Q: Is this dip spicy?
A: The heat depends on your BBQ sauce. Choose a mild sauce for kids or a spicy sauce for adults who like more kick.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: You can freeze the dip in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Conclusion
Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip gives you comforting flavor without extra work. It fits busy nights, parties, and kid-friendly meals. Try it this week, and save the recipe for later where you can pull it up when you need a simple, satisfying dish.
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