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Monterey BBQ Chicken Dip will be the hit of the party! Based on the restaurant dish with the same name, this appetizer recipe is loaded with chicken, cheese, and barbecue sauce, then topped with bacon and tomatoes. It’s easy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping tortilla chips, crackers, and even veggies.
Looking for more cheesy hot dip recipes? Try Kentucky Hot Brown Dip or Bacon Cheeseburger Dip.
Disclaimer: This recipe was developed through a sponsored partnership with Cabot Creamery Co-operative. As always, all opinions are my own.
Hot Barbeque Chicken Dip
There really isn’t much better than a hot, cheesy dip. When gathering with friends or family, digging into a spread of delicious appetizers is definitely one of the best parts of these festive get-togethers.
We actually love them so much that sometimes my little family of four will even make a meal out of our favorite “snacky food”. It makes movie night, game day, or a small birthday celebration even more fun. In fact, it’s also a good way to shake the doldrums out of a random Tuesday.
However, there might be one thing better. And that is taking another favorite dish and turning it into one of those hot, cheesy dips.
What is Monterey Chicken?
Monterey Chicken was a long-time staple on the menu at a popular fast-casual chain restaurant. It had chicken breasts topped with barbecue sauce, melted cheese, bacon, and tomatoes. Really, how can you go wrong with that delicious savory combo?
Since it has been discontinued, countless Copycat Monterey Chicken recipes have popped up all over the internet. This may not be a copycat, but it’s certainly a fun and tasty way to transform and enjoy the flavors of this favorite dish.
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Dip Recipe
Bubbling and ooey gooey with plenty of melted cheese, loaded with chicken, made a little sassy and saucy with your favorite barbecue sauce, then topped with bacon and some tomatoes and scallions for a little freshness. This barbecue chicken dip recipe is going to be requested at every party from this point forward!
What do you need?
- Cream cheese – light or regular is fine. Let it come to room temperature to make everything easier to mix together.
- Plain Greek yogurt – this makes it creamy. You can use nonfat, low fat, or whole milk yogurt.
- BBQ sauce – use your favorite brand based on how sweet, tangy, or spicy you like it. If you choose a low carb barbecue sauce, you can even make this a keto-friendly appetizer.
- Shredded cheese – the combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese give the perfect balance of creamy and sharp flavors. I always use Cabot cheese, and you can choose your favorite of their delicious sharp cheddar cheese varieties.
- Cooked chicken – chopped or shredded. You can use your extra grilled or roast chicken, or leftover rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
- Bacon – cooked and crumbled. The bacon can be cooked in a skillet or baked while the dip is in the oven.
- Tomato and scallions (green onions) – for scattering on top to add a little freshness to the rich dip.
How do you make it?
All you have to do is mix the cream cheese, yogurt, some of the barbecue sauce, most of the cheese, and the chicken together in a bowl. Spread is all into a baking dish and add more cheese on top.
Bake at 350°F until it is golden brown and bubbling, then drizzle on more BBQ sauce and top it with the bacon, chopped tomatoes, and scallions.
Then get ready to dig in!
- Baking dish – you can use a 9-inch square glass baking dish, a deep dish glass pie plate, or an oblong or round 1.5 quart casserole dish.
- Spatula – I like to use silicone spatulas for easily mixing the dip and spreading in the baking dish.
- Paddle cheese grater – a handheld grater makes it super easy to shred the cheese right into the bowl or over the top of the BBQ chicken dip.
What do you serve with BBQ Chicken Dip?
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
- Sliced baguette
- Vegetables – mini bell peppers, carrots cut diagonally into planks, cucumber slices, even spoon it into lettuce leaves like a lettuce wrap
Or just go ahead and dig in with a fork or spoon. Speaking of that…
Make it a Meal
Yes, I actually do mean a meal. We have been known to have this barbecue chicken dip as dinner. Besides the usual chips and veggies, you can also spoon it over baked potatoes or brown rice.
Then just add some of your favorite sides.
Side dishes
- Cauliflower Hash Browns Casserole
- Chili Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Green Beans with Bacon
- Fresh Garden Salad from Spoonful of Flavor
Of course, if you are having a party with all of your favorite appetizers and snacks, set out any or all of the dipping items above and a selection of dips and spreads:
More hot cheesy dips
Cold dips
And don’t forget an assortment of Cabot cheese!
About Cabot Creamery Co-operative
Cabot is a co-operative owned by farm families throughout New England and New York and 100% of profits go back to the farmers. They have been making high-quality dairy products since 1919, and with a 100-year history, you know their award-winning cheddars will make this and any recipe extra delicious. You can use your favorite Cabot cheese, from Vermont Sharp to the Legacy Collection Farmhouse Reserve. Whatever cheese you choose, you’ll taste Cabot’s commitment to making the best products in every bite.
Plus Cabot is dedicated to communities, the environment, and volunteers. Learn more about not only the products, but also their B Corporation certification and the Reward Volunteers program by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
More recipes with barbecue sauce
- BBQ Chicken Tostadas
- Baked Turkey Meatballs with BBQ Sauce
- BBQ Shrimp Quinoa Bowls
- Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Monterey BBQ Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese at room temperature (regular or light)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat, low fat, or whole milk)
- 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, divided
- 3/4 cup (about 3 oz.) shredded Cabot white cheddar cheese, divided (I used Cabot Extra Sharp)
- 3/4 cup (about 3 oz.) shredded Cabot Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- one small tomato, seeded and chopped
- 1-2 scallions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
- Crackers, chips, sliced baguette, or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, stir together the cream cheese, yogurt, 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, and chicken.
- Transfer to a glass baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and lightly browned. While it bakes, cook and crumble the bacon.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup barbecue sauce. Sprinkle bacon, chopped tomato, and scallions.
- Serve with crackers, chips, baguette slices, and veggies for dipping.
Did you make this?
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