Smokey BBQ Chicken Dip (Printable Version)

Creamy, cheesy blend of shredded chicken, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, and ranch for a smoky twist.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Protein

01 - 450 g chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

02 - 2 small red onions, chopped
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
05 - 1 cup (100 g) green onions, chopped
06 - 1 can (425 g) corn kernels, drained

→ Dairy

07 - 454 g cream cheese, softened
08 - 1 cup (120 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
09 - 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded

→ Condiments and Oils

10 - 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
11 - ¾ cup (180 ml) ranch dressing
12 - 1¼ cups (310 ml) barbecue sauce
13 - 2 tsp (8 g) brown sugar

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add chicken breasts ensuring full submersion. Return to a boil, cover, then remove from heat. Let cook for 20 to 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C. Once cooled, shred chicken finely with two forks.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle brown sugar over onions and continue cooking until golden and caramelized. Remove from heat.
03 - Preheat oven to 220°C. In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, drained corn kernels, caramelized onions, and shredded chicken until homogeneous.
04 - Transfer mixture to a cast iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra cheese to preference.
05 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and cheese is melted and golden brown.
06 - Remove from oven and drizzle with more barbecue sauce. Garnish with extra chopped green onions. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For added heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture before baking. This dip can be prepared in advance and baked shortly before serving for best results.