Easy BBQ Chicken Dip with Kraut: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both creamy and satisfying? This BBQ Chicken & Kraut Dip is the perfect choice! Imagine the delightful combination of melty cheddar and mozzarella cheese, tender chicken, and a luscious BBQ-infused base. The secret ingredient? Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut. It adds a unique touch of tang and smoke, cutting through the richness and providing an irresistible twist that elevates this dip far beyond the ordinary.

We all know and love buffalo chicken dip, a staple at countless parties. But have you tried barbecue chicken dip? It’s a delightful alternative, perhaps the slightly less famous cousin of the buffalo version. For those who aren’t fans of buffalo sauce, BBQ is often the preferred choice. And when making BBQ chicken dip, adding a jar of Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut is a game-changer. It enhances the texture and flavor, taking the dip to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Dip with Kraut

This BBQ Chicken & Kraut Dip is more than just a dip; it’s an experience. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and intensely flavorful appetizer designed to be the star of your game day spread or Super Bowl snacking. Imagine a classic hot dip, rich and satisfying, but with an added layer of complexity. That’s where Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut comes in. Its tangy, smoky depth cuts through the richness, keeping each bite exciting and preventing flavor fatigue. It’s a scoopable, dippable masterpiece guaranteed to disappear quickly, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

This post is sponsored by Frank’s Kraut, but my lifelong love and admiration for their delicious sauerkraut are entirely my own.

The Unexpected Health Benefits of Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is not just about adding a burst of tangy flavor to your favorite dishes; it also offers a range of health benefits. As a naturally fermented food, it’s packed with probiotics that promote healthy digestion and improve overall gut health. Furthermore, sauerkraut is a source of essential nutrients like vitamins C and K, along with minerals such as iron and potassium. When combined with hearty ingredients like chicken and cheese, sauerkraut not only adds a nutritional boost but also helps balance the richer flavors, creating a more satisfying and wholesome dish. Incorporating sauerkraut into your diet is a simple way to enhance both the taste and nutritional value of your meals.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

You will find the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this article. But here’s a quick overview of the key components that make this BBQ Chicken & Kraut Dip so irresistible:

• Cream Cheese: This forms the base of the dip, providing a thick, creamy texture that’s sturdy enough to hold all the other ingredients without becoming greasy. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a subtle tang and softens the cream cheese, ensuring the dip remains scoopable even after baking. It also contributes to the overall creaminess.
• BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce provides the signature sweetness, smokiness, and classic BBQ flavor that complements the kraut perfectly. Choose your favorite thick, bold BBQ sauce for the best taste. You can even use a homemade BBQ sauce if you have one.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a depth of flavor and prevents the dip from tasting bland. It’s a crucial element for enhancing the savory notes.
• Brown Sugar: Just a touch of brown sugar balances the tanginess from the kraut and sour cream while intensifying the smoky BBQ flavors. It adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne pepper introduces a subtle kick without overwhelming the dip. Adjust the amount slightly according to your heat preference. Remember to taste before baking to ensure it’s to your liking.
• Paprika: Paprika enhances the color and adds a mild smoky warmth. It complements the BBQ sauce and provides a subtle depth of flavor.
• Canned Chicken: Canned chicken makes this dip hearty and protein-packed, while also simplifying preparation. It’s a convenient option for game day cooking. You can substitute with leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a richer flavor if desired.
• Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut: This is the star of the recipe! Frank’s Kraut adds a unique blend of tanginess, sweetness, and smoky BBQ flavor all in one ingredient. It prevents the dip from becoming overly rich and adds that “what is in this?” factor that keeps everyone guessing (and coming back for more!).
• Green Onions: Green onions bring a touch of freshness and a mild onion flavor. Using them in layers enhances the flavor both inside the dip and as a colorful garnish on top. The white parts are incorporated into the dip, while the green parts are sprinkled on top.
• Bell Pepper: Diced bell pepper adds a bit of crunch and sweetness, providing a textural contrast to the creamy base. Choose a color you enjoy, such as red, yellow, or orange, for added visual appeal.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and bold cheddar cheese contributes a classic melted cheese flavor. Use a good quality cheddar for the best results.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts smoothly and gives the dip that irresistible stretchy, bubbly finish. It’s the perfect complement to the cheddar.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make BBQ Chicken & Kraut Dip

Follow these simple steps to create this irresistible BBQ Chicken & Kraut Dip:

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a shallow baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Using an electric mixer, whip the ingredients together until completely smooth and creamy. This is a crucial step to ensure an even, scoopable dip.

Gently fold in the drained and roughly chopped Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut, drained canned chicken, diced bell pepper, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.

Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, reserving the remaining cheese for topping the dip.

Spread the prepared dip evenly into the greased baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip. Then, garnish with half of the reserved green onion tops, saving the rest for serving. Finally, dot a few spoonfuls of BBQ sauce across the surface of the cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.

Bake the dip uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Remove the baked dip from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Sprinkle with the remaining green onions and serve warm with sturdy tortilla chips for dipping.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Your Chicken Dip

Planning ahead? Here are some useful tips for making and storing your BBQ Chicken & Kraut Dip:

Make Ahead: This dip can be fully assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats. Then, bake as directed until it’s hot and bubbly. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use either the oven or the microwave. Reheat until the dip is warmed through. Note that the texture may change slightly after reheating.

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Don’t lose this amazing BBQ Chicken Dip recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it later.

Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Game Day Spread

This dip is best served hot for optimal flavor and texture. While it pairs exceptionally well with tortilla chips, you can also get creative with your dippers. Consider offering a variety of options, such as pretzel chips, Fritos, toasted baguette slices, or sturdy crackers. For a complete game day feast, serve this dip alongside other popular appetizers like wings, sliders, or nachos. A balanced spread ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Discover the Flavor of Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut

Frank’s Sweet & Smoky BBQ Kraut offers a unique twist on traditional sauerkraut, infusing the natural fermentation process with a rich barbecue flavor. The subtle sweetness, smoky undertones, and warm spices combine to create a depth of flavor that complements creamy, cheesy dishes like this BBQ Chicken & Kraut Dip perfectly. It adds a welcome tang that balances the richness, while also providing a layer of barbecue flavor without the need for excessive sauces or seasonings. It’s a simple way to elevate your dishes and create a truly memorable flavor experience.

Explore More Sauerkraut Recipes to Love

I have had the privilege of collaborating with Frank’s Kraut for over a decade. Throughout our partnership, we’ve developed many delicious recipes together. If you’re seeking more ways to incorporate sauerkraut into your Super Bowl party menu this weekend, be sure to check out my Sauerkraut Bacon and Swiss Dip (pictured above) and my Crock Pot Reuben Dip, both perfect for spreading on rye toasts or pretzels!

Speaking of Reubens, my Reuben Pizza and the classic Reuben Sandwich make excellent game day options, as do these Bratwurst Sliders featuring Frank’s Mustard Kraut, and this BBQ Chicken Pizza!

Do you love Sauerkraut? I wrote a blog post covering everything you ever wanted to know about Kraut! From its origins to how it’s made, plus, tons of Sauerkraut recipes in this Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut.

You can discover many fantastic sauerkraut recipes here on my blog, as well as on the Frank’s Kraut Website. I even have a Pinterest Board dedicated just to sauerkraut! You’re sure to find new and creative recipes year-round across all these platforms, especially when you follow Frank’s Kraut on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

If you’re on the hunt for a game day dip that’s a bit out of the ordinary yet remains incredibly crowd-pleasing, this BBQ Chicken & Kraut Dip is a winner. Its creamy, cheesy, smoky, and tangy flavors create a symphony of taste that will have your guests returning for “just one more scoop” long after kickoff.