The Korean BBQ Chicken Dip brings together the best of two worlds—bold, spicy Korean BBQ flavors and the creamy, indulgent texture of a classic baked cheese dip. With tender shredded chicken smothered in gochujang-infused BBQ sauce, this dip is a flavor bomb perfect for entertaining or satisfying late-night cravings.
It’s simple to prepare, customizable with your preferred spice level, and pairs beautifully with everything from tortilla chips to toasted baguette slices. Ideal for game days, potlucks, or even cozy nights in, this dip is bound to become a favorite appetizer that impresses without the fuss.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
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1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce (like bulgogi sauce or spicy gochujang-based)
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
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Gochujang or sriracha for topping (optional, for extra heat)
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Tortilla chips, pita chips, or sliced baguette for serving
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a medium bowl, mix shredded chicken and Korean BBQ sauce until fully coated.
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In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, sesame oil, and half of both cheeses. Stir until smooth.
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Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and chopped green onions.
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Transfer the dip mixture to a small baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
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Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
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Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
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Garnish with sesame seeds, cilantro, and a drizzle of gochujang or sriracha if desired.
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Serve immediately with your choice of dippers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Why This Dip Works So Well
What sets the Korean BBQ Chicken Dip apart from other cheesy dips is its depth of flavor. Korean BBQ sauce brings a unique umami richness balanced by tangy, spicy, and sweet notes. When combined with shredded chicken and baked until bubbly with a generous topping of cheese, it becomes an irresistible medley of textures and tastes.
The cream cheese and sour cream base provides a luscious creaminess that tones down the heat of the gochujang and rounds out the boldness of the BBQ flavors. Meanwhile, the melted mozzarella and cheddar create the perfect gooey finish that makes this dip so satisfying.
This dish also benefits from its versatility. It can be served with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, crackers, or even lettuce leaves for a lower-carb option. It’s flexible enough to adapt to different preferences — you can crank up the spice level, experiment with different cheese combinations, or even make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with shredded jackfruit or soy protein.
Occasions and Pairings
Korean BBQ Chicken Dip is made for social occasions. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels both familiar and excitingly different. Whether it’s served during game day gatherings, family parties, potlucks, or even casual movie nights, it never fails to draw attention. It’s warm, hearty, and inviting — the kind of dish guests come back to for seconds (and thirds).
To complement this dip, you can serve a refreshing cucumber salad or Korean pickled radish on the side to help cut through the richness. A light beer, crisp cider, or even a sparkling sake can be excellent beverage companions, as their carbonation and acidity balance the creaminess and spice of the dip.
Flavor Profile Breakdown
The flavor profile of Korean BBQ Chicken Dip is quite layered:
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Sweetness: Comes from ingredients like honey or brown sugar in the BBQ sauce, which balances the spice.
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Spiciness: Gochujang or sriracha adds just the right amount of heat, without overwhelming the palate.
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Umami: Soy sauce, chicken, and cheese bring deep, savory elements.
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Creaminess: From cream cheese and sour cream, this mellows the stronger flavors.
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Freshness: Green onions and optional cilantro add an herby brightness and contrast to the richness.
This balance makes the dip dynamic and exciting to eat. Each bite delivers contrast — soft and gooey cheese, tender chicken, tangy heat, and just a hint of charred BBQ depth.
Nutrition and Serving Tips
While Korean BBQ Chicken Dip is definitely on the indulgent side, it can still fit into balanced eating when served mindfully. Each serving contains a mix of protein (from chicken and cheese), fats (mostly from dairy), and a bit of carbohydrate (depending on your dipping choice).
If you’re looking to make the dish a little lighter, try using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, or increasing the ratio of chicken to cheese. You could even serve it with crunchy vegetables like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips to add a refreshing twist and fiber boost.
This dish is best served hot and fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is still bubbly and the aroma is at its most mouthwatering. If you’re making it ahead of time, assemble everything in a baking dish and store in the refrigerator. Simply pop it in the oven when your guests arrive.
Cultural Appeal and Fusion Influence
The popularity of this dip is also a testament to how international flavors have found a home in everyday kitchens. Korean flavors, once niche or hard to find outside of major cities, are now widely available thanks to the global food market boom. Gochujang, for instance, is now a pantry staple for many food lovers due to its versatility and bold flavor.
This dish bridges cultural gaps by combining ingredients in a way that feels approachable to American audiences while still paying homage to the Korean flavors that inspired it. It represents how fusion cuisine can honor traditional ingredients while reimagining them in completely new and exciting forms.
Adaptations and Variations
There are many ways to adapt Korean BBQ Chicken Dip to suit your preferences or make use of what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:
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Make it Spicier: Add extra gochujang or a few dashes of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for a serious kick.
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Add a Crunchy Top: Sprinkle crushed wonton strips or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for texture.
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Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan cream cheese, and sub the chicken with seasoned tofu or pulled jackfruit.
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Extra Protein: Stir in black beans or edamame for an added nutritional boost.
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Make it a Meal: Spread the dip over cooked rice or noodles and serve it warm as a hearty entrée.
These twists help keep the recipe exciting for repeat enjoyment, and they also make it accessible to a wider range of dietary needs.
Storage and Reheating
If you end up with leftovers (which is rare!), Korean BBQ Chicken Dip stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it with foil or transfer to an airtight container.
To reheat, you can microwave individual servings in short bursts or re-bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Stirring gently during reheating helps restore the creamy consistency. Keep in mind that the cheese may thicken slightly as it cools, so adding a splash of milk or broth when reheating can help loosen it up.
Conclusion
Korean BBQ Chicken Dip is more than just a party snack — it’s a celebration of cross-cultural creativity, bold flavor, and comfort food done right. It takes the universally loved concept of a hot cheese dip and infuses it with the signature elements of Korean BBQ: sweet heat, umami richness, and an irresistible aroma.
Perfect for entertaining or indulging in a cozy night at home, this dip brings excitement to the table with every gooey, flavorful bite. Its ease of preparation and ability to adapt to different palates make it a winning recipe for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike.
Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this dish is a delicious way to explore the magic that happens when culinary traditions collide — proving once again that food knows no boundaries, only possibilities.