How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Queso: A Game Day Favorite the Whole Family Will Love

When you’re searching for delicious recipes that please a crowd, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Queso is a cheesy, savory, flavor-packed winner.

Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you want a comforting appetizer, this queso brings together crispy bacon, tender chicken breast, melty cheese, and a punch of ranch seasoning mix for a crave-worthy dip.

Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or grilling fresh boneless skinless chicken thighs, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The addition of a homemade ranch dressing sets this queso apart from your average cheese dip. Make a batch and enjoy one of the best chicken appetizers!

Ingredients for the Queso:

• 1 pound of shredded chicken (grilled thighs, chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken)
• 1 pound of bacon
• 32 oz Queso Blanco Velveeta
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup green onions
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup of 2% milk
• 1 bag of your favorite tortilla chips

Ingredients for the Homemade Ranch Dressing:

• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

How to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Queso

Grill the Chicken

Start by seasoning boneless skinless chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Grill over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This helps lock in flavor and moisture for your dip. Once grilled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Short on time? Use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to save a step.

While your chicken cooks, fry the bacon until it becomes perfectly crispy bacon. Once done, drain on paper towels and crumble into pieces. Reserve some for topping your dip later.

Make the Queso Base

In a large aluminum foil pan, combine the shredded chicken, cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish), Queso Blanco Velveeta, mozzarella cheese, ranch seasoning mix, green onions, and 2% milk.

Place the foil pan on your smoker or grill set to medium heat, and let it smoke for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This allows all the cheeses to fully melt into a silky, melted cheese consistency and absorb smoky flavor.

Homemade Ranch Dressing

While the queso smokes, whip up the homemade ranch dressing.

Combine all the dressing ingredients—sour cream, mayo, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper—in a small mixing bowl.

Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Final Assembly & Serving

Once your queso is smooth, hot, and bubbly, remove it from the smoker. Drizzle your homemade ranch over the top, followed by a generous handful of crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of green onions. The result? A gooey, rich, and savory chicken bacon ranch dip that’s impossible to resist.

Serve hot with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your chicken bacon ranch queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain that perfect melted cheese texture.

Perfect for the Whole Family

This recipe is ideal for parties, potlucks, or laid-back family nights. It combines everything people love—cheesy goodness, smoky meat, creamy ranch seasoning, and bold flavor—into one big pan. It’s one of those chicken recipesyou’ll be asked to make again and again.

Even better, it’s highly customizable. Try mixing in Colby Jack, sharp cheddar cheese, or spicy jalapeños for added kick. Swap out chicken for pulled pork or add black beans and corn for a Tex-Mex twist. However you make it, this is one of those delicious recipes that guarantees empty bowls and happy faces.

Make It Your Game Day Go-To

Few appetizers scream game day quite like queso, but this chicken bacon ranch dip elevates the classic to a whole new level. It’s hearty, cheesy, meaty, and indulgent—exactly what you want while cheering on your favorite team.

Pair it with cold drinks, a few extra bags of chips, and maybe some celery sticks for a crunchy contrast. Whether you’re hosting or contributing to a spread, this dish is bound to be a fan favorite.

In Summary: This Chicken Bacon Ranch Queso is easy, bold, and perfect for every gathering. From the crispy baconto the homemade ranch and melty cheese, it checks every box for comfort food greatness. So fire up your grill, grab your skillet, and dive into one of the best chicken recipes for game day or any day!

More delicious queso recipes to try!

Smoked Street Corn Queso Dip
This smoky, creamy dip blends fire-roasted corn, melty cheese, and a hint of lime for a bold twist on classic queso. Topped with chili powder, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro, it’s the perfect fusion of Mexican street corn and cheesy dip—ideal for parties, BBQs, or game day gatherings.

Cheeseburger Queso
All the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger packed into a creamy, melty cheese dip. Ground beef, sharp cheddar, pickles, and ketchup-mustard notes come together for a nostalgic twist.

Serve with waffle fries, chips, or slider buns for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game day or casual get-togethers.

Philly Cheesesteak Queso
This savory dip combines thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and provolone with rich, melted cheese for a Philly-inspired masterpiece.

A cheesy take on the classic sandwich, this queso is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for dipping hoagie rolls, tortilla chips, or crispy fries at your next party.

Buffalo Chicken Queso
A spicy, creamy fusion of classic buffalo chicken dip and queso. Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and melty cheese create a bold, tangy dip with just the right kick.

Serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks for the ultimate game day snack or party favorite.

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