yeah I've gotten a lot stronger as my weight has gone up too... but a lot of it has been to my legs, which doesn't translate well to dips/chins!
you have to work out what your goals are... if they are to put on size and strength then your going to have to eat for it... some guys can maintain abs while eating and lifting big, some need to let them go to make progress
put on the muscle now and your metabolism will be quicker when it comes time to restrict calories
everyone thinks they are big enough and have enough muscle etc... until they stand or lift next to a properly big guy... all of a sudden they don't even look like they work out lol