This Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip takes everything you love about buffalo wings and transforms it into a creamy, crave-worthy dip with a rich depth of smoky flavor. Blending shredded chicken with tangy buffalo sauce, ranch, and blue cheese, it hits that perfect spicy-savory balance.
Whether you’re prepping for game day, a backyard BBQ, or a cozy movie night in, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it warm and bubbly right from the smoker with crunchy chips, fresh veggies, or toasted baguette slices. It’s comfort food meets crowd-pleaser in the best way possible.
Full Recipe:
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1 ½ cups shredded chicken (smoked, grilled, rotisserie, or canned)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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⅔ cup buffalo wing sauce (regular or extra hot)
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½ cup ranch dressing (preferably refrigerated jarred kind)
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½ cup crumbled blue cheese
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3 green onions, finely chopped
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¼ tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Directions:
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Preheat smoker to 250°F and add your choice of wood chips (apple, cherry, or pecan) about 5 minutes before placing the dip in.
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In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
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Fold in the shredded chicken gently until fully coated.
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Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch aluminum pan or cast iron skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula. Add extra blue cheese crumbles if desired.
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Place the pan in the smoker. Close the lid and smoke for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the edges are bubbling and the dip is heated through.
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Remove from smoker, allow to cool for 5–10 minutes, and serve with chips, sliced baguettes, or veggie sticks.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 90–120 minutes | Total Time: 100–130 minutes
Kcal: 321 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip has become a staple at parties, game days, potlucks, and weekend hangouts. But if you really want to elevate this classic appetizer, smoking it adds an irresistible depth of flavor. The Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip is a bold, savory dish that combines everything you love about buffalo wings in a hot, cheesy, creamy format—with the rich, wood-fired essence of your smoker. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to take their appetizer game up a notch. Whether you’re a grill master or a weekend warrior with a passion for bold flavors, this dish is easy to prepare and full of mouthwatering complexity.
Why Smoke Your Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Smoking adds a whole new dimension to traditional buffalo chicken dip. While the classic version is already loaded with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and hot sauce, smoking infuses the entire dish with a deep, subtle richness that can’t be achieved in the oven or slow cooker.
Using a smoker introduces wood smoke directly into the dish’s surface, penetrating the creamy layers and enhancing the savory qualities of the chicken and cheese. The end result? A hot dip that’s gooey, spicy, and layered with smoky complexity in every bite.
Choosing the Right Wood for Smoking
One of the key elements that influences the flavor of your smoked buffalo chicken dip is the type of wood you choose. Here are a few popular options:
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Applewood: Mild and subtly sweet, great for those who prefer a light smoke.
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Cherry wood: Adds a sweet, fruity note that balances beautifully with the tangy buffalo sauce.
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Pecan wood: Offers a stronger, nuttier flavor that gives the dip a deeper, rustic profile.
Each wood type brings its own character, so you can tailor the smoky essence to your personal preference or the audience you’re serving.
Protein Choices for the Dip
The dip calls for shredded chicken, but you have a variety of options when it comes to sourcing that:
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Smoked chicken: For double-smoked flavor and unbeatable texture.
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Grilled or baked chicken: A quick and easy option for busy days.
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Rotisserie chicken: Adds moisture and saves time with no need for prep.
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Canned chicken: A budget-friendly, pantry-staple alternative that works in a pinch.
The versatility of this dip means you can use whatever you have on hand, which makes it ideal for both impromptu gatherings and carefully planned menus.
Customizing the Flavor Profile
One of the best things about this dish is its flexibility. Whether you’re tweaking it to suit dietary needs or just want to try something new, there are lots of ways to customize it:
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Dairy swaps: Sub Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a tangy, lower-fat option.
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Different cheeses: Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness.
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Add heat: Boost the spice factor with jalapeños, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce.
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Blue cheese dressing vs. ranch: Depending on whether you’re a ranch or blue cheese fan, you can swap out the dressing component to better match your palate.
Even small changes to the base ingredients can give the dish an entirely new spin.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve It With
This dip is the centerpiece of any snack table, but it truly shines when paired with the right dippers. Here are some favorites:
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Tortilla chips: A classic for a reason—perfectly crunchy and salty.
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Sliced baguette or crostini: Brings a rustic touch and holds the dip well.
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Celery sticks and carrots: For a cool, crisp contrast (and a great low-carb option).
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Pita chips or crackers: Adds variety in flavor and texture.
Because the dip is rich and hearty, pairing it with fresh or crisp elements can help balance the experience.
Why It Works for Any Occasion
The Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip is an ideal choice for multiple types of events. Here’s why:
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Game day essential: It’s hearty, flavorful, and made for sharing.
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Backyard BBQs and cookouts: Matches perfectly with grilled fare and smoked meats.
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Holiday potlucks: Easy to transport and reheat, and always a hit on the buffet.
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Movie nights: Pairs well with cold drinks and a cozy night in.
Its versatility makes it one of those recipes that people will ask for again and again.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can easily prepare this dip ahead of time. Just mix the ingredients, place them in your pan or skillet, and refrigerate until ready to smoke. It’s a great time-saving trick for party prep.
Leftovers? No problem. This dip stores well in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Simply reheat in the microwave until warmed through or place in the oven for a crispier top.
It also freezes surprisingly well—though the texture may be slightly different when reheated. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Dietary Considerations and Substitutions
If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, there are several ways to make this dish work:
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Keto or low-carb: Serve with raw veggies and use low-carb ranch dressing.
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Gluten-free: Ensure all sauces and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
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Dairy-free or vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese, shredded vegan cheese, and dairy-free dressing. Swap out chicken for jackfruit or tempeh.
Even when modified, this dip maintains its bold, comforting flavor and creamy texture.
Tips for Perfecting the Dip Every Time
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Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing.
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Don’t oversmoke—about 90 minutes to 2 hours at 250°F is the sweet spot.
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Taste and adjust seasoning before smoking. Some buffalo sauces are saltier than others.
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Top with extra cheese or even breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy layer.
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Serve warm for the ultimate creamy and dippable experience.
These small tricks make all the difference between a good dip and one that disappears within minutes.
Why People Love This Dish
This recipe brings together several favorite flavor elements into one creamy, spicy, indulgent dip. It hits all the right notes: tangy, cheesy, spicy, smoky, and ultra-satisfying.
Whether you’re an experienced smoker or new to using a grill or pellet smoker, this dish is incredibly forgiving and hard to mess up. It also makes people feel nostalgic—buffalo wings, cheesy casseroles, Super Bowl snacks—and those feelings create lasting food memories.
Once people try it, they’re hooked. It becomes a recipe that’s passed around and recreated year after year.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Flavor-Lovers
Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just an appetizer—it’s an experience. The smoky twist elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary, giving your guests something truly memorable. Whether you’re entertaining a big crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this dip has all the comfort and boldness you could want in a dish.
Its rich texture, customizable ingredients, and simple prep make it one of the most versatile and rewarding recipes you can master. Make it once, and it’ll become a permanent fixture in your recipe collection.
So fire up your smoker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make the best buffalo chicken dip you’ve ever tasted. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you.