The Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect fusion of smoky flavor, creamy texture, and bold spice. It’s the kind of dip that makes people hover near the snack table until it’s gone, which usually doesn’t take long. With every scoop, you get tender smoked chicken mixed with melty cheddar, tangy blue cheese, and that unmistakable buffalo kick.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for game day, backyard BBQs, or any casual get-together. Smoking the chicken elevates the flavor, and when it’s combined with cream cheese, sour cream, and bold hot sauce, the result is a hot dip that hits every craving. It’s easy to prep, easy to smoke, and even easier to eat. Serve with chips, crackers, or celery sticks and watch it disappear.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably smoked)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
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1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
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1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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2 green onions, chopped
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Chips, celery, or crackers for serving
Directions:
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Preheat smoker to 250°F (121°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
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Stir in the buffalo sauce, blue cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and green onions.
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Fold in the shredded smoked chicken, mixing thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper.
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Transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish.
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Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
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Place the dish in the smoker and smoke for 45-60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown top.
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Serve immediately with chips, celery sticks, or crackers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip: A Flavor-Packed Appetizer for Every Occasion
Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just an appetizer, it’s an experience. With bold buffalo sauce, tender smoked chicken, tangy blue cheese, and melty cheddar, this dish brings together the ultimate flavor trio: spicy, creamy, and smoky. Whether you’re hosting a casual party, preparing for game day, or just craving something indulgent, this dip is always a hit.
In this post, we’re going to dive into what makes this dish so special, explore variations and serving ideas, and talk about how to make it work whether you’re a seasoned smoker aficionado or a kitchen beginner. This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a staple dish you’ll want in your rotation year-round.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
There are countless dip recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:
1. Depth of Flavor: The addition of smoked chicken brings a woodsy richness that can’t be matched. Unlike boiled or roasted chicken, smoking infuses each bite with a deep, savory flavor that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
2. Perfectly Creamy Texture: A combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise provides the creamy base. It’s the kind of smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps people coming back for more.
3. Balanced Spice: While it has a kick, the heat is not overwhelming. You can easily customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce or even mixing in a dash of hot pepper flakes for more fire.
4. Crowd-Friendly: This dish is a proven party favorite. Whether you’re serving 4 or 14, it scales up easily, and it’s one of the first things to disappear at any gathering.
5. Versatile: Serve it hot out of the smoker, warm from the oven, or even as leftovers, it’s still delicious. Pair it with chips, veggies, or as a spread for sliders.
What Kind of Chicken Should You Use?
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. You can use:
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Freshly smoked chicken breast or thighs: This gives the richest flavor.
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Store-bought rotisserie chicken: A great shortcut for a quick version.
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Leftover grilled chicken: Adds a charred depth that complements the buffalo heat.
If you want to go all out, smoke your own chicken over hickory or applewood chips. You’ll be amazed how that hint of smokiness transforms the dip from “good” to “incredible.”
Choosing the Right Cheese
This dip isn’t just creamy, it’s cheesy in the best way. A good buffalo chicken dip blends cheeses that melt beautifully and bring flavor.
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Cream cheese serves as the base. Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly.
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Cheddar cheese gives that iconic melt and stretch. Sharp cheddar adds a stronger bite, while mild cheddar makes it more mellow.
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Blue cheese adds tang and depth. If you’re not a fan, swap it for ranch dressing or skip it entirely, though blue cheese lovers will argue it’s what makes the dip unforgettable.
You can also try mozzarella for meltiness or pepper jack for extra spice.
Smoking Tips and Tools
If you’re using a smoker, here are a few tips to get the best results:
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Use a cast iron skillet or heatproof dish to hold the dip. Cast iron retains heat well and gives a lovely golden crust on top.
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Choose your wood chips wisely: Applewood, cherry, or hickory all work well. Applewood gives a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the heat of the buffalo sauce.
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Keep the smoker around 250°F (121°C): This gives the dip time to absorb smoky flavor without drying out.
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Let it bubble and brown: The top should get bubbly and lightly browned for optimal flavor and presentation.
If you don’t have a smoker, don’t worry. You can make this dish in the oven and still get amazing results. Add a touch of liquid smoke to mimic the flavor, or grill your chicken beforehand for that extra layer.
Creative Variations
Want to make it your own? Here are a few variations to try:
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Spicy Bacon Buffalo Dip: Add crumbled smoked bacon for extra saltiness and crunch.
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Ranch Buffalo Chicken Dip: Swap out the blue cheese for ranch dressing or ranch seasoning.
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Low-Carb/Keto Version: Skip the chips and serve with celery sticks, cucumber slices, or mini bell peppers.
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Vegan Twist: Use vegan chicken alternatives, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based mayo for a cruelty-free version.
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Tex-Mex Buffalo Dip: Add a handful of black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños for a Southwestern flair.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:
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Tortilla Chips or Crackers: The go-to option for most gatherings.
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Celery and Carrot Sticks: Classic and refreshing, plus they balance the richness.
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Toasted Baguette Slices or Pita Chips: For an upscale touch.
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Mini Slider Buns or Hawaiian Rolls: Turn it into small sandwiches.
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Waffle Fries or Tater Tots: For a truly indulgent pairing.
If you’re serving this for a party, consider creating a platter with a variety of dippable so guests can mix and match.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
You can absolutely make this dip ahead of time. Prepare the full mixture and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just smoke or bake it until hot and bubbly.
Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Pro tip: Leftover dip also makes a fantastic topping for baked potatoes or stuffed inside grilled wraps for a next-day lunch.
Nutrition and Dietary Notes
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile (based on approximate values for 1 serving out of 8):
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Protein: 20g
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Fat: 24g
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Carbs: 4g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 1g
This dip is naturally low in carbs and gluten-free (if served with gluten-free chips or veggies). It’s not dairy-free, but many ingredients can be substituted with dairy alternatives if needed.
Conclusion
Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip is a delicious union of everything we love in comfort food, rich, smoky, cheesy, spicy, and downright addictive. It’s the kind of appetizer that leaves people asking for the recipe before the bowl is even empty.
Whether you’re a backyard BBQ enthusiast, a game day host, or simply craving something bold and flavorful, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The smoky element takes it to a whole new level, elevating an already-popular classic into a dish that’s memorable and worth making again and again.
So, grab your smoker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress with a dip that hits every flavor note just right. And don’t forget to make extra, it’ll go fast.