The ultimate party starter, this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy, cheesy, and packs just the right amount of spicy heat. By combining the bold flavor of buffalo sauce with tender smoked chicken, this dish elevates any snack table to instant favorite status.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, throwing a weekend party, or just in the mood for something indulgent, this hot dip brings that ooey-gooey comfort food factor in every scoop. Paired with crunchy chips or crisp veggie sticks, it’s guaranteed to vanish within minutes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (preferably smoked or grilled)
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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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1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
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Optional: crumbled blue cheese or ranch drizzle for topping
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
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Stir in buffalo sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar, mozzarella, and chopped green onions.
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Spread the mixture into a baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
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Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with extra green onions and optional crumbled blue cheese or ranch drizzle.
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Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or toasted bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer
Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip is the kind of dish that instantly becomes the centerpiece of any gathering. Whether it’s a football Sunday, backyard barbecue, or casual get-together, this dip brings people together with its rich, spicy, and smoky profile. It’s a modern twist on a classic party staple, blending creamy textures with the bold, unmistakable flavor of buffalo sauce and the added depth of wood smoke. It’s comfort food at its most indulgent warm, gooey, and full of flavor.
This dip doesn’t just offer taste it delivers an experience. From the moment it hits the smoker to the first scoop with a crispy tortilla chip, it captivates with its layered aroma and visual appeal. The smoked cream cheese melds beautifully with shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, and sharp cheddar, while the hot buffalo sauce adds that signature heat lovers crave. Once pulled off the smoker, the surface caramelizes into a rich golden brown, dotted with melted cheese and flecks of green onion, creating the ultimate scoopable delight.
Why Smoke a Dip?
What sets this version of Buffalo Chicken Dip apart is the use of a smoker to infuse the entire dish with an unmistakable smokiness. While many classic dips are baked or cooked in the oven, this one goes the extra mile by slow-cooking on a smoker or grill, allowing the flavors to marry in a way traditional methods just can’t replicate.
Smoking food isn’t just about adding flavor it’s about creating a unique culinary moment. The low-and-slow cooking method lets the ingredients break down and fuse together gradually, which results in an ultra-smooth, deeply flavored dip. The smoke doesn’t overpower the dish either instead, it complements the spice of the buffalo sauce and the tanginess of the ranch seasoning, creating a balanced, addictive bite every time.
A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
The flavor profile of this dip is dynamic and multidimensional. It starts with the savory umami of shredded chicken, which acts as the backbone of the dish. The ranch seasoning adds a zesty, herbaceous quality that cuts through the richness. Buffalo sauce provides the heat and the vinegary tang that gives this dip its punch, while cream cheese adds lusciousness and body.
What really brings it together is the cheese usually a blend of cheddar or mozzarella that melts into creamy strands and enhances both texture and taste. As the dip smokes, the flavors concentrate, and the slight char from the edges adds texture and complexity. Topped with chopped scallions or even a few crumbles of blue cheese for a funky finish, this dip becomes a dish that hits every note: creamy, spicy, smoky, and savory.
Perfect for Parties, Tailgates, and Holidays
This dip is practically made for sharing. It’s easy to transport, can be made ahead, and reheats beautifully ideal for any occasion where finger food is a must. It’s also endlessly versatile. Serve it with tortilla chips, crostini, pita wedges, celery sticks, or even stuffed into mini bell peppers for a low-carb version.
Beyond the traditional tailgate, this smoked buffalo chicken dip fits in at Super Bowl parties, holiday spreads, potlucks, and casual weekend gatherings. Its approachable ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a guaranteed hit, even among picky eaters.
Easy Customizations and Variations
Another reason this dip stands out is how easily it can be customized. Want to make it spicier? Use a hotter buffalo sauce or add diced jalapeños. Prefer something milder? Choose a milder sauce and cut back slightly. You can swap ranch seasoning for blue cheese dressing for a more traditional wing flavor, or experiment with different cheeses for extra richness.
Vegetarians can substitute shredded jackfruit or meat alternatives for the chicken, and you can even transform it into a keto-friendly dish by omitting breadcrumbs or serving it with low-carb dippers.
The dip can also be baked in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish if a smoker isn’t available, though you’ll miss out on that deep, smoky essence. Either way, the base recipe is forgiving and flexible a true asset for home cooks of all skill levels.
Tips for the Best Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here are some quick tips to ensure your dip turns out perfect every time:
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor.
- Smoke low and slow — aim for 250°F (120°C) for even heat distribution.
- Use wood chips like hickory or applewood to add the best smoke flavor without overpowering.
- Cover the dish during part of the cook to keep the dip creamy and prevent drying out.
- Stir halfway through to blend ingredients and encourage even melting.
- Garnish last — sprinkle with chopped green onions, parsley, or blue cheese right before serving for a beautiful finish.
The Smoked Dip Trend
Smoked dips have grown in popularity thanks to the rise of backyard grilling and smokers becoming more accessible. More food lovers are taking their favorite comfort dishes outdoors, exploring how smoke transforms even the simplest recipes. Dips like smoked queso, smoked spinach-artichoke dip, and now smoked buffalo chicken dip are leading this trend, showcasing how smoking isn’t just for meat anymore.
Social media has helped fuel this movement, with viral recipe videos featuring cheese pulls and bubbling surfaces and this smoked dip is no exception. The visual payoff is just as satisfying as the flavor, making it one of the most shared and photographed appetizers online.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, this dip stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly or transfer to an airtight container. When ready to reheat, place in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until bubbling again. It can also be microwaved in 30-second increments, stirring in between.
For best results, add a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating to revive that creamy, gooey texture.
Pairing Suggestions
This smoked buffalo chicken dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of drinks. Light beers, crisp ciders, or even sparkling water with lime help offset the dip’s rich texture and heat. If you’re serving this at a dinner party or more elevated gathering, consider a chilled rosé or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast.
On the food side, it can be part of a larger spread with sliders, veggie trays, deviled eggs, or grilled skewers. It also works well on game nights alongside classics like nachos, wings, and chili.
Conclusion: Smoky, Spicy, and Unforgettable
Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip takes everything you love about traditional buffalo chicken dip and elevates it with a smoky depth and melty richness that’s impossible to resist. It’s a powerhouse appetizer flavorful, comforting, and just the right amount of spicy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic party dips or someone looking to try something bold and new, this recipe delivers every single time.
With its make-ahead ease, crowd-pleasing taste, and adaptable format, it’s no surprise this dip has become a go-to favorite. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it deserves a spot in every host’s recipe arsenal. Fire up your smoker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to serve the ultimate appetizer that will keep guests coming back for more.