Buffalo-Style Smoked Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smoked chicken wings with a spicy buffalo glaze, served with a cooling homemade blue cheese dip perfect for game day or casual gatherings. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 150 minutes blends chicken wings, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 3 lbs chicken wings and season evenly with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, ensuring all surfaces are coated.
  2. Step 2: Soak 2 cups of hickory wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add the soaked hickory chips for a robust smoky flavor.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the chicken wings on the smoker grate in a single layer and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is slightly firm.
  4. Step 4: While wings smoke, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in 1/2 cup hot sauce until fully combined to create the buffalo glaze.
  5. Step 5: Toss the smoked wings in the buffalo glaze until evenly coated and serve immediately with blue cheese dip made by combining 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles, 1/3 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives. Mix until creamy and slightly chunky.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buffalo-Style Smoked Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (30 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Buffalo-Style Smoked Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buffalo-Style Smoked Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buffalo-Style Smoked Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buffalo-Style Smoked Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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