Buffalo Wing-Style Smoked Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip

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

Smoked chicken wings with a spicy Buffalo-style glaze paired with a cool, creamy blue cheese dipping sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 165 minutes blends pounds 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 450 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: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 3 pounds of chicken wings with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika, coating evenly.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add soaked hickory wood chips for a robust smoke flavor.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the wings on the smoker rack in a single layer and smoke for 2 to 2.5 hours until the skin is firm and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While wings smoke, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat and stir in 1/4 cup hot sauce until smooth to create the Buffalo glaze.
  5. Step 5: Toss the smoked wings in the warm Buffalo sauce until fully coated.
  6. Step 6: For the blue cheese dip, combine 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives in a bowl; mix until creamy but still slightly chunky.
  7. Step 7: Serve the smoked Buffalo wings hot with the blue cheese dip on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Buffalo Wing-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 Wing-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 Wing-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 Wing-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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