Name: Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 lb raw); 1 cup paleo mayonnaise; 1/3 cup hot sauce (Frank's Red Hot Original recommended); 1 cup sliced green onions; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried dill; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp celery seeds

There’s something irresistible about a spicy, creamy dip that brings everyone together, and this Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe does exactly that. It’s packed with bold flavors, totally dairy-free, and easy to whip up for game day, parties, or whenever you want a cozy, flavorful snack.

The image shows a white oval dish filled with a creamy, orange-colored dip mixed with shredded pieces of a cooked ingredient, likely chicken, with green herb bits scattered on top. The dip has a slightly rough texture with some darker orange and brown spots, indicating seasoning and cooking. A silver spoon rests in the dish with some dip lifted up, showing the creamy texture and pieces inside. Around the dish on a white marbled surface are sliced cucumber pieces arranged in a loose pile and some light beige tortilla chips to the side. A striped cloth napkin is visible beneath part of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I jumped on the dairy-free dip train because I wanted something that didn’t skimp on flavor but was friendly to my sensitive stomach. This Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe hits all the right notes—spicy, creamy, and packed with protein. Honestly, it’s become my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly or when I need a crowd-pleaser that’s kinder on digestion.

Totally Dairy-Free: Uses paleo mayo and nutritional yeast instead of cheese, perfect if you’re avoiding dairy but still crave that creamy texture.
Keto and Paleo Friendly: Fits into popular health plans without feeling like you’re missing out.
Easy to Customize: You can adjust the heat level and texture to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
Versatile Serving Options: Great with veggies, grain-free crackers, or even just a spoon—no judgment here!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Everything in this recipe is chosen not just for flavor but for how it blends together to create that perfect creamy, spicy dip without any dairy. Remember, grabbing good-quality paleo mayo and your favorite hot sauce really makes a difference.

Flat lay of a pile of fresh shredded cooked chicken, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy paleo mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red hot sauce, a handful of vibrant green onions sliced into rings, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden nutritional yeast flakes, a small white ceramic bowl holding beige onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white garlic powder, a few dried dill sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of tiny celery seeds, fresh celery stalks, crisp carrot sticks, and sliced cucumber arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cooked shredded chicken: This gives the dip its hearty protein base; leftover or rotisserie chicken works wonders to save prep time.
Paleo mayonnaise: Adds creaminess without dairy; look for one with clean ingredients to keep things light and tasty.
Hot sauce: I stick with Frank’s Red Hot because it has the perfect kick and authentic flavor for buffalo dishes.
Sliced green onions: Offers freshness and a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness nicely.
Nutritional yeast: Your secret weapon for that cheesy flavor without the dairy—plus a boost of nutrients!
Onion powder and garlic powder: These build depth to balance the bold flavors.
Dried dill: Adds a subtle herbal note that elevates the dip.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning just right.
Celery seeds: Bring a hint of earthiness and complement the veggies you’ll serve it with.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how forgiving and flexible this Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is. You can turn up the heat if you’re feeling spicy or mellow it out by using less hot sauce. Sometimes I swap the green onions for chives just because I have them on hand, and it works beautifully.

Variation: One time, I tossed in a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh twist, and it added such a nice brightness. You could also swap nutritional yeast for dairy cheese if you aren’t strictly dairy-free—try shredded cheddar or blue cheese crumbles.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

A white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is creamy and light orange with green herb bits mixed in, topped by a melted cheese layer with a slightly browned, bubbly texture and sprinkled chopped green herbs. A woman's hand is dipping a white speckled chip into the dish, lifting a stringy, melted cheese mix with chunks of herbs and sauce clinging to the chip. The background shows blurred green vegetable slices on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Chicken Ready

Whether you’re starting with cooked shredded chicken or cooking raw chicken breasts, get your chicken prepared first. I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience—it saves so much time! If cooking raw, pan-fry the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through, then shred it with forks.

Step 2: Mix All the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, paleo mayo, hot sauce, sliced green onions, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, sea salt, black pepper, and celery seeds. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Taste it and add a little extra hot sauce if you like it spicier—this is your moment to make it perfect.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and the edges have a slight golden crust. Keep an eye on it near the end—no one likes a burnt dip!

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let it cool just a bit, then dig in. It pairs beautifully with crunchy veggies like celery, carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. If you aren’t dairy-free, grain-free crackers or tortilla chips are a fantastic crowd-pleaser.

Top Tip

This recipe shines brightest when you use high-quality ingredients and don’t rush the baking. From my kitchen adventures, these tips helped me nail the dip every time.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and gives you juicy, tender chicken without extra effort.
Adjust Heat Gradually: Start with less hot sauce and build your way up to avoid overpowering the dip.
Don’t Skip Nutritional Yeast: It’s the dairy-free magic that gives you cheesy flavor and depth.
Watch the Oven Time: Baking too long dries out the dip; 20 minutes is just right for a bubbly, creamy finish.

How to Serve Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra sliced green onions on top after baking—that pop of color and fresh bite lifts the whole dish. Sometimes I add a few celery leaves or a tiny drizzle of extra hot sauce if we want a serious kick.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy veggies like celery sticks, carrot batons, or cucumber slices. For game day, I also like adding grain-free crackers or tortilla chips if you aren’t strict paleo. And honestly, rice or cauliflower rice on the side turns it into a satisfying meal for me and my husband.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving the dip in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or a bread bowl (gluten-free bread of course!) to make things festive. You could also serve it layered in a clear glass dish showing off that fiery orange and green onions—makes for a fun, appetizing display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to 4-5 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the next day’s dip surprisingly better!

Freezing

Freezing works well too. I portion the dip into freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight. It’s perfect for meal prepping or having on hand for last-minute gatherings.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep that bubbly texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it can sometimes make the dip a bit watery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dip without any mayonnaise?

Yes! You can substitute paleo mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamier, fresher twist, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Alternatively, use a creamy dairy-free yogurt, but check for added sugars or flavors.

What can I use if I don’t have nutritional yeast?

If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can leave it out or try a small amount of dairy-free cheese substitutes for a similar cheesy flavor. Some people use ground roasted nuts or seeds for added texture and umami.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply mix all the ingredients and cook on high for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally. This hands-off method keeps the dip warm and perfect for parties.

Is this recipe suitable for Whole30?

Absolutely! This Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe uses Whole30-approved ingredients like paleo mayo and no dairy or added sugars, making it an ideal choice for a Whole30 diet.

Final Thoughts

This Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is a little showstopper in my kitchen—it’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor without the dairy baggage. I’m pretty sure once you try it, it’ll become your favorite too, whether for cozy nights or lively gatherings. Give it a whirl, tweak it to your taste, and watch everyone reach for seconds (and thirds!).