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 or more to taste); 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 truly addictive about the perfect mix of spicy, tangy, and creamy that makes this Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe a standout at any gathering. The beauty is in its simplicity—this dip packs flavor and warmth, all without dairy, making it a fantastic option for anyone avoiding it, yet craving that classic buffalo bite.

A white oval dish filled with a creamy, orange-colored cheesy dip with green herbs mixed in, giving a textured, slightly chunky surface. The dip appears thick, with visible bits of green onion or similar herbs sprinkled on top. A silver spoon inside the dish scoops up a portion, showing the dip's creamy, soft texture mixed with shredded pieces. Next to the dish, there are round slices of fresh cucumber and some light-colored tortilla chips, all placed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible. 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’ve made plenty of buffalo chicken dips over the years, but this dairy-free version is truly a game-changer, especially for those of us who are dairy-sensitive or following paleo or Whole30. It’s creamy and tangy without that heavy dairy feel, and the balance of spices hits just right every time.

Simple Ingredients: You can whip it up quickly with mostly pantry staples and leftover chicken.
Dairy-Free & Paleo-Friendly: Perfect for anyone avoiding dairy or looking for a healthier wing dip alternative.
Versatile Serving Options: Great with veggies, crackers, or even cauliflower rice for a fuller meal experience.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance—mild or fiery, it’s your call.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dip is all about layering flavors and textures that complement each other without relying on dairy. The paleo mayonnaise adds creaminess, nutritional yeast brings cheesy notes, and the blend of spices rounds out the dish. Here are my favorite components and why they matter:

Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken piled neatly, a small white bowl of paleo mayonnaise, a small white bowl filled with bright red hot sauce, a modest bunch of fresh green onions sliced, a small white bowl of golden nutritional yeast flakes, a small white bowl containing pale beige onion powder, a small white bowl with light tan garlic powder, a small white bowl of dried dill herb, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of tiny celery seeds, all arranged symmetrically 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: Using shredded chicken saves time—rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, giving you juicy, tender bites.
Paleo mayonnaise: This dairy-free mayo keeps the dip creamy and rich without any dairy or eggs if you pick the right brand, making it perfect for Whole30.
Hot sauce: I swear by Frank’s Red Hot Original—it has just the right balance of tang and heat that's iconic in buffalo dishes. Feel free to swap for your favorite, but taste as you go.
Sliced green onions: These bring a fresh, mild onion flavor and a little crunch.
Nutritional yeast: This is a genius dairy-free way to add cheesy, savory depth and umami to the dip without any dairy guilt.
Spices (onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill, sea salt, black pepper, celery seeds): These create a well-rounded flavor profile, layering complexity and subtle herbs that you might not expect but will love.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you want to dial up the spice or sneak in a little extra protein, it adapts beautifully. Here's how I like to personalize it depending on the crowd or my mood.

Variation: For a creamier and slightly tangier hit, I occasionally stir in a bit of dairy-free cream cheese or a splash of coconut cream. It’s indulgent yet totally clean!
Milder Version: If you’re not into heat, cut the hot sauce in half and add more mayo or nutritional yeast to balance the flavor.
Extra Veggies: Try folding in finely chopped celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrients.
Slow Cooker Style: I like to set it on HIGH for 2 hours in a slow cooker for when I’m prepping for parties—dip stays warm and delicious without fuss.

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

A close-up view of a white round bowl filled with a creamy orange dip that has melted cheese on top. The dip has a mix of textures including some green herbs sprinkled throughout. A woman's hand is holding a chip covered with the dip, lifting it out of the bowl. The chip is light beige with black specks and is thickly coated in the cheesy dip. The background shows a blurred white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather & Prep Your Ingredients

Start by shredding your cooked chicken—leftovers or rotisserie work perfectly. Then, slice up those green onions to bring fresh bite. Having everything prepped before mixing makes the whole process smoother and faster, trust me!

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a large bowl, toss together your shredded chicken, paleo mayonnaise, hot sauce, green onions, nutritional yeast, and all the spices. Here’s a little tip: Mix well and give it a quick taste—if you like more kick, add extra hot sauce now. This step really lets you tailor the final flavor.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in your preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Look for bubbly edges and a lightly browned top—that’s when you know it’s perfectly done and ready to serve!

Step 4: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Sides

Scoop it out with crisp celery sticks, crunchy carrot slices, or colorful bell peppers. If you’re not dairy-free or Whole30, grain-free crackers or tortilla chips make wonderful partners too. I love how versatile this dip is with whatever you have on hand.

Top Tip

In all my times making this Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe, these tips have saved me from common pitfalls and made it taste consistently amazing. They’re the kind of little secrets I wish I’d known sooner!

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s the quickest shortcut and adds extra juiciness to the dip.
Adjust Hot Sauce Slowly: It’s easier to add more heat than take it away—so taste as you mix!
Don’t Skip the Nutritional Yeast: It’s the secret to that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Watch the Bake Time: Overbaking can dry the dip out, so 20 minutes is just right for bubbly, creamy texture.

How to Serve Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of celery seeds—it adds that subtle crunch and fresh pop that brightens the rich buffalo flavors. Sometimes I add a dash of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Veggie sticks like celery, carrot, and cucumbers are my go-to for dipping, keeping things light and crunchy. When I’m feeling a bit indulgent, I serve this dip alongside grain-free crackers or paleo-friendly tortillas, which everyone seems to love. For a more filling meal, cauliflower rice or simple steamed veggies pair wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I've enjoyed serving this dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl made from gluten-free or paleo bread, which looks festive and invites guests to dig in. Another fun idea is layering the dip in a clear casserole dish topped with colorful veggie slices arranged on top—makes for an eye-catching centerpiece that's as tasty as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually lasts beautifully for 4-5 days. I find the flavors actually develop more when it chills overnight, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance or save leftovers for later, this dip freezes surprisingly well. Just pop it in a freezer-safe dish and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the texture might be a touch different, but the flavor remains spot on.

Reheating

I typically reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, which helps the dip regain its creamy, bubbly charm. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch—just stir halfway through to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs yourself by pan-frying or baking until fully cooked. Then use them just like the rotisserie chicken in the recipe.

What if I’m not a fan of spicy food?

No worries at all—you can reduce the hot sauce significantly, or substitute with a milder sauce or even a smoky barbecue sauce. Just adjust the other seasonings to keep the flavor balanced.

Is nutritional yeast necessary for this recipe?

Nutritional yeast is key for delivering that cheesy, savory flavor without dairy. However, if you’re not dairy-free, feel free to swap in shredded cheddar cheese or add blue cheese crumbles for a classic buffalo taste.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for about 2 hours. It’s perfect for parties because it stays warm and bubbly without extra fuss.

Final Thoughts

This Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is truly one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s flavorful, inclusive for various diets, and downright comforting. Whether I'm hosting game day or enjoying a casual night in, it hits the spot every time. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as satisfying as I do—happy dipping!