Name: Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 lb raw); 1 cup paleo mayonnaise; 1/3 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank's Red Hot Original); 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 just something irresistible about spicy, creamy dips that bring people together, especially when they’re also wholesome. This Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe hits all the right notes—tangy, zesty, and utterly satisfying without any dairy. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this Buffalo chicken dip in your snack rotation forever.

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 Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe checks so many boxes for me. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and totally crave-worthy—all while being dairy-free and keto-friendly. I love that it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food without sacrificing taste.

Flavor-packed: The combination of hot sauce, nutritional yeast, and spices gives it that perfect buffalo zing without any dairy overwhelm.
Easy prep: You just mix everything together and bake, or throw it in a slow cooker, making it great for last-minute gatherings.
Dairy-free & healthy: Ideal for those avoiding dairy but still craving a rich, creamy dip that fits keto or Whole30.
Versatile serving: Pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, gluten-free crackers, or even as a hearty topping for cauliflower rice.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dip is a fantastic mash-up of simple ingredients that work together to pack flavor and texture. The paleo mayo keeps it creamy and light, while the nutritional yeast adds that cheesy depth without dairy. Using cooked shredded chicken means this can come together in no time.

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: Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken speeds things up and keeps the texture perfect.
Paleo mayonnaise: Brings creaminess with healthy fats without any dairy—feel free to use your favorite brand.
Hot sauce: I always reach for Frank’s Red Hot Original for that classic buffalo flavor, but feel free to adjust based on heat preference.
Sliced green onions: Adds a mild onion crunch, freshening up the dip.
Nutritional yeast: This is our secret ingredient for cheesy flavor without the cheese—plus, it's packed with nutrients.
Onion and garlic powder: Layer in savory depth to balance the heat.
Dried dill: Just a hint to elevate the flavor complexity.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything together.
Celery seeds: Adds a subtle, aromatic crunch that pairs beautifully with buffalo flavors.

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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 this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is totally flexible. I often play around with how spicy I make it or sneak in different veggies for dips. You should definitely make it your own and experiment—dip adventures are the best kind!

Spice it up: Sometimes I add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to up the heat—if you’re into that kick, give it a try!
Cheesy twist: For a non-dairy cheese boost, nutritional yeast is great, but you can swap in blue cheese crumbles if you don’t mind dairy for a tangy twist.
Slow cooker version: When I have guests coming over, I throw everything in the slow cooker and let it mingle for 2 hours—delicious and fuss-free.
Serving swaps: I’ve tried it with grain-free crackers, tortilla chips, and all sorts of crunchy veggies; carrots and celery sticks always win in my book.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy 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: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by making sure your chicken is shredded—leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. Slice your green onions and measure out your paleo mayo, hot sauce, and spices. Having everything ready makes mixing a breeze and helps you avoid any last-minute scrambling.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with mayonnaise, hot sauce, sliced green onions, nutritional yeast, and your seasonings. I like to taste the mixture at this point to adjust the heat or salt—it’s a little thing that makes all the difference.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mix to a small baking dish and smooth the top. Pop it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and lightly browned around the edges. That oven time helps the flavors meld and gives a slight crispy edge that’s addictive.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving—it’s easier to scoop and all those flavors will be wonderfully melded together. You’re ready to impress any crowd or just enjoy comforting solo bites!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe foolproof and even more delicious. These tips have saved me many times when making it for friends or family.

Use rotisserie chicken: Saves so much time and adds juicy flavor that’s perfect for this dip.
Adjust hot sauce gradually: Everyone’s heat tolerance differs, so start small and add more to taste—you can always spice it up later!
Don’t skip the nutritional yeast: It’s a game-changer for dairy-free recipes, giving that cheesy umami flavor that holds everything together.
Watch the baking time: Too long and it dries out; 20 minutes is perfect for a bubbly, creamy texture with slightly crisp edges.

How to Serve Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

dairy-free buffalo chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a few extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of celery seeds for that little pop of flavor and texture. Sometimes a drizzle of extra hot sauce on top gives it a stunning finish and ramps up the heat if you like it spicy.

Side Dishes

Fresh veggie sticks are my go-to alongside this dip—carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers all work beautifully. If you’re not Whole30 or keto, gluten-free crackers or tortilla chips can transform this into a party favorite. I’ve even served it over cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or casual get-togethers, I like serving this dip in a hollowed-out bell pepper or a small cast-iron skillet for rustic charm. It looks inviting and keeps it warm longer. You can also arrange a veggie platter around it with bright colors to make the presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers go straight into an airtight container and into the fridge. This dip stays fantastic for up to 4-5 days chilled. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dip a couple of times with good success—just pop it into a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture softens a bit, but reheated with care, it tastes just as delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I either microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or warm it gently in an oven set to 350°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly. Adding a splash of water or broth helps if it seems a bit dry after refrigeration.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often prepare the mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it, then bake right before serving. Just add a few extra minutes to bake if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What can I use if I don't have paleo mayonnaise?

If you're not strictly paleo, any good-quality dairy-free mayo will work. You can also try homemade mayo or even mashed avocado for a unique twist, though that will change the texture slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for Whole30 and keto diets?

Yes! It’s free of dairy, grains, and added sugars, making it a great fit for Whole30 and keto. Just be sure your hot sauce is compliant with your specific diet guidelines.

Can I use raw chicken or do I need cooked chicken?

This recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken to keep things quick and easy. If you only have raw chicken, pan-fry breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred them before mixing. It’s a simple step that gets you great results.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it brings the perfect mix of flavor, comfort, and healthful ingredients together. Whether you’re hosting friends, meal prepping for the week, or just indulging in a cozy night in, I hope you find joy in making and sharing this dip as much as I do. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite snack!