Name: Healthy 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, or more to taste (I like 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 something undeniably crave-worthy about a kick of spice paired with creamy goodness, and that’s exactly why I adore this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe. It’s a game-changer for anyone wanting bold flavors without the dairy or guilt, delivering a rich, tangy dip everyone will reach for again and again.

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 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

Honestly, this recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it strikes just the right balance — spicy but not overpowering, creamy yet dairy-free, and comforting with wholesome ingredients. You’re going to love how simple it is to whip up and how versatile it is for everyone at the table.

Dairy-Free and Paleo-Friendly: Perfect for those avoiding dairy or following a paleo diet without sacrificing flavor.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like paleo mayo and nutritional yeast that blend beautifully to mimic that cheesy buffalo dip vibe.
Quick & Easy: Prep time is just minutes, and it bakes up in about 20 — ideal for last-minute game day snacks or casual dinners.
Customizable Heat Level: You can dial up or down the hot sauce to make it just the way you (and your guests) like it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a part in building a dip that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spicy, without needing dairy cheese. Shopping for paleo mayo and nutritional yeast might be new to some, but they really elevate this healthy dairy-free buffalo chicken dip recipe in the best way.

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: Great way to use leftover chicken and adds the perfect amount of protein.
Paleo mayonnaise: This gives you that creamy base but keeps the dip dairy-free without losing richness.
Hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended): Classic tangy buffalo flavor that you can adjust to taste.
Sliced green onions: Adds freshness and a subtle crunch that complements the creamy dip.
Nutritional yeast: My favorite dairy-free way to get that cheesy nutty flavor without cheese.
Onion powder & garlic powder: These dry seasonings deepen the savory aspect with no fuss.
Dried dill: A surprising herb that brightens the dip and adds a touch of earthiness.
Sea salt & black pepper: Just the right amount to bring all those flavors together.
Celery seeds: It might seem small, but this adds a classic celery note that pairs well with buffalo flavor.

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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 about this healthy dairy-free buffalo chicken dip recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to turn up the heat or sneak in extra veggies, this dip can handle it — you really can make it your own.

Add more heat: I sometimes stir in extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne if I’m feeling bold that day. It’s a nice kick without overwhelming the creaminess.
Make it milder: If you prefer less spice, dial back the hot sauce and add a bit more paleo mayo to keep that balance.
Swap the chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken or shredded turkey works just as well – perfect for using what you have on hand.
Extra texture: Toss in some finely diced celery or bell peppers for crunch and a fresh contrast to the dip's smoothness.

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

I like to have everything ready before mixing — shredded chicken, paleo mayo, and all your spices. This step saves you from scrambling later. Also, don’t forget to preheat the oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready when your dip mixture is assembled.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

Dump all the ingredients into a large bowl and stir until everything is evenly combined. Here’s a pro tip: taste your dip at this stage and add a little more hot sauce if you want it spicier — better to adjust before baking.

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly and Perfect

Transfer the dip to a small baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 20 minutes until the edges start to brown lightly and the dip is bubbling — this means it’s perfectly heated through and ready to scoop.

Alternative: Make It in the Slow Cooker

If you want hands-off cooking, mix all ingredients and set your slow cooker on HIGH for 2 hours. It’s a lifesaver for hosting — keeps the dip warm and tasty without extra heat from the oven. Just stir it before serving.

Top Tip

After making this dip many times, I've discovered a few simple tricks that take it from good to outstanding — and will really help you succeed on your first try.

Use leftover chicken: Saves time and adds flavor — rotisserie chicken works perfectly, no need to cook fresh every time.
Adjust sauces slowly: Start with less hot sauce and increase gradually; it’s easier to add heat than to tone it down later.
Don’t skip nutritional yeast: It’s the magic ingredient that gives creaminess and cheesy flavor without dairy.
Bake just right: Watch the edges for bubbling and slight browning — that’s when it’s perfectly melty without drying out.

How to Serve Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

dairy-free buffalo chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra sliced green onions on top just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor. Sometimes a little chopped fresh parsley adds color and brightness. A few celery sticks on the side aren’t just for dipping — they also add a nice textural contrast.

Side Dishes

This dip shines alongside crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. When I’m not eating Whole30, gluten-free crackers or tortilla chips are my go-to for a little crunch. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice if you want a more substantial meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or parties, I like serving the dip in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or even a bread bowl for fun presentation. You can arrange the veggies or chips around in a colorful platter to make it extra inviting. Little bowls of ranch or extra hot sauce on the side always get compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for about 4 to 5 days. It’s great for quick snacks or lunches the next day — just remember to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

Freezing works, but with a slight texture change after thawing. I recommend freezing in portion-sized containers so you can thaw just what you need. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly again. Microwaving works too if you're short on time, but I find the oven reheat keeps it creamier and more evenly warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Absolutely! You can cook raw chicken breasts or thighs by pan-frying them over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Then shred and use in the recipe as usual.

What if I don’t have paleo mayonnaise?

You can substitute with any dairy-free mayo you prefer, or even use mashed avocado for a slightly different creamy texture with added nutrients. Just adjust flavors as needed.

Can I make this dip less spicy?

Definitely! Start with less hot sauce and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s harder to cool it down once the heat is in. Adding extra mayo can help mellow spicy flavors too.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

While it’s not mandatory, nutritional yeast gives this dip a wonderful cheesy, savory note that’s hard to replicate otherwise — especially if you’re avoiding dairy. You can skip it, but it’s a great flavor booster.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe holds a special place in my heart—and my snack rotation—because it proves you can enjoy that classic buffalo flavor without dairy, without compromising on taste or texture. Give it a try for your next gathering or cozy night in, and I promise you’ll keep coming back for more. It’s honestly one of the best ways I’ve found to make a crowd-pleasing dip that feels a little lighter and a lot more nourishing.