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 incredibly satisfying about a crowd-pleasing dip that’s both spicy and comforting, and that’s exactly what you get with this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe. It’s creamy without any dairy, zesty with the perfect kick, and super simple to whip up for any gathering or cozy night in.

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

I have to admit, this recipe quickly became my go-to whenever I’m craving something that’s indulgent but still fits my healthy lifestyle. Trust me, it doesn’t feel like a compromise at all—just pure flavor and comfort.

Dairy-free and paleo-friendly: You get all the rich, creamy goodness without any dairy or artificial additives.
Keto and Whole30 approved: Perfect whether you’re sticking to keto, Whole30, or just looking for clean eating options.
Simple ingredients: Everything comes together with pantry staples plus cooked chicken, no complicated prep needed.
Versatile serving options: Great as a party dip, snack, or even a quick meal when paired with veggies or cauliflower rice.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe combines bold, spicy flavors with creamy textures thanks to some smart ingredient swaps. Each component brings its own magic—nutritional yeast adding a cheesy umami without dairy, and paleo mayo keeping it luxuriously smooth.

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 pre-cooked chicken saves so much time—rotisserie chicken is my secret shortcut here.
Paleo mayonnaise: Adds creaminess without dairy; choose a good quality one with clean ingredients for best results.
Hot sauce: I’m a Frank's Red Hot Original fan—it has the perfect bite without overwhelming the dish.
Sliced green onions: Freshness and a bit of crunch that brightens up the dip.
Nutritional yeast: Gives that cheesy, savory flavor you miss on dairy-free recipes.
Onion powder & garlic powder: Essential pantry spices that deepen the flavor profile.
Dried dill: A little herby note that complements the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.
Sea salt & black pepper: To enhance and balance all those bold flavors.
Celery seeds: Adds subtle earthiness and a classic buffalo dip flair.

📝

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 best things about this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or prefer. I often spice it up a little more with extra hot sauce if I’m in the mood for heat, but you can always dial that back.

Variation: I once added some diced jalapeños to turn up the heat and loved the extra texture it gave. If you want a milder dip, simply reduce the hot sauce or swap it for a milder buffalo sauce.
Cheese alternative: If you’re not dairy-free, adding shredded cheddar or blue cheese crumbles right before serving transforms the dip into a decadent treat.
Slow cooker method: Using a slow cooker keeps it warm for parties and allows the flavors to meld beautifully without you hovering over the oven.

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

Start by shredding your cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken works great for this and saves time. Prep your green onions by slicing thinly. This is also a good moment to get your hot sauce and paleo mayo ready, so everything’s easy to measure and toss together.

Step 2: Mix all ingredients thoroughly

In a large bowl, combine chicken, paleo mayo, hot sauce, green onions, nutritional yeast, and all the spices. I like to taste the mixture here and add a splash more hot sauce if I want a bolder flavor. Mixing well ensures every bite is beautifully seasoned.

Step 3: Bake until bubbly and golden

Transfer your mixture into a small baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until the edges look golden and the dip is bubbly — this part's key because it wakes up all the flavor and texture.

Step 4: Serve warm and enjoy

Once out of the oven, serve warm with crunchy veggies like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or carrots. If you’re not on Whole30, grain-free crackers or tortilla chips are delightful dipping options.

Top Tip

With lots of trial and error in my kitchen, I’ve found a handful of little tips that really make this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Use leftover or rotisserie chicken: It saves so much time, and the shredded texture is perfect for the dip.
Adjust hot sauce carefully: It’s easy to overshoot the spice level, so add a little, mix, and taste before adding more.
Don’t skip baking: Heating the dip until bubbly is what truly brings all the flavors together and adds a lovely creaminess.
Use paleo mayo with good fat content: It’s key to the creamy texture, so pick one with quality oils and simple ingredients.

How to Serve Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions and a pinch of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a few extra celery seeds on top give a subtle crunch and boost to the classic buffalo vibe.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually lay out a big plate of sliced veggies—celery, cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers are my favorites because they’re crisp and refreshing against the creamy dip. If you want more substance, cauliflower rice or a simple green salad pairs wonderfully as a light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting game day or casual parties, I like to serve this dip in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or a rustic bread bowl (for those who aren’t dairy-free). It adds a fun, festive touch that always gets compliments and sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers go straight into an airtight container and into the fridge, where they’re good for about 4-5 days. I usually reheat mine in the oven to keep that baked texture intact, but the microwave works in a pinch.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dip successfully several times. Just let it cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge. When reheated, it still tastes fresh and maintains a nice creamy consistency.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This way, the dip warms evenly and regains that crispy, bubbly edge that makes it so irresistible. Stir halfway through to make sure it heats through nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe suitable for keto?

Absolutely! This recipe uses low-carb ingredients like shredded chicken and paleo mayo, making it perfect for a keto diet. Plus, it’s dairy-free, so it fits many dietary needs seamlessly.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this dip a few hours ahead or even the day before, then bake it just before serving. This makes it ideal for parties or gatherings where you’re managing multiple dishes.

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

If you don’t have paleo mayo on hand, you can substitute with a good-quality dairy-free mayo or even mashed avocado for creaminess, but the texture might be a bit different. Another option is full-fat coconut yogurt for a tangier twist.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Mix all the ingredients and cook on HIGH for 2 hours in your slow cooker for a hands-off approach. It’s perfect for entertaining and keeps the dip warm until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but checks all the boxes for health-conscious eating. I love sharing it with friends because it always surprises them how indulgent and satisfying it is, without any dairy. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your favorite dip next game day or party season!