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 (such as 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 incredibly satisfying about a spicy, creamy dip that doesn’t weigh you down—this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe hits all those notes without compromising flavor. It’s perfect for game day or anytime you want a cozy crowd-pleaser that’s paleo, keto, and free from dairy.

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 is one of those dishes that I keep coming back to—no heavy cheeses or weird substitutes, just wholesome, bold flavors that feel indulgent but actually won’t derail your healthy habits. Plus, it’s so simple to throw together!

Rich flavor without dairy: Nutritional yeast gives that cheesy bite but keeps everything dairy-free and allergy-friendly.
Perfect for keto and paleo: Uses paleo mayo and simple ingredients that fit into low-carb and Whole30 lifestyles easily.
Versatile serving options: I love it with crunchy veggies or grain-free crackers, making it both a snack and a meal.
Easy prep and cleanup: You can make it in the oven or slow cooker, whichever fits your schedule better.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients come together to create that signature spicy, creamy dip that’s bursting with flavor without any dairy. Each part plays a role in balancing heat, tang, and texture for that perfect bite every 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: The protein-packed base—leftover chicken or rotisserie works wonders and saves time.
Paleo mayonnaise: Keeps the dip creamy without dairy and adds subtle fat for richness.
Hot sauce: I swear by Frank's RedHot Original for that authentic buffalo flavor, but feel free to adjust heat levels.
Sliced green onions: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the creaminess.
Nutritional yeast: The unsung hero here, it mimics cheesy notes while keeping it dairy-free.
Onion powder and garlic powder: These boost the savory depth without overpowering.
Dried dill: A subtle herbaceous touch that brightens the flavor.
Sea salt and ground black pepper: The essential seasoning duo to bring everything to life.
Celery seeds: Adds gentle complexity and an earthy crunch in the background.

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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

What I love about this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your mood and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with heat levels or add extra herbs—you’ll quickly find your favorite combo.

Variation: I often swap the paleo mayo for avocado mayo when I want a little more healthy fat and a hint of avocado flavor—it works beautifully!
Protein swap: Leftover turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken are just as delicious, giving you kitchen flexibility.
Cheese options: If you’re not strictly dairy-free, toss in a handful of shredded cheddar or some blue cheese crumbles right before baking for extra richness.
Cooling it down: A dollop of full-fat coconut yogurt on top makes a nice cooling counterpoint to the spicy kick.

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 All Your Ingredients

Start by shredding your cooked chicken if it’s not done yet—I like using two forks for that perfect tender shred. Then, measure out your paleo mayo, hot sauce, and spices so everything’s ready to mix. This helps the process feel smooth and carefree.

Step 2: Mix It All Together in a Bowl

Place the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, hot sauce, green onions, nutritional yeast, and spices in a large bowl. Stir it really well—I like to use a big spoon or even my hands (cleaned, of course!) to get everything evenly combined. Don’t be shy about tasting here and adding more hot sauce if you want a spicier dip.

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly and Perfect

Transfer your buffalo chicken mixture into a small baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven preheated to 350°F for about 20 minutes or until you see the edges bubbling and lightly browning. That’s your green light—it means all the flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 4: Serve It Warm with Your Favorite Crunch

Serve immediately with crunchy vegetables like celery sticks, carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, or your choice of keto-friendly crackers. I find the contrast of fresh crisp veggies against the creamy warmth of the dip is heavenly every time.

Top Tip

Over the years making this dip, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee the best flavor and texture. These little tweaks really make your cooking experience easier and the results stellar.

Use shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut—it saves time but tastes fantastic.
Adjust your heat carefully: I’ve found starting with a smaller amount of hot sauce and adding gradually lets you hit your perfect spice level every time.
Don’t skip nutritional yeast: It’s the magic dairy-free ingredient that adds depth and subtle cheesiness.
Keep an eye baking: Avoid drying the dip out by pulling it from the oven as soon as it’s bubbly and golden at the edges.

How to Serve Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

dairy free buffalo chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle a little extra sliced green onion and a dash of celery seeds on top right before serving—it adds a lovely fresh burst and pretty visual pop that makes the dip extra special.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m all about pairing this dip with crunchy veggies like celery, bright carrots, and crisp cucumber slices to balance the richness. On cheat days, grain-free crackers or even toasted tortilla chips (for those not strictly paleo) make perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve this dip in an attractive shallow crock or cast-iron skillet right from the oven. Surround it with an array of colorful veggies and keto-friendly dippers arranged artfully on a large platter—it always gets compliments and disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain that fresh flavor, and it reheats nicely without losing creaminess.

Freezing

Freezing this dip works surprisingly well! I recommend portioning it out before freezing so you can thaw only what you need. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stove or in the oven.

Reheating

Whether from the fridge or freezer, I reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. It’s important to cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Stir once halfway through reheating for even temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Just mix all your ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for about 2 hours. It’s a fantastic set-it-and-forget-it option that keeps the dip warm for serving.

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

You can substitute paleo mayo with avocado mayo or homemade mayo to keep it dairy-free and creamy. Just make sure the mayo you choose fits your dietary preferences.

Is nutritional yeast necessary in this recipe?

While nutritional yeast isn’t mandatory, it adds a wonderful cheesy flavor without dairy. If you’re not dairy-free, you can swap it for shredded cheddar or blue cheese to get a richer taste.

Can I adjust the spice level to be less intense?

Definitely! Start with less hot sauce and add gradually as you mix until you find your perfect heat level. Everyone’s spice tolerance is different, so this lets you customize easily.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is one of my staple “go-to”s because it manages to be simple, comforting, and impressively flavorful all at once. Whether you’re sharing it with friends at a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, I think you’ll find it becomes a favorite fast. Go ahead, give it a try—I’m pretty sure it’ll become your house’s new classic.