Hey there. If you love buffalo chicken dip but can’t have dairy, I’ve got you covered. This dairy-free buffalo chicken dip is creamy, spicy, and so good you won’t even miss the cheese. It’s made with simple ingredients and comes together fast. Plus, I’ve got a little trick to make it extra smooth and rich without dairy. Let me show you how.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish (8×8 or similar size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Fork (for shredding chicken)
Important Info
- Servings: Makes about 2 cups of dip
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $10-$15 depending on the brands you use
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 180 per ¼ cup
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: DairyFreeDiet, GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make Dairy Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this dip and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- ½ cup dairy-free cream cheese (like Kite Hill or homemade cashew cream)
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or any dairy-free buffalo sauce)
- ¼ cup dairy-free ranch dressing
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Shredded chicken | Canned chicken or rotisserie chicken (check for dairy-free seasonings) |
| Dairy-free cream cheese | Blended soaked cashews + lemon juice + garlic powder |
| Buffalo sauce | Hot sauce mixed with melted dairy-free butter |
| Dairy-free ranch | A mix of dairy-free mayo, lemon juice, and dried herbs |
| Nutritional yeast | Omit or use a small amount of dairy-free shredded cheese |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the dairy-free cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Fold in the shredded chicken until it’s evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until heated through and slightly bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Helpful Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just make sure it’s dairy-free.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- For extra creaminess, blend the sauce before mixing with the chicken.
- If you want a thicker dip, add an extra spoonful of dairy-free cream cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container so they don’t dry out.
What to Serve with Dairy Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
You can serve this dip with so many things. Here are some ideas:
- Veggies like celery, carrots, and bell peppers
- Tortilla chips for a crunchy dipper
- Dairy-free crackers
- Pita bread (check for dairy-free options)
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
A small cast iron skillet or a shallow bowl works great for serving. If you want to keep it warm for a party, use a mini slow cooker set on low.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This dip is a game-day favorite. It’s great for Super Bowl parties, potlucks, and family movie nights. It also works well for meal prep—you can make it ahead and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep the dip at room temperature for up to 2 hours during serving. After that, it needs to be refrigerated.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix everything together and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best dairy-free cream cheese for this recipe?
I recommend Kite Hill, Miyoko’s, or homemade cashew cream. They all have a smooth, creamy texture that works well.
Can I make this dip without baking it?
Yes, you can heat it on the stovetop instead. Just mix everything in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?
You can mix hot sauce with dairy-free butter for a similar flavor. If you want something milder, try a BBQ or honey mustard variation.
Is this dip spicy?
It has a little kick, but you can adjust the spice level by using less buffalo sauce or adding more dairy-free ranch.
