Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with a dip that’s so incredibly delicious, no one will guess it’s completely dairy-free! This dairy-free buffalo chicken dip is a true culinary marvel, delivering all the beloved flavors of traditional buffalo dip—creamy, spicy, and bursting with bold buffalo goodness—without a single trace of dairy. It’s the ultimate crowd-plepleaser, perfect for any gathering, from casual game nights and festive parties to holiday celebrations. Serve it warm, nestled beside a colorful array of crunchy tortilla chips, crisp celery and carrot sticks, or your favorite crackers, and prepare to watch it vanish in record time. Its exceptional flavor profile and satisfying texture make it an instant favorite that caters to diverse dietary needs without compromising on taste.
Crafting a buffalo chicken dip that's dairy-free yet tastes just as indulgent as its traditional counterpart might seem like a challenge, but it's entirely possible with the right ingredients. Our recipe achieves that desired rich and creamy texture by thoughtfully integrating high-quality dairy-free alternatives that mimic the tang and decadence of conventional dairy products. By utilizing a luscious dairy-free cream cheese and a savory plant-based ranch alternative, we ensure this dip retains its classic, irresistible appeal. Whether you’re hosting a lively party, gathering friends for a game night, or enjoying a casual get-together, this recipe offers a foolproof way to bring bold, satisfying flavors to your table, guaranteeing smiles all around.
This recipe is designed for versatility. If you prefer to make a traditional buffalo chicken dip, simply swap out the dairy-free cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch dressing for their regular dairy counterparts. For those craving more creative buffalo-inspired appetizers, consider exploring options like crispy Buffalo chicken wontons or delightful Buffalo chicken bomb biscuits, which bring a similar spicy kick in different forms.
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Why We Love this Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Uncompromised Flavor, Dairy-Free Delight: This recipe truly delivers all the bold, classic buffalo chicken flavor you crave, without a single drop of dairy. We've perfected the blend of ingredients to ensure every bite is just as rich, tangy, and spicy as the traditional version, making it an inclusive and satisfying option for everyone at your table. It’s a game-changer for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to explore plant-based options.
- A One-Skillet Wonder for Easy Prep: Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans! This incredible dip comes together beautifully in a single skillet, streamlining your cooking process and minimizing cleanup. If you're fortunate enough to own a cast iron skillet, the experience is even better—it transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven, helping to lock in those deep, rich flavors and develop a perfectly bubbly, golden top. This convenience makes it ideal for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining.
- Effortless Entertaining with Make-Ahead Magic: Planning a party or a game day spread can be stressful, but this dip simplifies things considerably. You can easily prep it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and then simply pop it into the oven just before your guests arrive. This make-ahead capability ensures you have a warm, creamy, and irresistible appetizer ready to dip into without last-minute fuss, allowing you to relax and enjoy the company.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Cooked Chicken: The foundation of this dip is delicious shredded chicken. For ultimate convenience, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken, which provides tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Alternatively, you can easily prepare your own shredded chicken; our guides on how to cook shredded chicken for creamy enchiladas or making Instant Pot shredded chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. Aim for about 3 cups of shredded chicken.
- Avocado or Vegetable Oil: A small amount of oil is used to sauté the onions, creating a flavorful base for the dip. While I personally prefer the mild flavor and high smoke point of avocado oil, feel free to use your preferred cooking oil, such as olive oil or canola oil, for this step.
- Cream Cheese (Dairy-Free or Regular): This is key for the dip's signature creaminess. For the best results and a truly rich buffalo cheese dip, always opt for full-fat cream cheese, whether you're using a dairy-free alternative or traditional cream cheese. Reduced-fat or fat-free versions tend to separate and can result in a less satisfying texture. For a dairy-free option, brands like Violife, Kite Hill, or Miyoko's Kitchen offer excellent cream cheese alternatives that melt beautifully.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Dairy-Free or Regular): Sharp cheddar provides a wonderful tang and depth of flavor. You can use a dairy-free shredded cheddar or regular dairy sharp cheddar. For an even more complex flavor and superior melt, consider using a blend of cheeses, such as half cheddar and half mozzarella, or a combination of cheddar and Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheeses. A crucial tip for achieving that desirable, stretchy cheese pull is to shred your own block of cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly and can give your dip a slightly grainy texture.
- Frank’s Original Hot Sauce: The iconic flavor of buffalo dip comes from Frank’s Original Hot Sauce. Its distinctive cayenne pepper base provides the perfect balance of heat and tang. While Frank’s is highly recommended for an authentic taste, you can certainly experiment with your favorite hot sauce to customize the spice level and flavor profile.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise contributes to the dip's luxurious creaminess and helps bind all the ingredients together. Using a high-quality mayonnaise is important to ensure a stable emulsion that won't separate during baking, resulting in a consistently smooth and luscious dip.
- Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing adds a cool, herbaceous counterpoint to the spicy buffalo flavor. For a dairy-free version, I used Hidden Valley Plant-Based Ranch, which is widely available and performs well. If you prefer to make your own, refer to the recipe card notes for instructions on creating a homemade ranch dressing substitute using dry seasonings.
- Seasonings and Herbs: A thoughtful blend of seasonings is vital for a truly flavorful dip. Dried dill is an often-underestimated ingredient, but its bright, herbaceous notes truly make the flavors pop in this buffalo cheese dip. Garlic powder and onion powder are indispensable, adding a deep, savory richness that simple salt and pepper alone cannot achieve, rounding out the dip's overall profile.
- Green Onion: Don't skip the sliced green onion! Beyond adding a vibrant pop of color, the fresh green onion contributes a crucial tangy, subtly spicy bite that elevates the dip's flavor to the next level. It adds a welcome freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken.
Make the most of any leftover shredded chicken by incorporating it into these delicious and easy recipes: Crock Pot honey mustard chicken, rotisserie chicken BBQ sliders, or a comforting chicken stove top stuffing casserole.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo Dip Without Ranch Dressing: If ranch isn't your preference, you can easily swap it for blue cheese dressing to introduce a different tangy and savory note. For those who prefer to make their own seasonings, we've included instructions for a homemade dairy-free ranch dressing seasoning mix in the recipe notes, allowing you to control the flavor precisely.
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip: For a hands-off approach, this dip adapts beautifully to a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in your Crock Pot, set it to high for two hours, and stir thoroughly every 30 minutes to ensure even heating and melting. Once heated through and creamy, reduce the temperature to warm, and it will be ready to serve whenever your guests are.
🎯Pro Tip: How to Make Shredded Chicken for Buffalo Dip
Here’s a kitchen hack you’ll wish you knew sooner for perfectly shredded chicken every time! You can shred boneless, cooked poultry in a mere 15 seconds using a stand mixer. Simply add your cooked chicken breasts (or other boneless poultry) to your mixing bowl. Attach the wire whisk or flat beater, set the mixer to low speed, and let it work its magic. This method saves you from tedious hand-shredding and ensures consistently shredded chicken, perfect for your buffalo dip.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
- Skillet
- Baking sheet or casserole dish – optional if you use an oven-safe skillet rated for 400ºF.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip (Dairy Free)
Creating this irresistible dairy-free buffalo chicken dip is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect, creamy, and spicy appetizer:
- Prepare Your Oven and Sauté Onions: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 400° F (200°C) to ensure it's ready for baking. In an oven-safe skillet (or a regular skillet if you plan to transfer the dip), add the chopped yellow onions and avocado oil. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onions soften and become beautifully translucent. This step builds a foundational layer of flavor for your dip.
- Combine and Melt the Creamy Base: Reduce the heat slightly. To the skillet with the sautéed onions, add the softened dairy-free cream cheese, shredded dairy-free cheddar cheese, Frank’s original hot sauce, mayonnaise, dairy-free ranch dressing, and all your specified seasonings. Stir continuously as the ingredients warm and melt, ensuring everything combines into a smooth, creamy, and homogenous mixture. Once the base is perfectly velvety, fold in the cooked and shredded chicken, mixing thoroughly until every piece of chicken is generously coated with the rich buffalo sauce.
- Bake to Perfection and Thicken: If your skillet is not oven-safe up to 400ºF, carefully transfer the chicken buffalo dip mixture into an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven at 400ºF for 20 minutes. After the initial 20 minutes, gently stir the dip to redistribute the melted ingredients and prevent any drying. Return it to the oven for an additional five minutes to finish baking and achieve that perfect bubbly texture. Once done, remove the dairy-free buffalo chicken dip from the oven, stir it one more time, and then allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the dip to thicken slightly, resulting in that ideal scoopable consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly sliced green onion over the top of your warm and delicious easy buffalo chicken dip. The vibrant green not only adds a beautiful visual contrast but also a refreshing, pungent flavor that perfectly complements the rich and spicy dip.
Serving Suggestions
This dairy-free buffalo chicken dip is undeniably a must-have for any game day spread, but its versatility extends far beyond. Elevate your appetizer game by serving it alongside classic crispy tortilla chips, or for a healthier option, pair it with crunchy celery and carrot sticks. If you're hosting, consider a sliced baguette or sturdy bread cubes for hearty scooping. For an extra kick of heat that buffalo lovers will appreciate, drizzle a little more buffalo wing sauce over the top just before serving. Thinking outside the dip bowl? Spoon this flavorful mixture over baked chicken thighs for a creative and satisfying main course, or use it as a filling for wraps and tacos. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this buffalo chicken dip (dairy-free) promises to be the undisputed MVP of your next gathering, impressing every palate with its bold and irresistible flavor!
Looking for even more delightful appetizers to pair with this sensational dip? Dive into our comprehensive list of 40 finger food ideas for parties, packed with delicious and easy-to-make snacks perfect for any gathering!
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Crafting your own dairy-free homemade ranch seasoning mix is simple and allows you to control the ingredients. To do so, whisk together 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried chives, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried dill. You can then add this mix directly to your dip ingredients or combine it with a dairy-free milk alternative and a touch of vinegar to create a liquid ranch dressing.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious dip for days. Allow the dip to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any bacterial growth.
Yes, the Crock Pot is an excellent option for a slower, more hands-off cooking method. Simply place all the dip ingredients into your slow cooker. Set the temperature to high and cook for approximately two hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even heating and melting of all the components. Once the dip is hot and creamy, reduce the setting to warm, and it will be ready to serve whenever your guests are.
Reheating leftovers is simple. For individual portions, microwave the dip at 50% power for 1 minute intervals, stirring well between each interval, until it is thoroughly heated through and creamy again. For larger quantities, cover the dip with foil to prevent drying, and bake it in an oven preheated to 350ºF (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it's bubbling and heated throughout. Stir before serving.
Yes, canned chicken is a perfectly acceptable and convenient alternative for this recipe. Just be sure to use an equivalent amount of drained chicken, which is typically about 3 cups. I highly recommend rinsing the canned chicken thoroughly in a colander and draining it very well before adding it to your dip. This extra step helps to reduce the sodium content and prevents your final dip from becoming too salty, ensuring a balanced and delicious flavor.
More Appetizer Dips To Love…
- Smoked Queso Recipe
- Velveeta Cheese Dip
- Knorr Spinach Dip
If you tried this dairy-free buffalo chicken dip recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Dairy Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
Renae Gerhardstein
Pin
Equipment
- skillet
- baking sheet or casserole dish - optional if you use an oven-safe skillet rated for 400ºF.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken cooked and shredded (about 3 cups). See notes below to use canned chicken.
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 8 ounces dairy-free cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup dairy-free cheddar cheese shredded; or mozzarella cheese, Colby jack, or Monterey jack.
- ¾ cup Frank’s Original Hot Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup dairy-free ranch dressing (see notes below for homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup green onion sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- Add the onions and avocado oil to the skillet and sauté over medium heat. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions become translucent.
- Stir the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and seasonings together in the skillet. Mix until everything is creamy and melted. Add the chicken to the skillet and mix until it's well-coated.
- If your skillet isn't oven-rated to 400ºF, transfer the chicken buffalo dip to an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 baking dish and bake at 400ºF for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, stir the dip and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the dip from the oven. Stir again, and allow it to sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Top with the green onions before serving. Serve with chopped vegetables like celery sticks, sliced carrots or cucumbers, a sliced baguette, bread cubes, crackers, or Fritos corn chips.
Notes
- Here’s an easy way to shred your chicken: Add the boneless, cooked chicken to your mixing bowl. Attach the wire or flat beater, set it to low speed, and let the mixer do the work—no more tedious shredding by hand. Or use our recipe – Instant Pot Shredded Chicken!
- To use canned chicken, use an equivalent amount of drained chicken, about 3 cups. I recommend rinsing and draining it in a colander to prevent your dip from being too salty.
Recipe Variations:
- Buffalo Dip without ranch dressing: To make dairy-free homemade ranch dressing mix, stir together 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried chives, 2 teaspoons onion powder, and 1 teaspoon dried dill.
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip: Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker and set to high for two hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Reduce the temperature to warm until ready to serve.
Storing Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave at 50% heat for 1 minute, stirring between, until heated through. Or cover with foil and bake at 350ºF for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
