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This dairy-free healthy buffalo chicken dip is the perfect appetizer for those who want bold flavors without the dairy or guilt. It combines juicy shredded chicken with a creamy paleo mayonnaise and spicy hot sauce to deliver a rich yet light dip suitable for keto and Whole30 lifestyles. Whether you're hosting a game day or just craving a tasty snack, this dip comes together quickly and pleases every crowd.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken: Three cups for hearty protein and texture. Choose organic or free-range for best flavor
- Paleo mayonnaise: One cup as a creamy dairy-free base. Look for avocado oil based for quality fats
- Hot sauce: One third cup to add classic buffalo spice. Adjust the brand for your preferred heat level
- Sliced green onions: One cup to bring freshness and color
- Nutritional yeast: One quarter cup offers a cheesy flavor without dairy. Try to get the flakes fresh from a trusted source
- Onion powder: One teaspoon for depth of flavor
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon essential for savory balance
- Dried dill: Half teaspoon gives a subtle herbal note
- Sea salt: Half teaspoon enhances all the flavors naturally
- Ground black pepper: Quarter teaspoon adds mild heat
- Celery seeds: Quarter teaspoon for a little complexity and traditional buffalo twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to bake the dip evenly
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl combine cooked shredded chicken paleo mayonnaise hot sauce green onions nutritional yeast onion powder garlic powder dried dill sea salt black pepper and celery seeds. Stir everything thoroughly until well incorporated so every bite has consistent flavor
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Spoon the blended mixture into a small baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps it bake evenly and look appealing
- Bake the Dip:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges start to bubble and turn lightly golden brown. This melting and slight browning intensifies the flavors
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serving it warm enhances the creamy texture, perfect alongside fresh cut veggies or gluten-free snacks
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My favorite ingredient is nutritional yeast because it adds that cheesy, savory note without any dairy. I remember making this dip for a family party where a few guests were avoiding dairy, and everyone raved about how good it tasted — no one guessed it was dairy-free!
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. This dip also freezes well — freeze it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use regular mayonnaise if paleo mayonnaise is unavailable but note this will add dairy. Swap hot sauce with your preferred brand or mild buffalo sauce to adjust spice level. Fresh chives can replace green onions for a milder flavor. Dried herbs like thyme or parsley can substitute dill if you don’t have any on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip alongside crunchy celery sticks carrot batons or cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast. Pair with gluten-free crackers or low-carb tortilla chips to keep it keto while adding crunch. Use as a filling for lettuce wraps to turn it into a light lunch or snack.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to shred the chicken finely so it blends smoothly with the creamy base for best consistency
- Do not skip smoothing the top before baking because it helps the dip cook evenly and makes for a nicer presentation
- Toast your celery seeds lightly in a dry pan before mixing for enhanced flavor if you have the extra time
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes this buffalo chicken dip dairy-free?
Instead of traditional cheese or sour cream, paleo mayonnaise is used to keep the dip creamy and dairy-free while maintaining rich texture.
- → Can I substitute the paleo mayonnaise with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free mayo alternative or mashed avocado for a similar creamy consistency without altering the flavor balance.
- → How spicy is this buffalo chicken dip?
The heat level comes from the hot sauce, which can be adjusted to taste. Mild or extra hot sauces work well depending on your preference.
- → What are some good serving suggestions for this dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables, gluten-free crackers, or low-carb tortilla chips for a satisfying and versatile snack.
- → How long does it take to prepare and bake?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes followed by 20 minutes in the oven, totaling approximately 30 minutes before serving.
- → Can this dip be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dip in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving to enjoy warm and bubbly texture.