When You Want Comfort Without the Cream
The first time I tried making a dairy free buffalo chicken dip, I was skeptical. Could you really skip all the cheese and still get that creamy, spicy, soul-hugging flavor we all love?
Turns out—you absolutely can. I whipped up a version using plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free mozzarella, and it was shockingly good. The dip had all the richness of the original, with none of the dairy. Even my cheese-loving kids didn’t notice the difference.
Now, this dairy free buffalo chicken dip is a staple in our house. Whether you’re avoiding dairy for allergies, dietary preferences, or just want a lighter option, this recipe proves you don’t have to give up comfort food to feel good after eating it.
For reference, if you’ve ever tried our classic Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip, this version swaps the creamy base for something plant-powered—but still bold and satisfying.
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Dairy Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A spicy, creamy dairy free buffalo chicken dip that’s loaded with flavor and free of cheese.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
½ cup dairy-free cream cheese
½ cup dairy-free ranch or vegan yogurt
½ cup buffalo sauce
½ cup dairy-free shredded cheese
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix dairy-free cream cheese, ranch, buffalo sauce, and seasonings until smooth.
3. Fold in shredded chicken and half the cheese.
4. Spread into baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
6. Serve warm with veggies or chips.
Notes
This dip is gluten-free and dairy-free.
Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze in portions.
Great as a spread in wraps or sandwiches too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: dairy free buffalo chicken dip, vegan buffalo dip, healthy appetizer
Ingredients & Dairy-Free Swaps
Making a great dairy free buffalo chicken dip starts with smart ingredient swaps. The goal is to keep that classic creamy, spicy flavor—just without the dairy.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – leftover, rotisserie, or meal-prepped
- ½ cup dairy-free cream cheese – almond or cashew-based versions melt well
- ½ cup dairy-free ranch or unsweetened vegan yogurt – adds tang and creaminess
- ½ cup buffalo sauce – most are dairy-free, especially Franks Red Hot
- ½ cup dairy-free shredded cheese – look for vegan mozzarella shreds that melt
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or chopped green onions
The magic of this dairy free buffalo chicken dip is that no one misses the cheese. With the right plant-based alternatives, you get all the richness of the classic without any lactose.
If you like making things from scratch, check out our homemade buffalo dipping sauce—just use vegan butter and you’ve got the perfect base.
Pro Tips
- Use room-temp dairy-free cream cheese to make mixing smooth
- Stir gently after baking to keep the texture creamy
- Don’t overbake—just heat until bubbly
Once you’ve made this dairy free buffalo chicken dip, it might just become your new favorite—creamy, spicy, and totally dairy-free.
How to Serve & Store It
This dairy free buffalo chicken dip is just as versatile as the original—and maybe even more crowd-pleasing. Once it’s baked and bubbling, there’s no wrong way to serve it.
Favorite Ways to Serve
- Scoop it with celery sticks, baby carrots, or sliced bell peppers
- Serve warm with tortilla chips or pretzel crisps
- Spread it inside a wrap for a spicy lunch
- Use it as a baked potato topping (yes, really!)
It also works well as a make-ahead dish. You can prep it the night before and just bake it right before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, and the texture stays creamy—even without dairy.
How to Store It
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F until warm
- Freezer: This dip freezes well—let it cool completely before freezing, then thaw and reheat as needed
This dairy free buffalo chicken dip also makes amazing leftovers. Add a spoonful to scrambled eggs, fold it into quesadillas, or use it as a spicy spread for grilled sandwiches. It’s comfort food that stretches into tomorrow.
How to Customize It Your Way
One of the best things about this dairy free buffalo chicken dip is how flexible it is. Whether you want it spicier, creamier, or even completely plant-based, this recipe can handle it.
Want It Extra Spicy?
Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of chopped pickled jalapeños. You can also mix in a splash of hot sauce just before serving for that fiery finish.
Going Fully Vegan?
Swap the chicken for:
- Jackfruit (shredded and seasoned)
- Canned white beans or chickpeas
- Diced tofu or a meatless chicken substitute
Pair it with a dairy-free cheese and a tangy vegan ranch or yogurt base, and you’ve got a full-on vegan buffalo dip that’s every bit as satisfying.
Prefer Ranch Over Blue Cheese?
You’re not alone. Many people skip blue cheese altogether. For a more mellow flavor, use a vegan ranch dressing instead—it softens the heat and adds a creamy texture that’s hard to beat.
If you’re curious how other variations compare, our Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip uses high-protein swaps and a similar spice balance—just not dairy-free.
With just a few tweaks, this dairy free buffalo chicken dip fits into all kinds of lifestyles and flavor preferences. It’s bold, creamy, and totally yours to make your own.
Why Dairy-Free Works Better Than You Think
Many people assume that taking the dairy out of buffalo chicken dip means giving up flavor, creaminess, or comfort—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This dairy free buffalo chicken dip proves that you don’t need traditional cheese or cream to get that perfect texture and taste.
Dairy-Free Ingredients Have Come a Long Way
Today’s plant-based products are nothing like they used to be. Most dairy-free cream cheeses melt and mix just like the real thing. And many vegan cheese shreds now bubble and stretch, giving you that golden top layer that makes buffalo dip so satisfying.
Even vegan yogurts and ranch dressings bring the tang you’d expect, without any heaviness or dairy discomfort. You get that same balance of spicy, creamy, and savory—just a little lighter.
It’s Better for More Bellies
This version of buffalo dip doesn’t just taste good—it makes it easier to share. If you’re cooking for someone with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, this dip lets everyone dig in without stress. And for those cutting dairy by choice? It’s a win-win.
For a protein-packed but still creamy alternative, try our High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip—while it isn’t dairy-free, it’s a great option when you’re not avoiding lactose.
Whether you’re dairy-free all the time or just looking to lighten things up, this version of buffalo chicken dip delivers the same comfort—without compromise.
FAQs About Dairy Free Buffalo Chicken Dip
Is buffalo chicken dip dairy free?
Traditional versions are not, but this dairy free buffalo chicken dip swaps cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch for plant-based alternatives. It’s rich, creamy, and 100% dairy-free.
Did Trader Joe’s discontinue vegan buffalo dip?
Yes, Trader Joe’s vegan buffalo dip was discontinued in many locations. But the good news is—you can make your own at home with this easy dairy free buffalo chicken dip recipe, using clean, simple ingredients.
What can I use instead of blue cheese for buffalo chicken?
Skip the blue cheese and use vegan ranch, plain dairy-free yogurt, or even a splash of lemon juice for tang. They soften the heat and add creaminess without the funk of cheese.
Do I need cream cheese for buffalo chicken dip?
Not necessarily. For a dairy-free version, use almond- or cashew-based cream cheese. You can also try a mix of vegan mayo and yogurt to keep it smooth and scoopable.
Conclusion
This dairy free buffalo chicken dip brings all the flavor and comfort of the classic, without the heaviness or dairy. It’s creamy, spicy, easy to make, and surprisingly satisfying—even for folks who aren’t dairy-free.
Whether you’re preparing it for game day, a party, or just need something cozy on a weeknight, this dip delivers. It’s easy to customize, perfect for sharing, and reheats like a dream.
No one will ask where the dairy went—they’ll just ask for seconds.
For more real-food favorites and allergy-friendly comfort recipes, follow along on Pinterest @RecipesFaza.
