Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of my favorite appetizers to serve, especially on game day. But with all the cheesy and dairy-based ingredients, it's not the healthiest or lightest on the tummy. This dairy-free version is not lacking flavor by any means and has become my new go-to for tailgating.

Dairy free chicken dip in a cast iron skillet.

This buffalo chicken dip and my Mexican Chicken Salad Dip are two dairy free appetizers that I LOVE serving when football season is in full force. They both happen to be gluten-free also so I know they will be a hit with most if not all guests!

I used a few different dairy free products that are easy to find in most grocery stores but feel free to swap those out with your favorite brands.

If you love buffalo chicken, you need to try my buffalo chicken egg rolls. (Just swap out the dairy with DF alternatives.) Or check out my other football appetizers!

Dairy Free Ingredients:

Dairy Free Cream Cheese: There are a few brands of df cream cheese out there. Kite Hill, Miyokos and Violife are all great to use.
Dairy Free Ranch: Ranch is made with buttermilk which is not dairy free so feel free to use your favorite DF ranch. Primal Kitchen is my go-to brand but there are many more options available every year.
Dairy-Free Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce is made with hot sauce and butter so you have two options. Buy a dairy-free buffalo sauce or mix Franks with some dairy-free butter to make your own. (Which is what I did!) I LOVE Country Crock's Plant Butter. It tastes pretty darn close to butter and has the same consistency. Try it if you haven't yet!

Chicken Options

Shredded chicken is recommended for this dip because it's easier to dip and scoop up. You can buy a rotisserie chicken and shred that or make your own by boiling/poaching a chicken breast and shred it using two forks.

Buffalo chicken dip in a cast iron skillet before baking.

Baking Dish

Serving this dish hot and melty is key to making your guests happy and the best way to do that is to serve the dip straight out of the oven, onto the table.

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With that said, choose a somewhat presentable dish like a cast iron skillet. It not only looks nicer than glass or ceramic but it holds heat better keeping your dip warmer, longer.

It's also rustic and goes well with the casual-ness of the dip. Plus, they often have handles so you can easily move it around if needed.

Dip Variations

Base Variations:

Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream for extra richness without dairy.
Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water, lemon juice, and garlic for a creamy, tangy base.

Flavor Enhancements:

Garlic Lovers: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for depth.
Smoky Twist: Stir in smoked paprika or chipotle for a smoky buffalo flavor.
Herbaceous Addition: Mix in chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill for brightness.

Texture Additions:

Crispy Toppings: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.
Cheesy Layer: Top with dairy-free shredded mozzarella or cheddar and bake until bubbly.

Spice Level Customizations:

Extra Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh jalapeños.
Mild Version: Use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of hot sauce.

Buffalo chicken dip without dairy in a cast iron skillet.

Creative Ways To Serve The Dip

Buffalo Chicken Sliders:
- Spread the dip inside mini sandwich buns or slider rolls.
- Add extras like shredded lettuce, pickles, or a drizzle of dairy-free ranch.
- Perfect for parties or game day snacks.
Stuffed Veggies:
- Use mini bell peppers, zucchini boats, or even mushrooms as edible bowls.
- Scoop the dip into the hollowed-out veggies, top with dairy-free cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly.
- Great for a low-carb option or a fun twist on serving.
Buffalo Nachos:
- Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, spoon the dip over the top, and sprinkle with dairy-free cheese.
- Add toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, or olives.
- Bake until the cheese melts and serve with guacamole or salsa.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps:
- Spread the dip inside a tortilla or lettuce leaf, add crunchy veggies (like shredded carrots or celery), and roll it up.
- Serve as a quick lunch or snack.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Potatoes:
- Bake large potatoes, scoop out the centers, and mix them with the dip.
Buffalo Chicken Cups:
- Use phyllo shells, wonton wrappers, or mini tortilla cups to serve individual portions.
- Fill each shell with the dip, bake until crispy, and garnish with green onions or celery.

Dairy free buffalo chicken dip in cast iron skillet.

What To Serve This With

Pairing your buffalo chicken dip with the right dippers and sides can take it to the next level. Here’s what works best:

Classic Dippers

Chips: Tortilla chips, pita chips, or your favorite crunchy alternative.
Veggies: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes for a lighter option.
Crackers: Gluten-free crackers, pretzel crisps, or seeded crackers for added crunch.

Bread Options

Baguette Slices: Lightly toasted for a sturdy base.
Pita Bread: Pita rounds or triangles are great.
Breadsticks: Perfect for scooping and dipping.
Soft Pretzels: A salty, hearty complement to the spicy dip.

Other Buffalo Flavored Appetizers

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