Paleo Buffalo Chicken Dip

Get excited for a twist on the classic with my Paleo Buffalo Chicken Dip! You can indulge in this healthier buffalo chicken dip—Whole30 compliant, gluten free, and dairy free! Creating a version that suits my lifestyle was essential because, despite loving the flavors, the traditional buffalo chicken dip didn’t quite agree with me. I wanted to enjoy this favorite dish without any drawbacks and now you can, too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect for gatherings like parties, game days, or holidays, this Paleo Buffalo Chicken Dip lets you relish the traditional flavors without compromising how you feel! Whether enjoyed with carrot sticks, grain-free tortilla chips, or your go-to dippers, it's a surefire hit. Plus, it’s effortless to whip up for a crowd!

Ingredients You Will Need

Skinless Chicken Breasts: A protein option known for its quick cooking and versatility in dishes. It also offers a more tender and juicy texture than white breast meat. For this dip, it's best to pre-cook and shred the chicken in advance!

Kite Hill Cream Cheese: This is a plant-based alternative known for its smooth texture and rich flavor, offering a dairy-free option that rivals traditional cream cheese.

Forager Project Dairy-Free Sour Cream Alternative: This is a plant-based option with a creamy texture and tangy taste, providing a delicious substitute for traditional sour cream.

Nutritional Yeast: Different from regular yeast, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to dishes without the need for dairy, making it a popular choice in vegan or dairy-free recipes.

Medium Buffalo Sauce: Is a hot sauce enhanced with ingredients to make it richer and smoother than regular hot sauce. Noble Made is hands down my favorite buffalo sauce and it's also dairy-free. I love that it is sugar free, Whole30 approved and you get to choose your own heat level.

Pork Panko: Pork panko is ground up pork rinds which are made from the skin of the pig. It is a popular choice as a breading substitute in Whole30 or paleo recipes due to its grain-free nature and ability to provide a crispy texture, mimicking traditional breadcrumbs without compromising dietary preferences. I often find myself reaching for Baconsheir brand.

Green Onion: Also known as scallions, green onions impart a mild, onion-like flavor and a touch of freshness. They make a wonderful garnish for this dip!

Garlic Powder: Using garlic powder over minced garlic is best in this recipe as it easily dissipates into the sauce for a better overall texture.

Onion Powder: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to certain dishes that you can’t get from fresh onions.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set your oven temp to 350 degrees.

Mix up the dip: In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except for the Panko and green onions.

Transfer to a baking dish: Once everything is well incorporated, transfer the dip to a baking dish and top with the Panko for an extra crunch!

Bake it: Pop it into the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready once the top is browning and bubbly.

Add some garnish: If desired, sprinkle some green onions on top.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Give it a rest: To intensify the flavors, allow the dip mixture to rest in the refrigerator for an hour or two before baking. This resting period helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer and more harmonious taste profile once baked.

Batch cook the chicken: Precook a larger batch of chicken to have it readily shredded for this recipe and easily accessible for other dishes throughout the week for an added convenience. There are a number of ways to make shredded cooking easily, including in a slow cooker or an instant pot. You can also save more time by grabbing a rotisserie chicken instead of making your own—just an easy way to simplify the recipe!

Recipe Variations

Make is spicier: For a spicier kick in this healthy buffalo chicken dip, consider amping up the heat level by swapping the medium buffalo sauce with a hotter variant. Opt for a "hot" or "extra hot" buffalo sauce to elevate the dish's fiery intensity. Additionally, sprinkle a bit of finely diced jalapeños on top before baking to add an extra punch of heat and flavor.

Try it in the crockpot: To create a crockpot version, ensure the chicken is precooked and shredded beforehand (just like it calls for in this oven-baked version). Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, cooking on low for 2-3 hours until thoroughly heated. Keep the dip warm on the "warm" setting, serving directly from the crockpot for convenience while maintaining its creamy texture.

Storage Tips

To store the Paleo Buffalo Chicken Dip, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dip can also be frozen for up to 6 months. Consider freezing in ice cube trays like these, which will help freeze your dip in smaller portions making it easier and quicker to defrost.

FAQs About Paleo Buffalo Chicken Dip

What is buffalo chicken dip made of?

The conventional buffalo chicken dip usually includes shredded chicken, cream cheese, and sour cream along with shredded cheese. However, this paleo version substitutes dairy-free alternatives for sour cream and cream cheese and uses nutritional yeast to impart a cheese-like flavor without using dairy-filled cheese.

What goes well with buffalo chicken dip?

Buffalo chicken dip pairs well with various dippers such as carrot sticks, celery, tortilla or pita chips, crackers, or sliced bell peppers.

How do you heat up buffalo chicken dip?

To warm up the chicken dip, preheat your oven to 350°F, then transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish. Since you're using already cooked shredded chicken, simply heat it for about 15-20 minutes until it's thoroughly warmed through and bubbling, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully without the need for cooking the chicken during this reheating process.