Easy Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip [Nut-free, Dairy-free]- Food Sharing Vegan

Name: Easy Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 package of vegan chicken nuggets; 2 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes; 1 cup sliced carrots; ½ cup water; 1 tablespoon of lemon juice; ½ cup nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup buffalo sauce; ½ cup vegan ranch dressing; Handful of vegan cheese

This easy vegan buffalo chicken dip is creamy, 'cheesy', spicy, and ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, including hidden veggies! A nut-free, dairy-free, vegan buffalo dip, perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack!

completed Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip in a baking dish against a light background

Rich and Creamy Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

While buffalo sauce might be most frequently associated with very non-vegan recipes, that hasn't stopped us vegans from getting in on the action. With options including buffalo cauliflower wings, buffalo chickpeas, and this vegan buffalo chicken dip, there and plenty of meat-free ways to satisfy buffalo sauce cravings!

This vegan buffalo dip is super creamy, spicy, flavorful, and ridiculously simple to make. By relying on several simple vegan 'swap' ingredients, like vegan chicken, ranch sauce, and shredded cheese, this recipe becomes super simple to throw together.

Even better, we've ditched dairy-free cream cheese for the 'hidden' addition of potatoes and carrots to boost nutrients and create a super thick and creamy consistency. There's a reason this duo is so great for vegan sauces (like mac and cheese!).

Best of all, this dairy-free buffalo chicken dip takes around 30 minutes to prepare (most of which is hands-off!) and is an impressive crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. I highly recommend bringing it along to potlucks, parties, game day events, and any gathering!

The Ingredients

Make buffalo dip without chicken, turning to simple vegan substitutes instead, and just 10 ingredients in total!

ingredients for Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip on a white surface

Vegan chicken: I used a package of vegan chicken nuggets. You could also use larger 'escalope's'/ vegan chicken fillets to replace shredded chicken in this vegan dip recipe.
Potatoes: I recommend Russet potatoes, though Yukon Gold would also work.
Carrots: Or a combination of carrot and parsnip for a sweeter flavor.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and nutritional yeast.
Lemon juice: I prefer fresh lemon juice (or lime juice), but bottled works in a pinch.
Vegan buffalo sauce: Store-bought (like Frank's Buffalo sauce) or homemade. Check the ingredients, as some versions include dairy.
Vegan Ranch dressing: Store-bought or homemade.
Vegan cheese: Use any vegan cheese that melts, like a vegan cheddar or mozzarella.

What could I add to the vegan buffalo dip?

I don't think this dairy-free buffalo chicken dip requires much messing about with ingredients, as it's DELICIOUS. However, here are a few optional add-ins you may like to experiment with.

Green onions: Make for a wonderful garnish over the baked vegan buffalo dip.
Dairy-free cream cheese: Add a small amount of dairy-free cream cheese for an even creamier vegan dip recipe.
Smoked paprika: To add a subtle smoky depth, a small amount of smoked paprika will taste lovely. Alternatively, a few drops of liquid smoke could work.
Extra spice: Add some extra hot sauce or even some finely chopped chili/ jalapeños.
Breadcrumbs: To add extra crunch to the top of the vegan dip. Use regular or panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if necessary).
Corn: Corn will add extra texture and a subtle sweet flavor to the vegan buffalo dip.
Veggie 'toppings': I'll sometimes serve the non-dairy buffalo chicken dip with the addition of sliced black olives or diced tomato and/or avocado to serve. Scoop up the dip plus the toppings for tons of flavor.

How to Make Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip?

Follow just five simple steps to prepare this vegan/ vegetarian buffalo chicken dip recipe!

1) First, prepare the vegan chicken according to the package's directions, then remove them from the oven, but leave it on.
2) Meanwhile, wash, chop and boil the potatoes and carrots until tender (about ten minutes when chopped into small pieces). Then drain the water.

If it's unsalted, leave this cooking water to cool and then use it to water plants.

3) Transfer the cooked veggies, water, lemon juice, spices, buffalo sauce, and Ranch into a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.

the addition of Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip ingredients into blender

4) Pour the mixture into a baking dish around 8x6 inches, then shred the vegan chicken into it with either a fork or your fingers.

process shot showing vegan cheese being poured into baking dish

5) Stir the vegan buffalo dip, sprinkle over the vegan cheese, and then bake it in the oven until the cheese has melted (8-10 minutes).

process shot showing vegan cheese shreds being added to baking tray

FAQs

Can I substitute the meat alternative (vegan chicken nuggets)?

You could alternatively use pre-cooked shredded jackfruit (canned in brine or water), canned artichoke (pulsed in a food processor to break up slightly), or even roasted cauliflower wings. Shredded cooked tofu may also work.

Can I omit the nutritional yeast?

Technically yes, but it goes a long way for adding the cheese flavor to the dairy-free buffalo chicken dip. If you omit it, perhaps add more shredded vegan cheese or vegan cream cheese for extra flavor.

What could I use instead of potatoes and carrots?

White beans or chickpeas would also make for a super creamy 'base' to the vegan buffalo dip. However, the color and flavor will vary.

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

Adjust the heat level: The amount of buffalo sauce you add to the dip will adjust the spiciness.
Check the ingredients list: Not all Buffalo sauce is vegan.

Storage Instructions

Make ahead: You can assemble the vegan buffalo chicken dip a day or two in advance. Store the vegan chicken separately. When you're ready, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, mix in the vegan chicken, sprinkle with dairy-free cheese, and bake.

Store: Once baked, it's best to enjoy the vegan buffalo dip immediately for the best flavor and texture. However, leftovers will last an extra couple of days. Enjoy them cold or reheated in the microwave or oven.

How To Serve Vegan Buffalo Dip?

You can enjoy this meat-free, dairy-free buffalo chicken dip in the same ways you would the alternate version. Including with:

Tortilla chips, pita chips, and other chips
Celery sticks & carrot sticks
Cauliflower wings
Crackers
Bread (baguette, flatbread, crusty loaf, etc.)

More Vegan Appetizers

If you try this easy vegan buffalo chicken dip recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

Easy Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip