Very often, people choose to cut dairy products out of their diet for various reasons. Whether it’s due to an allergy or intolerance, or simply because they’re looking to make healthier choices, there are plenty of valid excuses. After all, while dairy can be rich and nutritious in moderation, it’s also high in calories and can have negative effects on some individuals.
Either way, these dairy-free chicken recipes are a game-changer, as they offer a delicious alternative that doesn’t rely on butter or cheese for flavor. By experimenting with new spices and ingredients like coconut cream, you’ll discover a whole new world of possibilities in the kitchen. I’ve curated a selection of mouth-watering recipes, ranging from flavorful curries to crispy chicken tenders, so be sure to check them out and let me know which ones become your favorites!
Quick & Easy Lemon Chicken Marinade With Basil
Smoothly integrating acidity into your chicken marinade is a game-changer for tenderizing and adding flavor. Traditionally, buttermilk has been favored for this purpose, but there’s no need to rely on dairy when you can achieve the same results with more versatile alternatives. This particular marinade is simplicity itself, requiring just a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a dash of oil, and a few fragrant basil leaves to get started.
Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry
Happily, coconut cream is a suitable substitute for those with dairy intolerance, offering a similar luxurious texture and subtle sweetness that makes it perfect for curries like this one. This Indian-inspired curry recipe is a masterclass in balance, marrying tangy and spicy notes with an unapologetically rich flavor profile. To create this dish, you’ll only need a few pantry staples: cumin, coriander, and turmeric are the key spices that bring out its complex, aromatic character.
Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders
Just like Cracker Barrel’s famous chicken tenders, this recipe may seem unconventional at first glance, given the absence of a heavy breadcrumb coating. However, its secret lies in the refreshing and zesty marinade made with honey, lime juice, and Italian dressing, which elevates the flavor of the chicken to new heights without overpowering it.
Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders
Very appealing to those missing the satisfaction of crispy fried chicken, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch without compromising on taste. Despite being dairy-free, it incorporates eggs as a crucial binding agent that helps the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly. For those seeking an even lighter option, consider using oil or excess marinade instead.
Julia Child’s Coq Au Vin
Needless to say, despite its sophisticated name and refined appearance, coq au vin is actually an incredibly straightforward dish. In fact, it’s essentially just a chicken and wine stew, so there’s no reason to be intimidated by the idea of making it at home.
To prepare coq au vin, all you need to do is marinate the chicken in a mixture of wine and stock, cook the vegetables separately for a short time before adding them to the pot, then let everything simmer together until the sauce has thickened.
Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken
Just like a ray of sunshine on a plate, this Cuban dish is bright and zesty thanks to the combination of lime zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and distilled white vinegar. The harmonious blend of flavors not only adds a burst of citrusy freshness but also contributes to the chicken’s tender texture. Whether you prefer to cook it indoors or outdoors, grilling this recipe can elevate its flavor profile to new heights, making it an even more exceptional culinary experience.
Chicken Meatloaf
Just about every family has a favorite meatloaf recipe that’s been passed down through generations. While traditional meatloafs are typically made with beef or pork, this dairy-free chicken version offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.Loaded with many of the same herbs and spices as its meat-based counterparts, it may not taste identical to what you’re used to, but rest assured it will still be tender and juicy.
Healthy 30-Minute Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken
Personally, I think it’s high time for you to treat yourself to an Instant Pot if you haven’t already. This versatile appliance has left me amazed at how quickly it can cook food using its pressure cooking setting – it truly is incredible! What adds so much depth and vibrancy to the dishes cooked in it are the carefully combined spices, including a generous helping of minced ginger, alongside paprika, turmeric, and cumin.
30-Minute Dairy-Free Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Naturally, Tuscan chicken has become one of my go-to 30-minute meal options that looks and tastes like it took way longer to create. Not only do the sun-dried tomatoes bring an incredible splash of color to this dish, but they also contribute a burst of intense flavor that I adore. Additionally, I’m particularly fond of incorporating nutritional yeast for its unique ability to replicate the umami taste of cheese without the extra calories.
Creamy Crack Chicken
While crack chicken recipes are often synonymous with rich, creamy sauces made from ranch dressing and copious amounts of cheese, it’s clear that such a combination wouldn’t exactly be dairy-free. In fact, the traditional ingredients used in crack chicken don’t align well with dietary restrictions that exclude dairy products.
Easy Dairy Free Chicken A La King
Creating something new from scratch can be intimidating, especially when it comes to vegan alternatives. However, after trying this cashew cream-based chicken a la king dish, you’ll likely find yourself eager to experiment with it in various recipes. This dairy-free version is incredibly rich and creamy, boasting a depth of flavor that’s comparable to its heavy cream counterpart.
3-Ingredient Pomegranate Balsamic Chicken
Among other options for adding depth to your dairy-free glaze, consider using tangy balsamic vinegar as a substitute for its rich, slightly sweet flavor. To balance out the tartness, you can incorporate pomegranate juice, which adds natural sweetness and a fruity twist. Moreover, the presence of pomegranate seeds provides an attractive pop of color to what might otherwise be a dark dish.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
When it comes to making delicious and filling meals, fried rice is a great option that’s already naturally dairy-free, much like stir-fries. A quick meal requires just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time. The key ingredient in creating a perfect fried rice dish is cooked and cooled rice, as using freshly cooked warm rice can lead to it turning into mush when mixed with other ingredients.
Whole30 Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Diving into the world of creamy sauces, we can build upon the cashew cream recipe by introducing new flavors. The addition of garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast elevates it to a richer, more alfredo-inspired taste experience. When it comes to personal preference, I enjoy pairing this dish with chicken chunks for added texture, but feel free to experiment with other options. For an extra layer of depth, consider sprinkling some panko breadcrumbs on top for a satisfying crunch.
Israeli Paprika Chicken and Potatoes
Remarkably simple, this recipe requires just two spices: paprika and salt. To avoid any potential issues, make sure you have a decent quality paprika on hand. When cooking the chicken and potatoes together in one dish, it’s essential to cut the potatoes into smaller pieces. If you fail to do so, you may end up with raw potato chunks hidden beneath the crispy chicken.
Popcorn Chicken
Notably, when preparing popcorn chicken, it’s crucial to consider two primary aspects: the coating method and the cut of meat used. Typically, breading or using a wet batter are common approaches for achieving that crispy exterior. Regardless of which technique you choose, cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces is essential for ease of consumption.
I personally prefer to use dark meat for this particular dish as it tends to be more flavorful and retains its juiciness even when slightly overcooked. If available, utilizing a Dutch oven can simplify the deep-frying process due to its design allowing for efficient oil circulation. Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a Dutch oven, a deep saucepan with careful flipping after a couple of minutes can also yield successful results.
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Southern Fried Chicken
Among the various uses of buttermilk in cooking, one of its most common applications is tenderizing and flavoring chicken, particularly when making fried chicken dishes. To replicate this effect without traditional buttermilk, you can create a dairy-free substitute by combining your preferred non-dairy milk with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 10 minutes before using it as a direct replacement in your recipe.
Alternatively, you can prepare a wet batter by blending together non-dairy milk, eggs, and flour.
20 Best Dairy-Free Chicken Recipe Collection
You’ll love these dairy-free chicken recipes that are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and creamy. Without the need for milk, these dishes offer a great alternative to traditional recipes. From classic coq au vin to indulgent crack chicken to comforting meatloaf, you’ll want to have these recipes in your collection to enjoy at home.
Instructions
You’ve chosen a delicious recipe to try, and now it’s time to get started on preparing it. The first step is to gather all the necessary ingredients, making sure you have everything you need before beginning the cooking process. This includes selecting a dairy-free alternative for any non-vegan components of your dish, such as milk or cheese substitutes.
