Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken with Homemade Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

If you're craving crispy oven-baked buffalo chicken that’s packed with flavor but without the deep-frying, you’re in the right place! This easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat and crunch while keeping things light and healthy. Plus, it's completely dairy-free, making it a great option for anyone following a specific diet or looking to cut back on dairy.

Buffalo chicken lovers will appreciate this high-protein meal that’s simple to make at home using wholesome ingredients. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or meal prep idea, this oven-baked method ensures crispy perfection every time—without the hassle of frying.

To top it all off, we’re pairing this spicy dish with a creamy, dairy-free ranch dressing that’s rich, tangy, and made with clean ingredients. It’s the perfect dipping sauce to cool down the heat. Let’s dive in to this healthy buffalo chicken recipe!

Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken with Homemade Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

For the Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken:

2 chicken breasts
1/4 cup cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon unsalted buffalo sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing:

1/4 cup avocado oil mayonnaise
2 tablespoons dairy-free milk (I like using oat milk)
1 tablespoon fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 medium golden potatoes, halved
1/4 cup unsweetened oat milk
2-3 tablespoons reserved starchy potato water
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for boiling)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Roasted Green Beans:

1/2 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Make the Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dairy-free milk, dill, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust consistency with more mayonnaise or milk if desired.
Cook the Oven-Baked Chicken and Green Beans:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  Wash and trim the green beans, patting them dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Add green beans to a mixing bowl and drizzle the olive oil over the green beans and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Place the green beans on the prepared baking sheet.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken on the other side of the baking sheet and spread about 1 tablespoon of the dairy-free ranch dressing evenly over the top of each piece of chicken.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and buffalo sauce. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
  Press the panko mixture onto the top of each chicken breast to form a crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes then remove just the chicken. Return the pan to the oven and continue roasting the green beans for 5-10 more minutes if needed.
Cook the Potatoes:
- Place the halved golden potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
- Drain the potatoes and place them skin side up on a wire mesh cooling rack then using the back of a spatula, press down to remove the skin. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth or your desired consistency.
- Add the oat milk, 2 tablespoons of the reserved starchy water, and salt. Stir to combine, adding more starchy water if needed for a creamier texture.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Plate the chicken breasts with the mashed potatoes and green beans.
Optionally, drizzle additional buffalo sauce and ranch on top of the chicken along with some fresh dill for garnish.