Well, you don't u003cemu003ehaveu003c/emu003e to but I do think they work really well as an easy substitute for chicken in this recipe.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eYou could leave them out or try swapping them for jackfruit, lightly steamed or roasted cauliflower (or try this u003ca href=u0022https://runningonrealfood.com/vegan-buffalo-cauliflower-wraps/u0022u003ebuffalo caulifloweru003c/au003e), shredded tofu or a vegan shredded chicken alternative.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWithout the artichokes it would be more like a buffalo chicken queso dip, as it would be smooth and creamy without the chunkiness. That would be tasty too!