Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

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Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks are the perfect bite-sized snack for anyone who loves bold flavors with a refreshing crunch. These crisp celery sticks are generously filled with a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken mixture, creating a satisfying balance of heat, texture, and indulgence. Whether you’re prepping for game day, hosting a gathering, or just need a quick and flavorful snack, this low-carb dish is a guilt-free way to enjoy the classic taste of buffalo chicken without the extra carbs.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how easy they were to throw together. Mixing tender, shredded chicken with tangy buffalo sauce and creamy dressing took just minutes, and stuffing it into crisp celery sticks made for the perfect handheld treat. The contrast between the spicy filling and the cool, crunchy celery was so satisfying—it instantly became a favorite in my snack rotation.

What I love most about Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks is how versatile they are. You can customize them with blue cheese crumbles for extra richness, add chopped green onions for freshness, or even drizzle a little ranch on top for an extra creamy touch. They’re great for meal prep, party platters, or a quick protein-packed snack that keeps you coming back for more. No matter how you serve them, these celery sticks bring all the buffalo chicken flavor you love in a fresh, lighter way.

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Healthy appetizers
  • Keto-friendly diets
  • Meal prep and quick lunches
  • Buffalo chicken lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks will become your new favorite snack:

  • Quick and Easy: Only takes 10 minutes to prepare—no cooking required!
  • Healthy and Low-Carb: A perfect keto-friendly and gluten-free snack.
  • Packed with Flavor: Creamy, spicy buffalo chicken paired with crunchy celery for a satisfying bite.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Can be made ahead and stored for quick, grab-and-go snacks.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and toppings to your liking.

Preparation Time

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings (8 celery sticks)
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 3g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks:

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
  • ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 8 celery stalks, cut into 3-4 inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Celery: Provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy buffalo chicken.
  • Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this recipe quick and easy.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Adds a bold, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cool celery.
  • Cream Cheese & Dressing: Creates a smooth, creamy filling that balances the heat.
  • Blue Cheese (Optional): Enhances the classic buffalo chicken flavor for a tangy twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

  1. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred cooked chicken into small pieces.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Stir Until Smooth: Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and creamy.

Assemble the Celery Sticks:

  1. Prepare the Celery: Wash, dry, and cut celery stalks into 3-4 inch pieces.
  2. Fill the Celery: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into the hollow part of each celery stick.
  3. Garnish: Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, or extra buffalo sauce for added flavor.

How to Serve

  • Classic Platter Style – Arrange the celery sticks neatly on a platter and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a simple yet satisfying presentation.
  • Topped with Extra Cheese – Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack on top for an extra cheesy bite.
  • Garnished with Fresh Herbs – Add a pop of color and freshness with chopped chives, parsley, or cilantro.
  • With a Side of Extra Sauce – Serve with small bowls of buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
  • On a Charcuterie Board – Include Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks as part of a game-day snack board with crackers, cheese, and veggie sticks.
  • As a Lettuce Wrap Alternative – Instead of celery, serve the buffalo chicken mixture in romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a different texture.
  • Stuffed with Extra Crunch – Sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips, crispy bacon bits, or fried onions on top for added crunch.
  • With a Cooling Side – Pair with cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or a Greek yogurt dip to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce.
  • Served Warm or Cold – Enjoy them chilled for a refreshing snack or warm them up slightly for a comforting bite.
  • As a Keto-Friendly Appetizer – Perfect for a low-carb diet, serve them at parties as a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.

Additional Tips

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: A great time-saving option that adds extra flavor.
  • Adjust the Spice Level: Add more buffalo sauce for extra heat or mix in some honey for a milder taste.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and dressing to keep it lactose-free.
  • For Extra Crunch: Top with crushed nuts or crispy bacon bits.
  • Chill Before Serving: Let the mixture sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes for even better flavor.

Recipe Variations

  1. Cheesy Buffalo Sticks: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a richer filling.
  2. Greek Yogurt Version: Swap cream cheese and dressing for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  3. Avocado Buffalo Sticks: Blend avocado into the filling for extra creaminess.
  4. Spicy Jalapeño Sticks: Add finely chopped jalapeños for a fiery kick.
  5. BBQ Buffalo Sticks: Mix in a bit of barbecue sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
  6. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sticks: Use ranch seasoning instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor.
  7. Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Sticks: Add parmesan cheese and extra garlic for a unique flavor.
  8. Buffalo Tuna Sticks: Substitute shredded chicken with canned tuna for a seafood twist.
  9. Buffalo Egg Salad Sticks: Mix in chopped boiled eggs for added protein.
  10. Crunchy Buffalo Sticks: Top with crushed crackers or toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Store assembled celery sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and store it separately. Fill the celery sticks just before serving.
  • Freezing: The buffalo chicken mixture (without the celery) can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment

  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Helps quickly shred cooked chicken into fine, even pieces, making it easier to mix with Buffalo sauce and cream cheese.
  • Food Processor – If you prefer a super smooth filling, a food processor can blend the chicken mixture into a creamy, spreadable consistency.
  • Silicone Spatula – Useful for mixing and spreading the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly into the celery sticks without wasting any.
  • Piping Bag (or Ziplock Bag) – If you want a cleaner presentation, fill a piping bag (or cut the corner of a Ziplock bag) and pipe the mixture neatly into the celery grooves.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife – Ensures clean, precise cuts when trimming and slicing celery stalks for uniform portions.
  • Cutting Board with Grooves – A cutting board with juice grooves helps contain any extra liquid from the Buffalo sauce or celery, keeping your workspace tidy.
  • Mixing Bowls – A set of mixing bowls in different sizes makes it easier to combine ingredients and adjust seasoning without making a mess.
  • Baking Sheet (Optional) – If you want to melt some cheese on top, you can arrange the stuffed celery on a baking sheet and broil them for a minute or two.
  • Tongs – Handy for handling celery sticks without getting Buffalo sauce all over your hands.
  • Serving Platter or Tray – A well-presented dish makes all the difference! A platter helps arrange the celery sticks neatly, making them look more appetizing for guests.

FAQ

  1. Can I use canned chicken? Yes, canned chicken works, but fresh or rotisserie chicken is best for texture.
  2. How do I make this less spicy? Use a milder buffalo sauce or mix in extra ranch dressing.
  3. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Store the buffalo chicken mixture separately and fill the celery just before serving.
  4. Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Use mashed chickpeas or shredded jackfruit instead of chicken.
  5. What other veggies can I use? Try stuffing mini bell peppers, cucumber boats, or endive leaves instead of celery.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks are the perfect combination of bold flavor and refreshing crunch. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb snack, a quick party appetizer, or an easy meal-prep option, these celery sticks deliver on both taste and convenience. Packed with protein and a spicy kick, they offer a delicious balance of creamy, tangy, and crisp textures in every bite.

Simple to make and endlessly customizable, you can adjust the heat level to your preference and top them with blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs. They’re a great way to enjoy classic buffalo chicken flavors in a lighter, bite-sized form.

I can’t wait to see your Buffalo Chicken Celery Stick creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments. Happy snacking!

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