“`html
If you’re craving a snack that perfectly combines a zesty kick with fresh crunch, this Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. It’s an irresistible blend of spicy buffalo wing sauce, creamy cheese, and tender shredded chicken nestled inside crisp celery stalks. This dish not only packs a punch of flavor but also brings a delightful contrast of textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want a delicious snack to elevate your day, this Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe checks all the boxes for an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential and thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that work harmoniously. From the tangy buffalo wing sauce to the crunchy celery and creamy cheese, every component contributes to making these celery sticks absolutely crave-worthy.
- Buffalo wing sauce (½ cup): This brings the bold, spicy flavor that’s the star of the show.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and aroma that enhances the overall taste.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Offers a gentle sweetness and rounds out the spice blend perfectly.
- Cream cheese, softened (2 oz): Creates a rich, creamy texture that balances the heat beautifully.
- Shredded cooked chicken (2 cups): The hearty base that makes this snack satisfying and protein-packed.
- Celery sticks, washed and trimmed (12): Provides a crisp, refreshing contrast and a natural vessel for the buffalo chicken salad.
- Blue cheese crumbles (¼ cup): Adds a tangy, bold flavor burst and a touch of gourmet flair.
- Green onions, diced (3-4): Brings vibrant color and a hint of fresh, mild bite to finish the dish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce Mixture
Start by combining the buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat until you see it bubbling gently. This step allows the spices to marry beautifully with the sauce, setting the foundation for the bold flavor you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Melt in the Cream Cheese
Once the sauce mixture is hot and bubbling, stir in the softened cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cream cheese has melted completely and the sauce is silky smooth. This creamy, spicy blend is what makes the Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe stand out with that perfect harmony of heat and richness.
Step 3: Combine with Shredded Chicken
Remove the pan from heat and mix in the shredded cooked chicken until every bit of chicken is thoroughly coated with the luscious buffalo sauce mixture. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor
Transfer the buffalo chicken salad to a bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to deepen and come together, making the filling even tastier and easier to spread.
Step 5: Assemble the Celery Sticks
Spoon the chilled buffalo chicken salad generously onto each celery stick, creating a colorful and aromatic appetizer that’s ready to impress.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Top each stuffed celery stick with blue cheese crumbles and a sprinkle of diced green onions. These final touches provide a burst of creaminess, freshness, and visual appeal that truly elevate the Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Adding blue cheese crumbles and diced green onions is the classic way to finish this dish, giving an extra layer of tang and a pop of color. You can also experiment by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a dash of smoked paprika for an added flavor twist and a beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with creamy ranch dip, crisp veggie platters, or even a light garden salad. These accompaniments balance the spiciness while keeping the meal fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the buffalo chicken celery sticks on a long platter lined with lettuce leaves or kale for a festive, colorful spread. For a party, place individual sticks in small cups with a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing at the bottom for a grab-and-go snack that’s both fun and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buffalo chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the celery sticks separate to avoid sogginess, so you can assemble fresh servings without losing that crisp texture.
Freezing
The buffalo chicken mixture freezes exceptionally well. Keep it in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing the celery sticks to maintain their crunch.
Reheating
To reheat the buffalo chicken filling, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until heated through. Spread it onto fresh celery sticks for an easy second round of this delicious Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken specifically for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut and adds great flavor. Just shred it and mix with the buffalo sauce and cheese as directed.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, you can use mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce in the mix, balancing the heat with a bit more cream cheese to keep it creamy and flavorful without overwhelming spice.
Can I substitute the blue cheese crumbles with something else?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feta or shredded cheddar work well as alternatives, offering a different but still delicious finish.
How long can I prepare the Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe in advance?
The chicken filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Assemble the celery sticks just before serving to keep the celery crisp and fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, it’s a fantastic low-carb snack as celery is very low in carbohydrates and the filling is high in protein and fat, making it an ideal choice for keto or low-carb eating plans.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about the combination of bold buffalo flavors and crunchy celery that makes this Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe a true winner. It’s simple to prepare, packed with taste, and perfect for just about any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and enjoy how easy and delicious snacking can be when flavors and textures come together this beautifully.
“`
Print
Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks recipe offers a flavorful and low-carb snack combining spicy buffalo sauce-coated shredded chicken with crisp celery sticks. Topped with creamy blue cheese and fresh green onions, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Mixture
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Assembly
- 12 celery sticks, washed and trimmed
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 3–4 green onions, diced
Instructions
- Make Buffalo Chicken Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat until the mixture starts to bubble, then stir in the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Coat Chicken: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the shredded cooked chicken until it is evenly coated with the buffalo cream cheese sauce.
- Chill Mixture: Transfer the buffalo chicken mixture to a container and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up slightly.
- Prepare Celery Sticks: While the mixture chills, wash and trim the celery sticks to the desired length for serving.
- Assemble Celery Sticks: Spread or spoon the chilled buffalo chicken mixture generously onto each celery stick, creating a hearty topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles and diced green onions over the loaded celery sticks. Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust buffalo wing sauce amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the chicken mixture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your wing sauce is certified gluten-free.
- These celery sticks are best served shortly after assembling to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
