Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks recipe

Of all the game day and party snacks I’ve ever made, nothing disappears quite as fast as these Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks. I first whipped them up for a football Sunday, wanting to create something with that addictive, spicy buffalo wing flavor but without the heaviness (and mess) of deep-fried wings. I was looking for a healthier, low-carb alternative that would still feel like a treat. I arranged them on a platter, the bright orange of the buffalo chicken filling nestled into the crisp, green celery boats, topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese and chives. The reaction was immediate. They were devoured within the first quarter. My husband, a buffalo wing purist, declared them “genius.” My friends, some of whom follow a keto diet, were thrilled to have a delicious, guilt-free option they could enjoy without a second thought. Since that day, they’ve become a non-negotiable staple for any gathering, a perfect healthy snack, and my personal favorite way to conquer a buffalo flavor craving. They are ridiculously easy, endlessly satisfying, and prove that you can have all the flavor you love in a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly clever package.

The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks: A Low-Carb Triumph

Get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer. These Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks are the perfect marriage of spicy, creamy, and crunchy. They pack all the punch of classic buffalo wings into a healthy, easy-to-eat, no-cook format. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that caters to a variety of dietary needs—it’s naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or just need a quick and flavorful bite, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Why This Recipe is a Certified Winner

Let’s break down exactly what makes these simple celery sticks so irresistibly good.

• The Flavor Explosion: You get the tangy, spicy heat from the buffalo sauce, perfectly balanced by the cool, creamy richness of the cream cheese and ranch. It’s the iconic flavor profile you know and love, reimagined.
• A Textural Masterpiece: The satisfyingly crisp, watery crunch of a fresh celery stick is the ideal vessel for the thick, creamy, and tender shredded chicken filling. It’s a delightful contrast that makes each bite interesting and delicious.
• Unbelievably Easy & Quick: This is a “no-cook” recipe in its truest form, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken. It’s a simple process of “mix, fill, and garnish.” You can have a stunning platter of appetizers ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.
• Healthy & Diet-Friendly: This is a snack you can feel good about eating. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and is extremely low in carbohydrates, making it a dream for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or Atkins lifestyle. It’s also naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients You Will Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a truly memorable snack.

• Celery: 1 large bunch of celery (about 8-10 stalks)
• Chicken: 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken (about 10 oz)
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz (1 block) of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• Buffalo Sauce: 1/3 to 1/2 cup of your favorite buffalo-style hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot Wings sauce)
• Ranch Dressing: 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
• Green Onions or Chives: 2 tablespoons of finely sliced green onions or fresh chives, for garnish
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste

A Deep Dive Into the Ingredients

The final result is only as good as its parts. Let’s explore the key components and how to choose the best options.

The Chicken: Your Protein Powerhouse

The “buffalo chicken” part of the recipe is, of course, critical. You have several convenient options here:

• Rotisserie Chicken (The Easy Method): This is my personal favorite for speed and flavor. Simply buy a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Let it cool slightly, then pull the meat from the bones (you’ll want the breast meat for the best texture) and shred it with two forks or your fingers.
• Canned Chicken (The Quickest Method): For ultimate convenience, canned chicken works surprisingly well. Be sure to buy chicken packed in water, not oil. Drain it very thoroughly, pressing out as much liquid as possible to avoid a watery filling, and then flake it apart with a fork.
• Cooking Your Own Chicken (The Control Method): If you prefer to cook your own, it’s very simple. Place two boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes before shredding. Pro-Tip: For the easiest shredding ever, place the warm, cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for 30 seconds. The chicken will be perfectly shredded!

The Celery: The Perfect Edible Vessel

Don’t just grab any celery. Look for a bunch with firm, wide, and bright green stalks. Avoid any that look limp, dry, or have brown spots. The wider the “U” shape of the stalk, the more filling it can hold, making for a more satisfying bite. The heart of the celery, with its tender, pale stalks, is also delicious to use.

The Creamy Base: Cream Cheese & Dressing

This is what transforms the shredded chicken into a luscious, scoopable filling.

• Cream Cheese: Full-fat block-style cream cheese provides the best flavor and thickest texture. Make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature. If you forget, you can unwrap it and microwave it on a plate for 15-20 seconds until soft, but not melted.
• Ranch vs. Blue Cheese Dressing: This is the great buffalo wing debate! Both work wonderfully here. Ranch dressing provides a creamy, herby coolness. Blue cheese dressing adds a sharp, funky tang that pairs classically with buffalo sauce. You can also use a dry ranch seasoning mix for a more concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s assemble these flavor-packed celery boats. It’s a simple, three-step process.

Step 1: Prepare the Celery

Wash the celery stalks thoroughly under cold water, making sure to clean any dirt from the base. Pat them completely dry. Trim off the very bottom (the white, tough root end) and the leafy tops. You can save the leaves to use in stocks or salads. Cut the prepared celery stalks into manageable pieces, typically 3 to 4 inches long. This creates the perfect two-bite appetizer size. Arrange them on your serving platter or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and uniform in color. There should be no visible lumps of cream cheese.

Once the base is smooth, add the 2 cups of shredded chicken to the bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use the spatula to fold and stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy buffalo mixture. At this point, you can taste the filling and adjust the seasonings. Want it spicier? Add another tablespoon of buffalo sauce. Want it creamier? Add another spoonful of ranch.

Step 3: Fill and Garnish

Carefully spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into the hollow of each celery stick. Don’t be shy—fill them generously, mounding the filling slightly. Use a small spoon or a butter knife to spread it evenly.

For a professional look: Transfer the buffalo chicken filling to a piping bag (or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe the filling neatly into the celery sticks. This method is not only cleaner but also gives the appetizers a more polished, elegant appearance.

Once all the celery sticks are filled, transfer them to your final serving platter. Sprinkle the tops with the crumbled blue cheese (if using) and the finely sliced green onions or chives. The garnish adds a final layer of flavor and a beautiful pop of color.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe is a powerhouse of flavor, not calories. The nutritional information is an approximation and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

• Servings: This recipe makes about 24-30 filled celery sticks.
• Serving Size: 2 celery sticks
• Calories per serving (approximate): 110-140 kcal

This snack is high in protein, low in carbohydrates (with most carbs coming from the celery itself), and rich in healthy fats, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying and energizing bite that aligns with keto and low-carb lifestyles.

Preparation Time

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how incredibly fast it is to prepare.

• Prep time: 20 minutes (this includes shredding pre-cooked chicken)
• Cook time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

If you’re looking for an impressive appetizer that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, this is it.

How to Serve Your Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

These versatile bites are perfect for almost any occasion. Here are a few serving ideas:

• The Ultimate Game Day Snack:
  • Arrange them on a large platter in the shape of a football or simply in neat rows.
  • Serve them alongside a small bowl of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
  • Pair them with other game-day favorites like carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or a bowl of olives.
• An Easy & Elegant Party Appetizer:
  • Use the piping bag method for a clean, professional presentation.
  • Arrange them on a sleek white platter or a rustic wooden board to make the colors pop.
  • Garnish just before serving to ensure the chives and blue cheese look fresh and vibrant.
• A Healthy Meal-Prep Lunch or Snack:
  • Prepare the celery sticks and the buffalo chicken filling, but store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • When you’re ready to eat, simply fill a few celery sticks for a quick, high-protein lunch or post-workout snack. This prevents the celery from becoming soft.
  • Pack them in a bento box with some nuts and berries for a complete and balanced meal on the go.

5 Additional Tips for Absolute Perfection

Elevate your Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks from great to unforgettable with these pro tips.

1. Control the Consistency: The ideal filling is thick and scoopable, not runny. The key is to use full-fat block cream cheese (not the whipped tub kind) and to thoroughly drain your chicken if using the canned variety. If your mixture seems too thin, you can thicken it by chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before filling the celery.
2. Customize the Spice Level: The amount of heat is easily adjustable. For a milder version perfect for kids or those sensitive to spice, use just 1/4 cup of a mild buffalo sauce and consider adding an extra tablespoon of ranch dressing. For the spice lovers, use a hotter buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot Xtra Hot) or add a few dashes of your favorite cayenne-based hot sauce to the mix.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Think of this recipe as a base. You can add other delicious ingredients to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture. Some great additions include finely chopped red onion for a bit of bite, crispy crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor, or even a tablespoon of shredded sharp cheddar cheese mixed right in.
4. The Make-Ahead Strategy: This is the perfect party appetizer to prep in advance. You can make the buffalo chicken filling up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The celery can also be washed, cut, and stored in a container with a little bit of water to keep it crisp. When it’s time to serve, just pat the celery dry and fill!
5. Use Every Part of the Celery: Don’t throw away the tender, leafy tops of the celery stalks! They have a wonderful, concentrated celery flavor. Finely chop them and mix them in with the green onions or chives for your garnish. It reduces waste and adds another layer of fresh, herbal flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about this recipe.

1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you absolutely can! To make a dairy-free version, simply substitute the regular cream cheese with a high-quality dairy-free cream cheese alternative (brands like Kite Hill or Miyoko’s Kitchen work well). You will also need to use a dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dressing. Most grocery stores now carry excellent plant-based versions of these dressings.

2. How do I store the leftovers?
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Please note that the celery will lose some of its crispness over time as it absorbs moisture from the filling. They will still be safe and delicious to eat, just with a softer texture. For best results, store the filling and cut celery separately.

3. I don’t like celery. What can I use instead?
If celery isn’t your thing, this versatile filling is fantastic in other “vessels.” Try stuffing it into hollowed-out mini bell peppers for a sweeter crunch, or spooning it onto thick slices of cucumber. It also makes an incredible dip served with gluten-free crackers, pork rinds (for a keto option), or sturdy tortilla chips. You can also use it to make amazing low-carb lettuce wraps.

4. My filling seems a bit runny. How can I fix it?
A runny filling is usually caused by either using low-fat or whipped cream cheese, or by not draining the chicken well enough. To fix it, try adding a little more softened cream cheese to thicken it up. If that’s not an option, your best bet is to place the entire bowl of filling in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. As the cream cheese chills, it will firm up considerably, making it much thicker and easier to work with.

5. Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is moderate and largely depends on the brand of buffalo sauce you use. Frank’s RedHot Wings sauce, the classic choice, provides a tangy flavor with a manageable kick. If you’re concerned about the heat, start with a smaller amount of sauce (e.g., 1/4 cup) and taste the mixture before adding more. You can always balance the heat with more cream cheese or ranch dressing.

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