If you’re craving a snack that bursts with bold flavor and satisfying crunch, you must try this Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe. It combines spicy, tangy buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken, all nestled into crisp celery boats that deliver the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just want a quick, flavorful snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients, each playing a vital role to create that signature flavor and texture contrast. From the fiery kick of hot sauce to the cooling crunch of celery, every element makes the dish shine.
- ½ cup hot sauce: For that classic buffalo flavor and spicy kick, Frank’s is a great choice.
- 6 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and smoothness to mellow out the heat.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the spice with a subtle touch of sweetness, but sugar works too if preferred.
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced): Brings aromatic depth and savory notes to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps balance the sauce.
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese: Creams the sauce for a luscious texture and tangy richness.
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base carrying all the buffalo goodness.
- 1 bunch celery cut into 2-3 inch pieces: Crisp and refreshing, the perfect vessel for the saucy filling.
- Ranch dressing (optional): Offers a cool contrast and is perfect for dipping or drizzling.
- Green onions (optional): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Begin by combining the hot sauce, butter, honey, garlic, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly as the mixture comes to a boil to ensure everything melts smoothly and the flavors meld beautifully. Once boiling, turn off the heat and stir in the cream cheese until well blended. Don’t worry if a few small clumps remain—they add a delightful texture to the sauce.
Step 2: Sauce the Chicken
Transfer your cooked, shredded chicken into a large bowl and pour the warm buffalo sauce over it. Toss thoroughly so every shred is coated in that vibrant, spicy, creamy sauce. This step infuses the chicken with all the buffalo flavors that make this dish addictive.
Step 3: Fill and Serve
Carefully spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into each celery stick, making sure each bite has a generous amount of filling. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness and color, then drizzle ranch dressing on top or serve it on the side for dipping. These bites are fantastic served right away, while the chicken is warm, but if you prefer, assemble them 1 to 2 hours before your event to keep the celery crisp and fresh without getting soggy.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions or finely chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a mild, herbaceous note that complements the bold buffalo flavor perfectly. A quick drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing amps up the creaminess and balances out the spice beautifully.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe shines as an appetizer or snack, but pairing it with cooling sides like a crisp garden salad, carrot sticks, or a bowl of creamy coleslaw helps balance the heat and makes for a well-rounded meal. A side of crunchy potato chips or crusty bread also works great for scooping up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or game day, arrange the celery sticks standing upright in a sturdy container filled with ice or rock salt to keep them fresh and upright for easy grabbing. Alternatively, serve the chicken mixture in a bowl with celery sticks around the edge for guests to self-assemble, which adds a fun, interactive twist to your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover buffalo chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store celery sticks separately to maintain their crispness. When ready to serve, just fill the celery sticks with the cold or slightly warmed chicken mixture for a quick snack.
Freezing
The buffalo chicken mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before filling your celery sticks. Celery does not freeze well and should always be fresh when served.
Reheating
Reheat leftover buffalo chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop just until warm to retain its creamy texture without drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming. After reheating, immediately fill celery sticks or serve as a dip with your favorite crackers or veggies.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for this Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe, providing tender, well-seasoned meat that works perfectly when shredded and tossed with the buffalo sauce.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and vegan cream cheese. Use your favorite plant-based ranch dressing or skip it altogether for a tasty dairy-free version.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe?
The spice level mainly depends on the hot sauce you choose. Using a traditional buffalo sauce like Frank’s offers moderate heat that can be toned down by adjusting the amount or balancing with more cream cheese or ranch dressing.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble celery sticks shortly before serving to keep them crisp and fresh. This makes hosting easier and stress-free.
What’s the best way to keep the celery from getting soggy?
Store celery sticks separately and only fill them shortly before serving—ideally within a couple of hours. This keeps them wonderfully crisp, providing the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy buffalo chicken filling.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe when you want a snack that’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and impresses every time. It brings together spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements in a way that feels special yet totally doable. Give it a try at your next gathering or when you crave something deliciously satisfying—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks are a flavorful and easy appetizer featuring shredded chicken tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce served atop fresh celery sticks. This low-carb, crowd-pleasing snack combines the bold heat of hot sauce with creamy butter and cream cheese, balanced by crunchy celery and optional ranch dressing for dipping. Perfect for game day or party gatherings.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup hot sauce such as Frank’s
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese (cut into 4–6 pieces)
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 bunch celery, cut into 2–3 inch long pieces
- Ranch dressing (optional)
- Green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce, butter, honey, garlic, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add the cream cheese. Whisk until the sauce is mostly smooth, allowing for some small cream cheese clumps.
- Sauce the Chicken: Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the shredded chicken in a large bowl. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Fill and Serve: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into each celery stick. Top with chopped green onions and either drizzle with ranch dressing or serve ranch on the side for dipping. Serve immediately while warm, or refrigerate and assemble 1-2 hours before serving to keep the celery crisp if serving chilled.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use extra hot sauce or add cayenne pepper.
- The recipe works well with leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- To keep celery crunchy when serving chilled, assemble just before serving.
- Can be made ahead by preparing chicken and sauce separately and combining before serving.
- Ranch dressing is optional and can be substituted with blue cheese dressing for traditional buffalo flavor.
