Keto Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe: Spicy, Creamy, and Perfect for Snacking
Hey there, keto foodies! If you're looking for a snack that hits all the right notes — crunchy, spicy, and full of flavor — you've come to the right place. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that combines everything we love about buffalo chicken wings with the refreshing crunch of celery. Introducing Keto Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks!
This dish is the ultimate guilt-free snack that you can enjoy without worrying about your carbs. The creamy buffalo chicken filling is packed with protein, the celery gives a satisfying crunch, and the combination is nothing short of magical. Whether you're hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something spicy, these buffalo chicken celery sticks are your new go-to treat.
I know the keto lifestyle can sometimes leave us craving flavorful snacks, and let me tell you, these buffalo chicken celery sticks are about to satisfy all your cravings in one bite. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare, and the result is deliciously irresistible. Let's dive in and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Keto Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
Keto Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks are so much more than just a snack. Here’s why you’re going to love them:
- Perfect for Keto: They’re low-carb, high-protein, and packed with healthy fats.
- Flavor-packed: The buffalo sauce adds a spicy, tangy kick, while the creamy filling makes each bite so satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these buffalo chicken celery sticks come together quickly.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make a batch and have a delicious snack ready whenever you need it.
Ready to try this keto-friendly snack? Let’s go!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these keto buffalo chicken celery sticks:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded) – The base of your filling. You can cook fresh chicken or utilize leftovers.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – This adds creaminess to the buffalo chicken filling.
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce – The key to that bold, spicy flavor. Make sure it’s sugar-free to keep it keto-friendly.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese, optional) – This will give the filling extra creaminess and flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – Enhances the overall taste of the filling.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – This adds a smoky flavor to balance the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- 10-12 celery sticks – These are the vessels that hold your buffalo chicken filling. Choose fresh, firm celery for the best crunch.
Serving Size: 2-3 celery sticks per serving
Instructions: How to Make Keto Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
This recipe is super easy, and I promise you’ll be snacking in no time! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breast. You can boil, bake, or grill it — whichever method you prefer. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer (it makes the process so much quicker!).
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the cream cheese. Use a spatula to mix everything together until the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
Next, stir in the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a good mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You should have a creamy, flavorful buffalo chicken filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Celery
While the buffalo chicken filling is coming together, wash and dry the celery sticks. Cut each celery stalk into 3-4 inch pieces, depending on the size of your celery. You want them small enough to hold in one hand and big enough to be filled with the delicious buffalo chicken mixture.
Step 4: Stuff the Celery
Now, it's time for the fun part! Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully stuff each celery stick with the buffalo chicken mixture. Make sure each stick is generously filled, and don’t be afraid to overstuff a little — you want every bite to be full of flavor!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once all the celery sticks are filled, they’re ready to be served. I love to drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top for an added kick, but that’s totally optional. Enjoy these as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal!
Macro Breakdown & Nutritional Information
Each serving of these keto buffalo chicken celery sticks (about 2-3 filled celery sticks) has the following nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 3g (Net Carbs: 2g)
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
These stats are perfect for anyone on a keto diet, with a good balance of healthy fats and protein, plus minimal carbs.
Tips and Variations
While this recipe is already pretty perfect, here are a few extra tips and variations to make it even more exciting:
- Add Cheese: For an extra cheesy version, add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Spicy Kick: If you like it extra hot, add a bit of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
- Swap the Dressing: If you're not a fan of ranch, you can swap it out for blue cheese dressing, which pairs wonderfully with the buffalo sauce.
- Top with Crumbled Bacon: For an extra crunch and a smoky flavor, sprinkle some crumbled cooked bacon on top of the filled celery sticks.
Keto Notes:
- Make sure your buffalo sauce is sugar-free and doesn’t contain any hidden carbs.
- If you’re using a store-bought ranch dressing, check the ingredients to ensure it’s low-carb and doesn’t have added sugars.
- These buffalo chicken celery sticks are a great source of healthy fats and protein, which will help keep you satisfied and full for longer.
Nutritional Benefits of Keto Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
These buffalo chicken celery sticks are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that are beneficial for anyone following a keto lifestyle:
- Protein-Packed: The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
- Low in Carbs: With only 2g of net carbs per serving, this snack won’t kick you out of ketosis. It’s perfect for anyone keeping their carbs low.
- Healthy Fats: The cream cheese and ranch dressing provide healthy fats, which are a key part of the keto diet. Healthy fats help fuel your body and keep you feeling full.
- Fiber: Celery is a great source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps things running smoothly.
Common FAQs
1. Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, and it adds extra flavor to the filling. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the other ingredients.
2. How do I store leftover buffalo chicken celery sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The celery might lose some of its crunch, but the filling will still be delicious!
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the buffalo chicken filling ahead of time and stuff the celery sticks just before serving. This makes it perfect for meal prep or a party.
4. Can I use a different vegetable instead of celery?
If you’re not a fan of celery, you can try using cucumber slices or even bell pepper strips as the base for the buffalo chicken filling. Both are crunchy and work well!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! These Keto Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks are everything you’ve been craving — spicy, creamy, and so satisfying. They’re an excellent snack, appetizer, or meal prep option for anyone on a keto diet. The best part? They’re easy to make and totally customizable to fit your taste preferences.
I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every spicy, creamy bite! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and fellow keto enthusiasts. Happy cooking, and stay keto-friendly!