Buffalo Chicken Celery Bites are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack that combines the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with the crisp freshness of celery. These bites are perfect for game day, parties, or as a quick and satisfying snack. They are low-carb and packed with protein, making them a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy flavorful food without the guilt!

Ingredients List

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Celery Bites:

• 4-5 large celery stalks, cut into 3-4 inch pieces
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or extra buffalo sauce

Timing

Preparing Buffalo Chicken Celery Bites takes about 10 minutes for prep and assembly, totaling approximately 10 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Celery

1. Cut Celery: Wash and cut the celery stalks into 3-4 inch pieces. Make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Celery Bites

1. Fill Celery Sticks: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each celery stick, filling them generously.
2. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or drizzle with extra buffalo sauce for added flavor.

Step 4: Serve

1. Plate and Enjoy: Arrange the filled celery bites on a serving platter and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Buffalo Chicken Celery Bites (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	15g
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	4g
Fiber	1g

Tips for Customization

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make it spicier or milder according to your preference.
• Cream Cheese Alternatives: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
• Add Veggies: Mix in finely chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers into the chicken mixture for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Celery Bites pair well with:

• A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Fresh vegetable platter or chips for a complete snack spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfilling Celery: Be careful not to overfill the celery sticks, as they can become difficult to handle.
2. Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients.
3. Skipping the Seasoning: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed; every brand of buffalo sauce varies in flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Celery Bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the celery bites just before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

In just about 10 minutes, you can whip up Buffalo Chicken Celery Bites, a flavorful and healthy snack that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With their spicy buffalo chicken filling and crunchy celery, these bites are both satisfying and nutritious!

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the buffalo chicken filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just fill the celery sticks right before serving.

What if I don’t like buffalo sauce?

You can substitute with barbecue sauce or a mild hot sauce for a different flavor profile.

Can I use canned chicken?

Absolutely! Canned chicken is a convenient option and works well in this recipe.

Are these bites gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use gluten-free ranch dressing and buffalo sauce, these bites are gluten-free.