Name: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 10 h 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breast; 1 cup Cayenne pepper; 1 bunch celery; 1 packet ranch mix; ⅔ cup mayonnaise; ⅔ cup sour cream; ⅔ cup milk; 1 tsp dried parsley; salt and pepper

Transform your appetizer game with these irresistible crock pot buffalo chicken celery sticks. This recipe combines the zesty flavor of buffalo chicken with the crispness of fresh celery, creating a perfect blend of spicy and refreshing. Ideal for parties or casual snacks, these celery sticks are sure to be a hit among your guests.

Photos of Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe

When preparing this recipe, you might need to visit the supermarket for a few specific items. Ensure you have cayenne pepper for the heat, a bunch of celery, and a packet of ranch mix. These ingredients are crucial in bringing out the signature flavors of this dish.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

Chicken breast: The main protein, which will be cooked until tender and shredded.

Cayenne pepper: Adds the fiery kick to the buffalo chicken.

Celery: Provides a crisp and refreshing base for the buffalo chicken mixture.

Ranch mix: Used to create a delicious ranch dressing that complements the buffalo chicken.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the homemade ranch dressing.

Sour cream: Another element of the ranch dressing, adding tang and richness.

Milk: Helps to thin the ranch dressing to the desired consistency.

Dried parsley: Adds a touch of herbaceous flavor to finish the dish.

Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall taste.

One reader, Bettine Kasper says:

This crock pot buffalo chicken celery sticks recipe is a game-changer! The chicken is tender and flavorful, and the homemade ranch adds the perfect touch. It's a hit at parties and so easy to make. Highly recommend!

Bettine Kasper

Cooking Techniques for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

How to cook chicken in a crockpot: Place chicken in a crockpot, season with salt and pepper, top with hot sauce, and cook on low for the specified time. How to mix ranch dressing: Combine ranch mix, mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk in a mason jar, cover, and refrigerate. How to shred chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl and use forks to pull apart the meat into shreds. How to prepare celery: Remove celery stalks from the bunch, rinse well, and cut into 4-inch pieces. How to stuff celery: Fill celery sticks with the buffalo chicken mixture and drizzle with ranch dressing and hot sauce.

How To Make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

Enjoy slow-cooked chicken with our Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe! Have celery sticks topped with chicken and creamy sauce in this recipe.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 6 hours

Refrigerate Time: 4 hours

Total: 10 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbschicken breastboneless, skinless
1cupcayenne pepperhot sauce
1bunchcelery
1packetranch mix
⅔cupmayonnaise
⅔cupsour cream
⅔cupmilk
1tspdried parsley
salt and pepperto taste

Instructions

Place chicken in a 3-quart crockpot. Season with salt and pepper. Top with ½ cup of hot sauce. Cook on Low for 4 hours. Cook for 6 hours if frozen.
Mix ranch mix, mayo, sour cream, and milk in a pint-size mason jar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Once chicken is cooked, transfer to a bowl and shred. Add remaining ½ cup of hot sauce and mix to incorporate. Allow to cool.
Remove celery stalks from the bunch and rinse well. Cut into 4-inch pieces and lay on a platter.
Stuff celery with buffalo chicken mixture. Drizzle with ¼ cup ranch dressing stored in a mason jar, more hot sauce, and dried parsley.
Serve immediately or chill for up to 4 hours. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 555.02kcal
Fat: 42.19g
Saturated Fat: 10.90g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 12.65g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 16.30g
Carbohydrates: 11.39g
Fiber: 4.50g
Sugar: 3.94g
Protein: 34.90g
Cholesterol: 122.78mg
Sodium: 630.73mg
Calcium: 111.72mg
Potassium: 771.52mg
Iron: 2.43mg
Vitamin A: 394.02µg
Vitamin C: 11.96mg

Expert Technique Tip for Making Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken

To ensure the chicken is perfectly tender and easy to shred, make sure to cook it on low heat in the crockpot for the full duration specified. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to absorb the hot sauce flavors deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy filling for your celery sticks.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prepare ingredients ahead: Chop celery and mix ranch dressing the night before to save time on the day of preparation.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Opt for rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch to cut down on cooking time.

Double the batch: Make extra buffalo chicken and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Quick shred: Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly and effortlessly.

Pre-make ranch dressing: Store homemade ranch dressing in the fridge for up to a week for easy access.

Substitute Ingredients For Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe

chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture to chicken breast, making it a suitable alternative.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with hot sauce: Hot sauce can provide a similar level of heat and flavor complexity as cayenne pepper.
celery - Substitute with carrot sticks: Carrot sticks offer a similar crunch and can be a refreshing alternative to celery.
ranch mix - Substitute with Italian dressing mix: Italian dressing mix can provide a different but complementary flavor profile to the dish.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that provides creaminess and tanginess.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can mimic the texture and tanginess of sour cream while being a bit lighter.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used to keep the dish dairy-free while maintaining a similar consistency.
dried parsley - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a more vibrant flavor and color to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a different layer of umami flavor while providing the necessary saltiness.
pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild heat and a smoky flavor, offering a different but enjoyable twist.

Presentation Tips for Serving Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

Serve smaller portion sizes: Arrange the celery sticks neatly on a pristine white plate, ensuring each piece is uniform in size for a refined presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish the platter with finely chopped dried parsley and a light drizzle of extra hot sauce to add a pop of color and visual appeal.
Add texture: Place a small mound of finely shredded chicken beside the celery sticks to showcase the main ingredient in its pure form, emphasizing the texture and quality of the buffalo chicken mixture.
Incorporate height: Stack the celery sticks in a slight pyramid shape to add height and dimension to the dish, making it more visually dynamic.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the dish on a sleek, modern platter with a small ramekin of the ranch dressing on the side, allowing guests to add more dressing as desired.
Highlight freshness: Include a few whole celery stalks with leaves intact on the side of the platter to emphasize the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
Balance flavors: Offer a small side of sour cream and mayonnaise mixture in a decorative bowl, allowing guests to balance the heat of the buffalo chicken with a cooling element.
Create a focal point: Place a single, perfectly stuffed celery stick in the center of the plate, garnished with a delicate sprinkle of dried parsley, to draw the eye and create a focal point for the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Crockpot: A slow cooker used to cook the chicken breasts slowly, ensuring they are tender and flavorful.
Mason jar: Used to mix and store the ranch dressing, allowing the flavors to meld together in the refrigerator.
Mixing bowl: Essential for shredding the cooked chicken and mixing it with the hot sauce.
Knife: Used to cut the celery stalks into 4-inch pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the celery.
Platter: For arranging the stuffed celery sticks for serving.
Measuring cups: To measure out the hot sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk accurately.
Spoon: Useful for mixing the ranch dressing and the buffalo chicken mixture.
Tongs: Handy for transferring the cooked chicken from the crockpot to the mixing bowl.
Spatula: Helps in spreading the buffalo chicken mixture onto the celery sticks.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the ranch dressing and the prepared celery sticks if not serving immediately.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Leftovers

To store leftover buffalo chicken celery sticks, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The celery may lose some of its crispness over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.
If you want to freeze the buffalo chicken mixture for later use, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen buffalo chicken, place the container in the refrigerator overnight or until fully thawed. You can also use the defrost setting on your microwave if you're in a hurry.
Once thawed, reheat the buffalo chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, as freezing can sometimes affect the flavor.
Prepare fresh celery sticks for serving, and assemble the buffalo chicken celery sticks as directed in the recipe. If the mixture seems a bit dry after reheating, you can add a splash of hot sauce or chicken broth to help moisten it.
It's not recommended to freeze the assembled buffalo chicken celery sticks, as the celery will become soggy and lose its texture upon thawing. Always assemble the appetizer with fresh celery for the best results.

How To Reheat Leftover Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

To reheat leftover crock pot buffalo chicken celery sticks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the celery sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the celery is slightly crisp.
Another option is to reheat the buffalo chicken mixture separately in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chicken is hot. Then, spoon the heated chicken onto fresh celery sticks for a quick and easy snack.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the buffalo chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pan and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and slightly crispy. Serve the hot chicken on fresh celery sticks.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the buffalo chicken celery sticks in it for a crispy texture without the need for additional oil. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the celery sticks in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the celery is crisp.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating the ranch dressing along with the buffalo chicken celery sticks. Instead, serve the reheated celery sticks with fresh, chilled ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Interesting Trivia About Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

A random fact about this recipe is that using a crockpot to cook the chicken ensures it stays tender and juicy, as the slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb all the flavors from the hot sauce.

Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical?

This crock pot buffalo chicken celery sticks recipe is quite cost-effective. The main ingredients, chicken breast, celery, and ranch mix, are relatively inexpensive. The mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk are common household staples. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15-$20. Considering the ease of preparation and the satisfying, flavorful result, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This crock pot buffalo chicken celery sticks recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side:

Chicken breast is a lean protein source
Celery is low in calories and provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals
The recipe uses a homemade ranch dressing, which can be healthier than store-bought varieties

However, there are some concerns:

The amount of cayenne pepper (1 cup) seems excessive and may make the dish too spicy for most people
The recipe is high in fat due to the mayonnaise and sour cream in the ranch dressing
Depending on the hot sauce used, the dish may be high in sodium

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper to 1-2 tablespoons, or to taste, to lower the spice level and potential digestive discomfort
Use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream in the ranch dressing to decrease the overall fat content
Opt for a low-sodium hot sauce to control the salt intake
Include additional vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Serve the buffalo chicken mixture over a bed of mixed greens for a more balanced meal
Use whole wheat bread or lettuce wraps instead of celery for a more substantial and filling option

Editor's Opinion on Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

This crock pot buffalo chicken celery sticks recipe offers a delightful balance of spicy and creamy flavors. The slow-cooked chicken absorbs the cayenne pepper sauce beautifully, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. The homemade ranch dressing adds a refreshing, tangy contrast. Using celery sticks as a vessel is a clever, low-carb alternative to traditional bread or chips. However, consider reducing the hot sauce if you prefer a milder taste. Overall, it's a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's both easy to prepare and visually appealing.

Enhance Your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Add a touch of elegance to your appetizer spread with grilled asparagus drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The smoky char of the asparagus pairs beautifully with the tangy buffalo chicken filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your guests craving more.

Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Aioli: Complement the spicy kick of your buffalo chicken celery sticks with a side of crispy sweet potato fries served alongside a creamy garlic aioli. The natural sweetness of the fries and the rich, garlicky dip create a delightful contrast that enhances the overall taste experience.

Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Feta: Introduce a refreshing and nutritious element to your meal with a quinoa salad tossed with dried cranberries, feta cheese, and a light citrus vinaigrette. The nutty flavor of the quinoa and the sweet-tart cranberries provide a delightful counterpoint to the bold, spicy notes of the buffalo chicken.

Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers: Brighten up your appetizer platter with colorful mini bell peppers stuffed with a creamy cheese and herb mixture. These bite-sized delights offer a mild, sweet crunch that perfectly complements the fiery buffalo chicken filling in the celery sticks.

Watermelon and Feta Salad: For a refreshing and unexpected twist, serve a watermelon and feta salad alongside your buffalo chicken celery sticks. The juicy, sweet watermelon and the salty, creamy feta create a delightful contrast that cools the palate and enhances the overall dining experience.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoyed This Dish

Buffalo Chicken Dip: Transform your chicken breast into a creamy, spicy dip that's perfect for game day. Serve with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Swap out the celery for crisp lettuce leaves and fill them with the same zesty buffalo chicken mixture. Top with a drizzle of ranch dressing and a sprinkle of dried parsley.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out some bell peppers and stuff them with the spicy buffalo chicken mix. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Turn your buffalo chicken into mini sandwiches by piling it onto slider buns. Add a slice of cheddar cheese and a dollop of ranch dressing for a delicious bite-sized treat.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Layer the buffalo chicken mixture between flour tortillas with some shredded cheese. Cook until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted, then cut into wedges and serve with ranch dressing.

Recommended Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks

Main Courses:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the zesty flavors of lemon and fresh herbs. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Grill to perfection, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite every time. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful and nutritious main course that’s sure to impress. Hollow out vibrant bell peppers and fill them with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and spices. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through. Top with melted cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. Pair with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a warm, molten chocolate center oozing out of a rich, decadent cake. This dessert is perfect for those who crave a deep, intense chocolate experience. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an indulgent treat that will leave your guests in awe. The contrast between the warm cake and the cold ice cream creates a delightful sensation that is hard to resist.

Lemon Meringue Pie: A zesty lemon filling topped with a fluffy meringue makes this dessert a refreshing end to any meal. The tartness of the lemon perfectly balances the sweetness of the meringue, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Serve it chilled for a cool, refreshing bite that will cleanse the palate and leave a lasting impression. The golden-brown meringue adds a touch of elegance, making it a show-stopping dessert.

Why trust this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe:

This recipe is a must-try because it combines the tangy heat of buffalo chicken with the refreshing crunch of celery. The crockpot method ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful, while the homemade ranch dressing adds a creamy balance. Perfect for parties or a healthy snack, this dish is both easy to prepare and delicious. Trust in the simplicity and quality of these ingredients to deliver a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Have you tried this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe? Let us know how it turned out and share your own creative twists in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce or adjust the amount to suit your taste. Just keep in mind that different hot sauces can vary in heat and flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just stuff the celery sticks and drizzle with ranch dressing right before serving.

What can I use instead of ranch mix?

If you don't have ranch mix, you can make your own by combining dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of dried chives. Adjust the quantities to your taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover buffalo chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the celery sticks separate to prevent them from getting soggy.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter option. It will still give you a creamy texture and a bit of tanginess.