Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe

Buffalo sauce: A spicy and tangy sauce that gives the dish its signature kick.

Chickpeas: Mashed to create a creamy, protein-rich base for the filling.

Vegan mayo: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Celery: Finely chopped to add crunch and freshness to the filling.

Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a concentrated onion taste.

Celery stalks: Serve as the crunchy, refreshing base for the buffalo chickpea filling.

When mashing the chickpeas, use a fork or potato masher to achieve a chunky texture, which will give the buffalo chicken mixture a more satisfying bite. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can pulse the chickpeas in a food processor a few times.

• buffalo sauce - Substitute with sriracha mixed with vegan butter: This combination mimics the spicy and tangy flavor of buffalo sauce while keeping it vegan.

• chickpeas, mashed - Substitute with jackfruit, shredded: Shredded jackfruit has a texture similar to chicken and absorbs flavors well, making it a great substitute.

• vegan mayo - Substitute with hummus: Hummus provides a creamy texture and adds a bit of extra flavor, while still being vegan.

• celery, finely chopped - Substitute with carrots, finely chopped: Finely chopped carrots add a similar crunch and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• green onions, finely chopped - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor and a similar texture, making them a good alternative.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor and can be used in slightly smaller quantities.

• onion powder - Substitute with shallots, finely minced: Finely minced shallots offer a subtle onion flavor and a bit of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste.

• celery stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces - Substitute with bell pepper strips: Bell pepper strips provide a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor, making them a great vessel for the filling.

• To keep your buffalo chicken celery sticks fresh and crisp, store them in an airtight container. This prevents the celery from becoming soggy and maintains the crunch.

• If you plan to enjoy them within a day or two, place the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help retain the flavors and texture of the chickpea mixture.

• For longer storage, consider separating the buffalo chickpea mixture from the celery sticks. Store the mixture in a sealed container and the celery sticks in a separate one. This way, you can assemble them just before serving to ensure maximum freshness.

• When freezing, it's best to freeze the buffalo chickpea mixture separately. Spoon the mixture into a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Lay it flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even freezing.

• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The buffalo chickpea mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• To thaw, transfer the frozen buffalo chickpea mixture to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture and flavor.

• Once thawed, give the mixture a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. Then, spoon it into fresh celery sticks and serve.

• If you prefer a warm version, you can gently heat the buffalo chickpea mixture in a pan over low heat before spooning it into the celery sticks. This adds a comforting touch, especially on cooler days.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the celery from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep the celery crisp. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.

• For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or vegetable broth to the pan. Place the Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until warmed through.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Arrange the Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine and mix all the ingredients together.

• Fork: Mash the chickpeas with this tool until they reach a desired consistency.

• Measuring cups: Accurately measure out the buffalo sauce, vegan mayo, and chickpeas.

• Measuring spoons: Measure the garlic powder and onion powder precisely.

• Knife: Finely chop the celery and green onions.

• Cutting board: Provide a stable surface for chopping the celery and green onions.

• Spoon: Use this to spoon the mixture into the celery sticks.

• Refrigerator: Chill the filled celery sticks for 10 minutes if desired.

Prepare the filling: Mix the mashed chickpeas, buffalo sauce, and vegan mayo in advance and store in the fridge.

Chop in bulk: Finely chop the celery and green onions ahead of time and keep them in airtight containers.

Use a food processor: Quickly mash the chickpeas and blend the ingredients using a food processor to save time.

Pre-cut celery sticks: Buy pre-cut celery stalks to eliminate the need for cutting them yourself.

Chill before serving: Prepare the celery sticks and filling, then chill them in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go snack.