Buffalo chicken celery sticks are a delightful twist on the classic appetizer. This vegan version swaps out chicken for mashed chickpeas, creating a creamy and spicy filling that pairs perfectly with the crispness of fresh celery. Ideal for parties, game days, or a quick snack, these celery sticks are sure to be a hit with everyone.
If you don't usually stock vegan mayo or buffalo sauce in your pantry, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket. Vegan mayo is a plant-based alternative to traditional mayonnaise, often made from ingredients like soy or aquafaba. Buffalo sauce is a tangy, spicy sauce typically made from hot sauce and butter, but vegan versions are available that use plant-based fats.
Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
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.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
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.
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Alternative Ingredients
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.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
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.
How to Reheat Leftovers
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.
Best Tools for This Recipe
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.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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.
Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup chickpeas, mashed
- ¼ cup vegan mayo
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large celery stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix mashed chickpeas, buffalo sauce, vegan mayo, chopped celery, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the celery sticks.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
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