Keto Buffalo Chicken Celery Boats

My kitchen counter was a mess the afternoon my sister called asking what I was making for her game night, and I had exactly nothing prepared. I'd bought a rotisserie chicken on impulse, some celery was wilting in the crisper drawer, and a bottle of buffalo sauce caught my eye in the pantry. Twenty minutes later, I'd assembled these little celery boats and watched everyone reach for them before anything else. That's when I realized the most satisfying appetizers are often the ones you throw together without overthinking.

My brother's reaction when he bit into one was genuinely priceless, because he'd assumed celery would make it feel like diet food, then the buffalo spice hit him and his eyes went wide. He went back for four more without asking what was in them. It became the dish I bring to every casual gathering now, partly because people are amazed something so simple tastes this good, and partly because I can eat the entire platter without breaking keto and nobody judges.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time, or shred your own if you've got it on hand; the texture matters more than perfectly even pieces.
• Buffalo wing sauce, sugar-free: This is your flavor anchor, so grab a keto-friendly brand or check the label for hidden sugars that'll throw off your macros.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps the filling stick to the celery; Greek yogurt works in a pinch but changes the richness slightly.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brings the buffalo sauce flavors together and adds a subtle richness that makes this feel less like a diet snack.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These aren't optional if you want depth; they're what make people ask if you've added something they can't quite name.
• Celery stalks, large and fresh: Look for pieces with deep hollows because thin stalks will crack when you fill them; wash them right before using so they stay crisp.
• Blue cheese, crumbled: The tangy punch that ties everything together; don't skip this or use pre-crumbled if possible because fresh chunks have better texture and flavor.
• Fresh chives: A small touch that makes this look intentional and tastes brighter than you'd expect.

Instructions

Mix the Filling:

In a bowl, combine your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, mayo, melted butter, and the garlic and onion powders; stir until everything is evenly coated and the mixture feels creamy and cohesive. Taste it and season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind the blue cheese topping will add extra saltiness.

Prepare the Celery Boats:

Wash and cut your celery into 3 to 4 inch lengths, then arrange them on your serving platter so you can see the hollow centers clearly. If any pieces feel wobbly, trim the bottom flat so they sit steady.

Fill the Boats:

Spoon or pipe the buffalo chicken mixture into each celery hollow, loading it generously but not so much that it tumbles off when people pick them up. You'll develop a feel for this after the first few.

Top and Finish:

Sprinkle each filled piece with crumbled blue cheese and a pinch of chives if you're using them, then step back because they look as good as they taste. Serve right away while the celery is still crisp, or chill for up to 2 hours if you want them cold.

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There's something almost silly about how much personality these little celery boats have despite being so simple. A friend who usually avoids appetizers because she's strict with her macros told me these are the only thing she'll eat first at parties now, and I realized I'd accidentally created something that makes keto feel less restrictive and more fun.

Heat and Flavor Adjustments

Buffalo sauce alone is your baseline, but if your crowd likes things spicy, a pinch of cayenne pepper stirred into the chicken mixture takes it from friendly heat to genuinely fiery. I've also experimented with adding a teaspoon of hot sauce mixed into the mayo before combining everything, which layers the spice differently and tastes more complex. Some people swap the buffalo sauce entirely for Frank's RedHot mixed with a tiny bit of honey, but that pushes the carbs up slightly, so stick with sugar-free brands if you're watching numbers closely.

Swaps and Substitutions

Blue cheese isn't for everyone, and I've made these with crumbled feta when someone couldn't tolerate dairy funk, and honestly they're still delicious with a brighter, tangier finish. Ranch dressing mixed with a little parmesan works too if you want something creamier and less intensely flavored. The chicken base is flexible, so rotisserie turkey or even canned tuna in a pinch won't wreck the whole dish; just make sure it's well-drained and shredded fine.

Make-Ahead Strategy and Storage

The chicken filling keeps in a covered container in the fridge for about three days, and you can prep your celery boats the morning of if you keep them in a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Just don't assemble everything until an hour or so before serving, otherwise the celery loses that satisfying snap. If you're bringing these to an event, fill them at home and transport in a single layer on a flat container so they don't get squished.

• Prepare the chicken filling up to three days in advance and store covered in the fridge.
• Wash and cut celery the morning of, then wrap loosely in a damp paper towel to keep them crisp.
• Assemble just before serving or no more than an hour ahead to preserve the celery's crunch.

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These celery boats have become my go-to appetizer because they're proof that eating low-carb doesn't mean boring food. Every time someone discovers they're actually keto, they do a double-take and ask for the recipe.

Recipe FAQs

→ What can I use instead of blue cheese?

Feta cheese or ranch dressing are good alternatives to blue cheese and provide a similar tangy flavor.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

You can mix the filling ahead and store it chilled, but assemble the celery boats just before serving to keep them crisp.

→ How can I add more heat to the filling?

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicier kick.

→ Is this suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, this dish is low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it keto-friendly.

→ What tools are needed to prepare this dish?

You will need a mixing bowl, spoon or piping bag, cutting board, and knife for assembly.