Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Get ready to turn up the heat at your next gathering with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs—a mouthwatering twist on a beloved classic. These zesty, tender meatballs combine lean ground chicken, bold buffalo sauce, just the right touch of blue cheese, and a medley of herbs, capturing everything you love about buffalo wings (minus the messy fingers!). Whether you’re prepping them as a party appetizer, game-day treat, or a fun family meal, they’re packed with flavor and offer an irresistible kick in every juicy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The lineup for these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs couldn’t be simpler, but each ingredient truly earns its keep. Every addition brings out the savory, spicy, or creamy elements, ensuring your meatballs are loaded with irresistible flavor and the perfect texture.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean base that keeps these meatballs light but still juicy.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Essential for holding the mixture together and giving the meatballs a soft, tender bite.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): Adds surprising pockets of creamy tang and is a total flavor booster for blue cheese fans.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together for meatballs that hold their shape beautifully as they bake.
- 2 green onions (finely chopped): Offers pops of freshness and mild oniony zing in every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds savory depth and irresistible aroma—never skimp on the garlic!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Boosts all the existing flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings just a subtle touch of heat to complement the buffalo sauce.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Blends into the buffalo sauce for a silky, glossy finish.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): The star ingredient delivering that signature fiery kick and tangy flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley or extra green onions for garnish: Brings color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping: Cooling, creamy dips to balance the bold heat of the meatballs.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is what helps the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs cook through quickly while getting deliciously golden. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or give it a light greasing if you prefer—either way, your meatballs won’t stick and will release beautifully when they’re ready.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, blue cheese if you’re including it (and you should if you love that classic buffalo flavor!), egg, green onions, garlic, salt, and black pepper. With clean hands or a sturdy spoon, mix everything gently until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix—handling the mixture too much can make the meatballs tough rather than moist and tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
With the mixture ready, scoop out portions about 1 and 1/2 inches in diameter (roughly the size of a golf ball). Roll them gently between your palms and arrange them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet. If you want uniform size, a cookie scoop works wonders here. Evenly sized meatballs mean they’ll all cook at the same rate.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. The Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are ready when they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Their edges will crisp up lightly, locking in the juicy goodness inside. The aroma at this point is irresistible!
Step 5: Coat with Buffalo Sauce
While your meatballs bake, quickly whisk together the melted butter and buffalo wing sauce in a separate bowl. As soon as the meatballs come out of the oven, transfer them while hot into a large bowl. Gently toss them in the spicy, buttery sauce until every nook and cranny is evenly coated. This step is where the magic happens—each meatball soaks up maximum flavor, making them utterly addicting.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your saucy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs to a serving platter, then shower them with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra green onions. Don’t forget to serve them warm, with plenty of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dunking, rounding out that spicy-savory goodness.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
A finishing touch can really make your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs stand out. Give them a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of green, or toss some extra chopped green onions on top for color and crispness. A final drizzle of buffalo sauce or a tiny crumble of blue cheese can add a little drama for party platters.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with the classic duo: crisp celery sticks and cool carrot sticks. They not only add refreshing crunch but also help balance out the zingy heat of the meatballs. For hungry crowds, consider serving them alongside oven fries, potato wedges, or a light green salad to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile and party-friendly. Set them out on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or skewer three to four meatballs on bamboo sticks for a fun twist. For a heartier course, stuff them in a toasted sub roll with extra sauce and slaw, or scatter them over a bed of salad greens for a zesty protein punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (which is rare!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A quick reheat brings them right back to life, making lunch or snacks a flavorful breeze.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these meatballs for future enjoyment. Lay cooled, uncoated meatballs out on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and toss with fresh buffalo sauce. They’ll taste just as fiery and fresh as the first time around.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. For saucier results, you can reheat them gently on the stovetop with extra buffalo sauce. Microwave works in a pinch—just zap in 30-second increments until hot.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape and bake the meatballs in advance, then store them in the fridge. When you’re almost ready to serve, warm them and quickly toss in freshly mixed buffalo sauce for unbeatable flavor and texture.
What kind of buffalo sauce works best?
A classic buffalo sauce like Frank’s RedHot is always a winner, but any good-quality wing sauce will do the trick. Pick one with that irresistible tangy-heat balance that you love most.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe and will yield similar juicy, flavorful results. It’s a great way to adapt the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for what you have on hand.
How spicy are these meatballs?
They have that familiar buffalo heat, but you can easily adjust the level by choosing a mild or hot buffalo sauce. Serving with plenty of ranch or blue cheese dressing is also a great way to keep things balanced for milder palates.
Are Buffalo Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?
If you swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these meatballs a great crowd-pleaser for those with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs—they’re spicy, cheesy, and endlessly fun to eat. Whether you’re gathering with friends or just spicing up a weeknight dinner, these crowd-pleasers are always a hit. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again—enjoy every fiery, flavor-packed bite!
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a perfect combination of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion. Juicy ground chicken mixed with breadcrumbs, blue cheese, and a blend of seasonings, baked to perfection, then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce. Serve these delicious meatballs with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate party snack.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
Garnish and Serving:
- Chopped fresh parsley or extra green onions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, blue cheese, egg, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with buffalo sauce.
- Coat Meatballs: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm with dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, serve with celery or carrot sticks.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
