There is something undeniably irresistible about these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe that brings bold flavors and comforting texture together in one bite. Juicy ground chicken meatballs get a perfect kick from a vibrant buffalo sauce tossed liberally over them, resulting in a snack or meal that packs so much character. Whether you’re craving a game day appetizer or a flavorful dinner, this dish balances spice, tenderness, and a touch of buttery richness beautifully. Once you whip these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe up, it’s hard not to fall in love and want to serve them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to crafting buffalo chicken meatballs that really shine. Each component brings its own magic to the table, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or just the perfect color pop.
- Ground chicken: The lean, tender protein base creating juicy and light meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them moist while adding subtle texture.
- Egg: Another binder that ensures your meatballs hold together perfectly during baking.
- Garlic (minced): Adds an aromatic punch that complements the spiciness of buffalo sauce.
- Green onions (finely chopped): Bright and fresh flavor plus a little color contrast inside the meatballs.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasoning essentials to enhance every ingredient’s taste.
- Onion powder: Deepens the savory profile while keeping it simple and smooth.
- Paprika: Provides a hint of smoky warmth and rich color.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the buffalo sauce to blend heat with silky richness.
- Buffalo sauce: The fiery star ingredient that coats the meatballs in signature tang and spice.
- Optional ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect creamy dips to cool down the heat and add complexity.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish: Adds freshness and visual appeal when serving.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped green onions, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined—overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so handle the mixture with care. This blend is where the juicy, flavorful magic begins.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into uniform 1 ½-inch meatballs. Making them about the same size helps ensure even cooking and a lovely golden crust all around. Place these meatballs evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet, giving each plenty of room to cook without crowding.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and have a beautiful golden color on the outside. This baking method keeps them juicy inside and gives a slight crispness that complements the tender meat perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce Coating
While the meatballs bake, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce until everything is smoothly combined and warm. The butter softens the sauce and balances the sharp heat, creating a silky coating that will cling beautifully to the meatballs.
Step 5: Toss Meatballs in Buffalo Sauce
Once your meatballs are out of the oven and still warm, gently transfer them to a large bowl. Pour over the buffalo sauce and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each meatball is coated in that irresistible tangy spice. This final step transforms simple chicken meatballs into a dish bursting with complex flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh green onions on top adds not only a pop of color but a bright note that balances the rich heat of the buffalo sauce. For extra flair and flavor, drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing over or serve on the side for dipping. These garnishes elevate the presentation and provide a creamy contrast that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Buffalo chicken meatballs are versatile enough to be enjoyed alongside a crisp green salad, some crunchy celery sticks, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For a heartier meal, serve them over fluffy rice or quinoa which soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. No matter what you pair them with, these meatballs shine brightly and steal the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve the meatballs on toothpicks for a fun finger-food style appetizer perfect for parties. Or, arrange them on a platter with small bowls of ranch and blue cheese dressings for dipping. You could also nestle the meatballs into slider buns topped with lettuce and pickles for a spicy twist on a classic sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making an easy next-day snack or meal addition.
Freezing
Buffalo chicken meatballs freeze beautifully. Place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to two months in the freezer, ready for a quick heat-up whenever you crave them.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the frozen or refrigerated meatballs in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for short bursts, being careful not to overheat and dry them out. Toss again with buffalo sauce if desired to refresh that signature flavor before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a fantastic substitute and maintains that tender, juicy texture while soaking up the buffalo sauce beautifully.
How can I make these meatballs less spicy?
Switch to a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount slightly when tossing the meatballs. Adding a bit more butter to the sauce also softens the heat without losing flavor.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
They can be! Just replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day before and store them in the fridge, then bake fresh when ready. This helps save time without compromising taste or texture.
What are some good dipping sauces for these meatballs?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic pairings that cool the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly. You can also try creamy garlic sauce or even a simple sour cream dip for variety.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a staple in your cooking rotation. The way juicy, tender chicken meets bold, buttery buffalo flavor is nothing short of addictive. Whether for entertaining friends or a cozy night in, these meatballs bring a joyful combination of spice, comfort, and ease that warms the heart and tantalizes the palate. I can’t wait for you to share this recipe with your loved ones and hear how much they enjoy every delicious bite.
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and spicy appetizer that’s perfect for game day or any gathering. Made with ground chicken and a blend of spices, these meatballs are baked to perfection and tossed in a rich buffalo sauce, delivering a perfect balance of heat and tang. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with fresh herbs for an irresistible snack or meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Optional for Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, green onions, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Scoop the mixture into 1 ½-inch sized meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and have a golden exterior.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the meatballs bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in the buffalo sauce until warmed and thoroughly combined.
- Toss Meatballs in Sauce: Once baked, transfer the meatballs to a large bowl and toss with the prepared buffalo sauce until each meatball is well coated.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken meatballs warm with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or slow cooker.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot buffalo sauce based on your preference.
- They work great as an appetizer or served alongside rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
