There is something irresistibly fun and flavorful about this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe that makes it an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes. These meatballs pack all the delicious punch of classic buffalo wings but with the comforting, bite-sized goodness of meatballs, making them perfect for casual dinners, parties, or even game day snacks. What’s wonderful about this recipe is how straightforward it is, yet each ingredient plays a key role in building that unforgettable taste and texture you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple with everyday pantry staples and fresh produce is the secret behind the magic of this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Each component is chosen not just for flavor, but to enhance texture and color, ensuring every bite is as vibrant and satisfying as the last.
- Lean ground chicken: The main protein base, providing a light, tender meatball foundation.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together without making the meatballs heavy.
- Dried breadcrumbs or gluten-free option: Adds necessary texture and moisture control for perfectly tender meatballs.
- Finely grated carrot: Brings natural sweetness and moisture to balance the spice.
- Sliced green onion: Offers fresh, mildly sharp flavor and a pop of green color.
- Minced garlic: Elevates the savory depth with aromatic warmth.
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness, enhancing the buffalo sauce’s tang.
- Onion powder: A mild, savory touch that complements the other spices.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors alive.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The heart of the dish, providing that signature spicy, vinegary kick.
- Nonstick parchment paper or silicone baking mat: For easy cleanup and perfectly baked meatballs.
- Blue cheese dressing: The ideal cooling dip to counter the heat.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish): Adds a fresh finishing touch and extra crunch.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if you’re using a fan oven, ensuring it’s ready when your meatballs are formed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to help the meatballs bake evenly and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, egg, dried breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternative, finely grated carrot, sliced green onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of buffalo wing sauce. Mix just until everything is evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix — this keeps the meatballs tender rather than dense.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the mixture into roughly 1-tablespoon-sized mounds. Roll each portion gently between your hands to form neat, round balls. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow for thorough cooking.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and they turn lightly golden on the outside. This precise cooking ensures juicy meatballs with a subtle crispness on their surface.
Step 5: Coat with Buffalo Sauce
After removing the meatballs from the oven, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the remaining 3 tablespoons of buffalo wing sauce. This final coating amplifies their signature flavor and keeps each bite delightfully saucy. Alternatively, feel free to drizzle the sauce over the meatballs directly on the baking sheet if you prefer a lighter touch.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Place your saucy meatballs on a serving platter, garnish generously with sliced green onions, and have blue cheese dressing ready for dipping. These meatballs are best enjoyed immediately, while warm and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple but impactful, garnishes like sliced green onions add a fresh crunch and vibrant green color that brightens the dish. For those who love a creamy contrast, a good drizzle or side of blue cheese dressing is essential to mellow out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are wonderfully versatile when paired with sides. Crisp celery sticks or carrot batons make classic accompaniments that add refreshing crunch and a little cooling effect. For heartier meals, consider serving them over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a crisp green salad to balance the spicy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re impressing at a party or family gathering, arrange the meatballs in a circular pattern around a bowl of dipping sauce for a striking centerpiece. You can also serve them atop mini slider buns with lettuce and ranch dressing to create fantastic buffalo chicken sliders that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo chicken meatballs store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if you prefer, tossing the meatballs fresh before serving to maintain that saucy vibrancy and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, these meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave them covered to prevent drying out, then toss again with buffalo sauce just before serving to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great swap and will work just as well, offering a slightly different flavor but the same tender texture when cooked properly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Both options maintain the texture and moisture without compromising taste.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and perfectly balanced thanks to the buffalo wing sauce. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add an extra splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I bake these meatballs ahead of time and reheat later?
Definitely! Baking them ahead is a great time-saver. Just store cooked meatballs in the fridge and reheat them gently before tossing with fresh buffalo sauce for the best flavor.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Serve them warm on a platter with plenty of blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side, along with celery sticks for dipping. Using toothpicks makes them easy to grab and enjoy finger-food style.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a bit of excitement and warmth to your meal routine, this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a winner every time. Its ease and bold flavors make it a standout dish that you’ll want to make on repeat. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, they’ll become your go-to recipe to satisfy cravings and impress friends alike!
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and spicy appetizer or snack featuring lean ground chicken combined with vibrant buffalo wing sauce, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices. Baked to perfection and tossed in additional buffalo sauce, they deliver a tender, juicy bite with a classic tangy heat. Served with creamy blue cheese dressing and garnished with green onions, they make for an irresistible party favorite or game day treat.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs (or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or 1/3 cup almond flour)
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce
For Baking and Serving
- Nonstick parchment paper or silicone baking mat (for lining the tray)
- 3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce (for tossing after baking)
- Blue cheese dressing, for dipping
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C for fan ovens. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs (or alternatives), grated carrot, sliced green onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce. Mix just until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture into approximately 1-tablespoon-sized mounds. Roll each portion gently between your hands to form round meatballs. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are cooked through and slightly golden.
- Toss in Sauce: Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Toss with the remaining 3 tablespoons of buffalo wing sauce until all are well coated. Alternatively, you can drizzle the sauce over the meatballs on the tray.
- Serve: Arrange the saucy meatballs on a serving platter. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping and garnish with extra sliced green onions as desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with almond flour.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- Make sure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce depending on how spicy you like your meatballs.
- These meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
