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If you love the fiery kick of classic Buffalo wings but want something a little more versatile and less messy, this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken meatballs infused with bold, tangy buffalo wing sauce and a subtle hint of smokiness from paprika make every bite an explosion of flavor. These meatballs are easy to make, perfect for game day, casual dinners, or impressing guests, and they come with the added bonus of being wonderfully easy to serve and enjoy. Trust me, once you try this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe, it will be a go-to favorite you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe is delightfully simple. Each component plays a crucial role—adding texture, moisture, and that signature buffalo tang that makes this dish irresistible.
- Lean ground chicken (1 pound): The tender, mild base that forms the heart of the meatballs.
- Large egg (1): Acts as the perfect binder to keep the meatballs together while baking.
- Dried breadcrumbs (1/4 cup) or gluten-free alternative: Adds texture and helps retain moisture.
- Finely grated carrot (1 medium): Sneaks in a natural sweetness and extra moisture without overwhelming the flavor.
- Sliced green onion (1/4 cup): Brightens the mixture with a fresh, mild onion bite.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle savory warmth.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a hint of smokiness that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances overall savory flavor with an extra layer of complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings to balance and boost taste.
- Buffalo wing sauce (3 tablespoons + extra): The star ingredient that delivers vibrant heat and tang.
- Blue cheese dressing: Perfect for dipping, adding cooling creaminess to each bite.
- Nonstick parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Makes cleanup a breeze and ensures meatballs bake evenly.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if you’re using a fan oven. This gentle temperature helps the meatballs cook evenly without drying out. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep things tidy and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, grated carrot, sliced green onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of buffalo wing sauce. The key here is to mix just until everything is evenly combined—overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough, and that’s not the fluffy texture we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Form Your Meatballs
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the mixture into roughly 1-tablespoon mounds. Roll each mound lightly between your hands to form nice round meatballs. Don’t worry too much about perfection—the rustic look only adds to their charm. Arrange the meatballs evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The magic number to look for is an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked safely and the meatballs are juicy and tender, with just a hint of golden color on the outside.
Step 5: Coat in Buffalo Sauce
When the meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl. Toss them gently with the remaining 3 tablespoons of buffalo wing sauce until every meatball is perfectly coated in that vibrant, spicy goodness. If you prefer, a simple drizzle works just as well—just make sure every bite gets that delicious buffalo flavor.
Step 6: Set Your Presentation
Arrange the saucy meatballs on a serving platter. This is where you can sprinkle some extra sliced green onions for a little pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, and watch how everyone will be reaching for seconds!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced green onions are my go-to garnish for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe—they add a crisp, mild onion flavor that balances the heat beautifully. If blue cheese isn’t your thing, a drizzle of ranch dressing or some finely chopped celery leaves work wonderfully as well. These little touches transform the dish from simple to show-stopping.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs shine best alongside classic comfort sides. Think crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh garden salad to lighten things up. Creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery corn on the cob add warmth and heartiness. For something more substantial, serve them over fluffy rice or alongside garlic bread for an irresistibly satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Serve these meatballs skewered on cocktail sticks for easy munching at parties. You can also pile them atop mini slider buns with a smear of blue cheese dressing and crisp lettuce for fun Buffalo Chicken sliders. Another crowd-pleaser is turning the meatballs into a hearty pasta topping, stirred through penne or spaghetti with a bit of extra buffalo sauce and parmesan.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Meatballs keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
Freezing
To save these meatballs for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
The easiest way to reheat is in a hot oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them covered for a quicker option, though the oven method helps keep their texture intact and saucy goodness locked in.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and keeps the flavor mild with a great texture. Just choose lean ground turkey to avoid excess moisture.
What if I don’t have buffalo wing sauce?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot with melted butter. This combo captures that classic buffalo flavor perfectly.
Are these meatballs spicy?
They carry a moderate level of heat that’s typical of buffalo sauce, but you can always adjust the amount of sauce in and on the meatballs to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I bake these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them in advance and refrigerate for up to a day. Just toss in buffalo sauce right before serving to keep them bright and saucy.
What’s the best dip to serve with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe?
Blue cheese dressing is the classic pairing for a creamy contrast to the spicy meatballs. Ranch dressing is another great option if you prefer something milder.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a total game changer—simple ingredients come together in a flash to create something truly special, bursting with bold flavor and perfect for many occasions. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these meatballs will bring that wonderful buffalo wing vibe without the mess. I really encourage you to make them soon and discover just how addictive these little flavor bombs can be!
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack combining lean ground chicken with spicy buffalo wing sauce and aromatic seasonings. Baked until golden and juicy, they are tossed in extra buffalo sauce and served with creamy blue cheese dressing for dipping, making them perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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 mixing)
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 to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- 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 all ingredients are evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture into roughly 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 Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they are cooked through and slightly golden on the outside.
- Toss with Buffalo Sauce: Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Toss the meatballs with the remaining 3 tablespoons of buffalo wing sauce until they are evenly coated. Alternatively, drizzle the sauce on top while still on the tray.
- Serve and Garnish: Arrange the saucy meatballs on a serving platter. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing for dipping and garnish with extra sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your spicy, tender buffalo chicken meatballs!
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make these meatballs gluten free.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer less heat, use a milder wing sauce or reduce the amount in the mixture and for tossing.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- These meatballs can also be broiled for 2-3 minutes at the end to get a crispier exterior if desired.
