Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs combine the bold, tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the savory goodness of tender, juicy chicken meatballs. It’s a dish that perfectly blends the beloved flavors of buffalo wings with the convenience and versatility of meatballs. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or craving a spicy snack, these meatballs are guaranteed to please. The mix of ground chicken, fragrant seasonings, and spicy buffalo sauce makes each bite bursting with flavor, while the creamy ranch or blue cheese dip on the side provides a cool contrast to the heat.

As a huge fan of buffalo-flavored dishes, I wanted to create a recipe that would deliver all the irresistible flavors of buffalo wings without the mess of eating them with your hands. After several attempts, I perfected a simple yet incredibly satisfying buffalo chicken meatball recipe that is easy to make, perfectly spiced, and incredibly versatile. These meatballs are a great appetizer, a fun addition to salads or sandwiches, or even served over pasta for a main course.

What I love most about this dish is how quick and easy it is to prepare, yet it never fails to impress guests with its rich flavor and perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Let’s dive into why these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a must-try recipe and how you can make them at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Spicy Flavor: If you love the zesty, spicy taste of buffalo wings, you’ll adore these buffalo chicken meatballs. The kick from the buffalo sauce is perfectly balanced by the moist, tender chicken.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute parties. It takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of heat to suit your taste preferences. Add more or less buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you like it.
• Versatile: Serve these meatballs on their own with a dip, on a sandwich, or over a salad. They’re also great as a topping for pizza or pasta.
• Healthy-ish: Made with lean ground chicken, these meatballs are a lighter alternative to beef or pork meatballs, but they’re just as flavorful and satisfying.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 35 minutes (10 minutes prep, 25 minutes cooking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 20 meatballs, which serves 4-5 people.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
• Calories: 250
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken – The lean protein base of these meatballs. Ground chicken keeps the meatballs moist and tender without being too greasy.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs – Helps to bind the meatballs together and adds a slight crunch. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binder, holding the meatballs together.
• ¼ cup finely chopped green onions – Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a savory depth of flavor in the meatballs.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Enhances the onion flavor and complements the green onions.
• 1 tsp paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with the buffalo sauce.
• ½ tsp salt – To season the meatballs.
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper – For added seasoning.

Buffalo Sauce:

• ½ cup buffalo sauce – The star ingredient, providing that signature spicy and tangy flavor. You can use your favorite brand, or make your own with hot sauce and butter.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness to the buffalo sauce and helps it coat the meatballs evenly.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – For a mild garlic flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.

For the Dipping Sauce (optional):

• ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing – Creamy dressing balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Choose your favorite dip for a cool contrast to the spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe (200 words)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Use your hands or a spoon to shape the mixture into 1 to 1 ½-inch meatballs. Arrange them on the baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, mix buffalo sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Coat the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a bowl and toss in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the meatballs with your choice of dipping sauce (ranch or blue cheese) and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Enjoy with veggies, pasta, or in a sandwich!

How to Serve

As an appetizer: Buffalo chicken meatballs are perfect for parties or gatherings. Serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra touch.

As a main course: Serve the meatballs over a bed of rice, in a wrap, or on top of a fresh salad. They’re also great on a sandwich or in a sub roll, similar to a buffalo chicken hoagie.

Side suggestions: Pair with a fresh veggie platter, sweet potato fries, or a crisp coleslaw to balance out the spiciness of the meatballs.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the ingredients for the meatballs, be careful not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
2. Use Lean Ground Chicken: For the best texture and flavor, use lean ground chicken. You can use ground turkey if you prefer, but chicken gives a juicier result.
3. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of honey to sweeten it. Alternatively, for extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. Alternative Dips: If you’re not a fan of ranch or blue cheese, try a simple Greek yogurt dip or a tangy honey mustard sauce for a unique twist.

Recipe Variations

1. Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs: Make these meatballs into a hearty sandwich by placing them in a hoagie bun, adding some mozzarella cheese, and broiling until melted for a buffalo chicken sub.
2. Buffalo Meatballs with Veggies: Add finely chopped celery and carrots directly into the meatball mixture for added crunch and flavor. You can also serve the meatballs alongside some veggie sticks for dipping.
3. Spicy Vegan Option: Substitute ground chicken with a plant-based alternative, such as ground chickpeas or lentils, to make a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Leftover buffalo chicken meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, simply place the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes, until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of extra buffalo sauce for a saucy finish.

FAQ Section

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe. Just be sure to choose lean turkey to avoid dry meatballs.

Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can prep the meatballs and store them in the fridge or freeze them until you’re ready to cook. Baking them fresh ensures the best texture.

What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can make your own by combining hot sauce with melted butter and a dash of vinegar.

Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! If you prefer more heat, simply add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce to amp up the spice.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a spicy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to be a hit at any meal or event. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are a delicious combination of tender chicken, bold buffalo sauce, and creamy dressing. The easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, and the customizable heat level means everyone can enjoy them, from spice lovers to those who prefer a milder flavor.

So the next time you’re craving the tangy, fiery goodness of buffalo wings, try making these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs instead! They’re just as flavorful, more convenient, and so much fun to eat.

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