These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are full of flavor and come with a spicy kick! Made with ground chicken and zesty hot sauce, they’re perfect as a snack or a main dish.
I love serving them with a side of blue cheese dip. It’s a spicy, cheesy combination that makes everyone happy! Plus, they’re easy to whip up when friends drop by!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the show and keeps the meatballs moist. If you can’t find ground chicken, try using ground turkey or even lean ground beef for a different flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the meatballs a light and airy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work fine, though the texture might be a bit denser.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot sauce is classic, but you can exchange it for any hot sauce you prefer. Just keep the flavor profile in mind—some sauces are milder or sweeter!
Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese adds that authentic buffalo taste. If you’re a bit sensitive to the strong flavor, try feta cheese or omit it altogether.
How Do I Form Perfect Meatballs?
Getting the perfect meatball shape might sound simple, but it’s important for even cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your hands are slightly damp; this helps to shape the meat without sticking.
- Take about two tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form a ball. Don’t press too hard, as you want them to stay light and tender.
- Place each meatball on the baking sheet spaced evenly apart so they cook nicely.
Taking your time with this step will lead to an amazing texture in the finished dish!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or your favorite buffalo sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. You’ll have delicious buffalo chicken meatballs ready in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your meatballs cook evenly and get a nice golden color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the meatballs don’t stick.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into approximately 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Place each meatball evenly spaced on the baking sheet. You should end up with about 16 meatballs—just enough for everyone to enjoy!
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15-18 minutes. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the buffalo sauce until it’s well combined. Take it off the heat to prevent it from cooking further.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
After the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over them and gently toss to ensure they are all well coated with the delicious sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Place the buffalo chicken meatballs on a serving platter. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top, along with some chopped green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the meatballs hot with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. These meatballs are perfect for game day, parties, or just a flavorful dinner. Enjoy every spicy bite!
Feel free to adjust the spice level by altering the amount of buffalo sauce to fit your taste. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe. It has a similar texture and will take on the flavors of the spices and sauces beautifully.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance! You can mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover buffalo chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
How Spicy Are These Meatballs?
The spice level depends largely on the type of buffalo sauce you use. Frank’s RedHot is moderately spicy, but if you prefer a milder taste, look for mild buffalo sauce options or adjust the amount of sauce you use to suit your preferences.