These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs offer the perfect blend of heat and flavor, making them a fantastic appetizer or main dish for any gathering. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, these meatballs are coated in a tangy and buttery buffalo sauce that adds just the right amount of spice.
Whether you’re serving them at a game day party or a cozy dinner at home, they are sure to be a hit. For an extra touch, serve them with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dip, and watch everyone reach for more!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
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1 large egg
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup buffalo sauce
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
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While the meatballs bake, prepare the buffalo sauce by combining the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl.
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Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Appeal of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
What makes these buffalo chicken meatballs stand out from other meatball recipes is the spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. While traditional meatballs tend to be savory and rich, the buffalo sauce introduces a vibrant heat that cuts through the richness, creating a bold and exciting flavor profile. The heat of the sauce is balanced by the slight sweetness and savory flavors from the chicken and Parmesan, creating a taste sensation that’s both familiar and unique. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or simply want a fun twist on your usual meal, these meatballs are an easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing option.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are versatile, making them ideal for various occasions. These meatballs work great as an appetizer at a game day party, where guests can dip them in a cooling ranch or blue cheese sauce. They can also be served as a main course with a side of vegetables or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. The flexibility of this dish allows it to fit any gathering, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. Their finger-food quality makes them easy to serve at parties or for a relaxed dinner, with minimal fuss involved.
Moreover, they are excellent for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later use. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, you can always count on these buffalo chicken meatballs to be ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice. This makes them an ideal addition to your weekly meal planning.
The Healthier Option
If you’re a fan of traditional buffalo wings, you might want to try these buffalo chicken meatballs as a healthier alternative. While wings are delicious, they can often be heavy and greasy, whereas meatballs made with lean ground chicken are lower in fat and calories. Baking the meatballs rather than frying them helps keep the dish lighter without compromising on flavor.
The addition of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese ensures that these meatballs remain moist and tender, while the buffalo sauce gives them the signature spicy kick. They’re also highly customizable—whether you want to add more spice or make them milder for those with a low tolerance for heat, you can easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce and seasonings. These buffalo chicken meatballs give you the satisfaction of a flavorful dish without the heaviness of traditional fried options.
Customizing Your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
One of the best parts about making buffalo chicken meatballs is the ability to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can tweak it to enhance the flavor or suit your dietary needs.
For those who prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder sauce with less heat. On the other hand, if you like it spicy, feel free to add extra hot sauce or use a spicier variety of buffalo sauce. Adding some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes can further intensify the heat, giving you a true fiery experience.
In terms of seasonings, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to make these meatballs your own. A bit of smoked paprika, cumin, or onion powder can add a smoky undertone or a more complex flavor. If you want to go for a smoky-sweet flavor, you could even add a touch of honey to the buffalo sauce. You can also switch up the breading by using almond flour for a gluten-free version or opting for whole-wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. As an appetizer, they pair wonderfully with classic dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy yogurt-based dip. You can also serve them on a platter with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks to mimic the classic buffalo wings presentation.
For a more substantial meal, these meatballs can be served with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. If you’re looking for a creative twist, you can serve the meatballs in a sub roll with some melted cheese and fresh greens for a buffalo chicken meatball sandwich. The possibilities are endless, and each option allows you to experience the meatballs in different ways.
Another fun serving idea is to turn them into sliders, perfect for a casual meal or party. Serve the meatballs on mini buns with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce and some crunchy lettuce. These mini buffalo chicken meatball sliders are a hit at any gathering and are sure to be devoured quickly.
The Perfect Pairing with Drinks
When it comes to pairing drinks with buffalo chicken meatballs, you want something that complements the spiciness of the buffalo sauce without overpowering it. For a refreshing contrast, consider pairing these meatballs with a cold beer, such as a crisp lager or pale ale. The coldness of the beer helps balance out the heat of the buffalo sauce.
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a chilled iced tea or lemon-lime soda provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy meatballs. You can also serve these meatballs with a light, citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling, which can complement the tangy buffalo sauce while enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Conclusion: Why Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Are a Must-Try
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the ultimate combination of bold flavors and easy preparation. The zesty buffalo sauce adds the perfect kick to the tender chicken meatballs, making them a favorite for both casual and formal gatherings. These meatballs are not only flavorful but also healthier than traditional buffalo wings, making them a great option for those looking to indulge without the guilt.
The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or prepping meals for the week. You can easily customize the heat level and seasonings to suit your taste, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them, no matter their spice tolerance. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, on a salad, or even in a sandwich for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please any crowd.
So, next time you’re craving something spicy and satisfying, give these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs a try. They’re the perfect blend of heat, flavor, and convenience—and they’ll become a new favorite in your recipe collection.