Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Picture this: a bustling kitchen, the tangy aroma of buffalo sauce wafting through the air, and happy, eager faces waiting for a taste of one of our family’s go-to dishes. That’s what happens every time I make these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that don’t just make dinnertime stress-free but bring smiles and even requests for seconds.
Why this recipe? It came to life during football season, when my family craved the irresistible taste of buffalo wings without the mess. Enter these meatballs: an easy, one-bowl recipe that perfectly captures that iconic buffalo flavor. What I love most is how versatile they are. We’ve had them as a game-day snack, an appetizer at family gatherings, and even as a weeknight meal served over rice or salad. The best part? They come together quickly with minimal cleanup—perfect for a mom who’s got a thousand other things to do.
My kids, who are picky eaters at the best of times, devour these meatballs. My husband can’t stop praising them, either. There’s something about the combination of juicy chicken, zesty sauce, and creamy dipping that makes them utterly addictive. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from sharing these with friends, it’s that they’re crowd-pleasers every time.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them up to a day in advance. Just bake when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, they freeze well—simply reheat from frozen or thaw in the fridge.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works wonderfully. It’s a great alternative if you’re looking for a slightly different flavor or if turkey is what you have on hand.
What can I use if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
You can easily substitute buffalo sauce with a combination of hot sauce and melted butter. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still taste delicious!
How spicy are these meatballs?
They have a medium kick, but you can adjust the heat level. If your family prefers milder flavors, use less sauce or opt for a mild version.
What You Need to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped celery (for a bit of crunch)
1 large egg
1/3 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for serving)
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Tools and Equipment:
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped celery, egg, buffalo sauce, crumbled blue cheese (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Shape the meatballs: Using a tablespoon or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
Bake: Cook for 15-18 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside.
Toss in extra buffalo sauce: Once baked, toss the meatballs in additional buffalo sauce for an extra kick. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
Don’t overmix: To keep the meatballs tender, gently mix the ingredients until they’re just combined.
Adjust the heat: For a milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder brand. If you like it hot, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Serve creatively: Try these meatballs in a sub sandwich, over a salad, or even in a wrap for a delicious twist.
Make it cheesy: If your family loves cheese, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the meatballs in the last few minutes of baking.
Latest Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My kids loved these! Perfect for busy weeknights, and they even asked for seconds. Thank you for a new family favorite!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Made these for game night, and they were a hit! Next time, I might add a bit more spice, but they’re fantastic as is.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Quick, easy, and packed with flavor. I’m a mom of three, and finding something everyone will eat is a miracle. This is definitely going into our rotation!”
⭐⭐⭐ “These were good, but I think I’ll add some extra seasonings to the meat mixture next time. Still, they were a crowd-pleaser!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious and simple to make! I appreciate how quickly they come together. Served them with celery sticks and ranch—yum!”
Printable Recipe:
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Buffalo Chicken Meatball
Juicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs baked to perfection and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. An easy and flavorful appetizer perfect for game day, gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery (for a bit of crunch)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tools and Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped celery, egg, buffalo sauce, crumbled blue cheese (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Shape the meatballs: Using a tablespoon or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake: Cook for 15-18 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside.
- Toss in extra buffalo sauce: Once baked, toss the meatballs in additional buffalo sauce for an extra kick. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
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