Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a zesty, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor, these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs will absolutely win you over. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs with a gentle kick from buffalo sauce—each bite brings together savory, spicy, and just a hint of sweetness from carrots, all mellowed by a creamy blue cheese dip. Best of all, you can whip these up in less than 30 minutes, making them the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners, impromptu gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, this simple recipe deserves a spot on your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what goes into these irresistible buffalo chicken meatballs—plus, a few tips to make sure every element shines!

• Ground Chicken: Lean and a perfect blank canvas that soaks up all the tangy flavors.
• Egg: Acts as the binding glue that keeps your meatballs tender, not dense.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb juices for a softer texture; swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a dietary option.
• Carrot: Finely grated for sweetness, color, and a sneaky veggie boost.
• Green Onion: Adds a bright, mild onion flavor and a touch of crunch.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for depth and aromatic punch.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that pairs so well with buffalo sauce.
• Onion Powder: Adds savory undertones without overwhelming the fresh onion.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasoning to boost every bite.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: The hero for that spicy, tangy signature flavor—don’t be shy with it!
• Blue Cheese Dressing (for serving): Creamy, cool contrast to the spice (ranch is a fine substitute if you’re not on team blue cheese).
• Extra Green Onion (for garnish): Makes everything look fresh, bright, and party-ready.

Variations

There are so many ways you can tailor these meatballs to fit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Make Them Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. No one will ever taste the difference!
• Less Heat, More Sweet: Mix in a little honey with the buffalo sauce or use a mild buffalo sauce if you’re sensitive to spice.
• Extra Veggies: Add finely diced celery or bell pepper for color and crunch.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the blue cheese dressing and serve with a vegan ranch.
• Turkey or Beef: Swap ground chicken for turkey for a slightly richer flavor, or even lean ground beef if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
• Stuffed Meatballs: Try tucking a small piece of blue cheese or mozzarella into the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C for a fan oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy clean-up and zero sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, add ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs (or your preferred alternative), grated carrot, sliced green onions, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and half of the buffalo wing sauce.

Mix everything gently, just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs, so keep it light and gentle.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each portion between your palms to create even, smooth meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 20 perfectly sized meatballs.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). No need to flip halfway; the parchment keeps them moist on all sides.

Step 5: Finish With Buffalo Sauce

Transfer the baked meatballs to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the remaining buffalo wing sauce over the hot meatballs and toss to coat each one generously.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange on a platter with a bowl of creamy blue cheese dressing, scatter over extra green onions for a pop of color, and watch them disappear!

Tip: Want extra saucy meatballs? Double the buffalo sauce for drizzling or dipping on the side!

How to Serve

Buffalo chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile:

• Appetizer Spread: Serve with toothpicks and blue cheese or ranch for dipping at parties.
• Main Course: Pile on a plate with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a simple green salad.
• Sub Sandwiches: Stuff meatballs into a sub roll, top with more buffalo sauce and a dollop of blue cheese dressing for a hearty sandwich.
• Wraps & Bowls: Tuck into flatbread or wraps with crunchy slaw, or add to grain bowls with rice and avocado for a filling meal.
• Game Day Eats: Perfect for football season or any time you want food that brings people together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They stay moist, so you can snack on them straight from the fridge or reheat as needed.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid; transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave (covered, for about a minute per serving) or in a 350°F oven until hot through. Add an extra splash of buffalo sauce to freshen them up!

Tip: Freeze before tossing in sauce, then defrost and sauce when reheating for best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are proof that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create food that everyone will crave. With bold flavors, easy prep, and plenty of room to make them your own, this recipe might just become your new go-to for weeknights, celebrations, or anytime you need something delicious fast. Get ready for empty plates—these meatballs are always a hit, so don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe again and again!

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