Name: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup finely chopped celery; 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon melted butter

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If you’re craving something delightfully spicy yet satisfyingly comforting, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are about to become your go-to dish. Imagine juicy ground chicken blended with zesty veggies, baked until golden, then tossed in rich, tangy buffalo sauce—each bite is an explosion of flavor, perfect for parties, game nights, or a weeknight treat. Whether you serve these savory morsels on their own or with your favorite sides, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs promise to deliver that crave-worthy kick every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is that their bold flavor comes from just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays an important part, ensuring every mouthful has a perfect balance of heat, texture, and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Ground Chicken: Lean and mild, it soaks up all the spicy, tangy flavors.
Breadcrumbs: These are key for binding everything together and keeping the meatballs tender.
Celery: Adds crunch and classic Buffalo-style freshness.
Green Onions: Give a gentle bite and a pop of color.
Large Egg: Helps hold the mixture together so the meatballs don’t fall apart.
Garlic Powder: Brings a subtle savory depth to each bite.
Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Salt: Brings out all the other flavors in the mix.
Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
Olive Oil: Keeps the meatballs juicy during baking or pan-frying.
Buffalo Sauce: Delivers that unmistakable spicy-tangy flavor Buffalo fans adore.
Melted Butter: Rounds out the sauce and gives it a silky finish.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, celery, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. It’s key to mix just until everything comes together; overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough instead of tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape and Arrange the Meatballs

With damp hands, roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and arrange them evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each meatball, so they cook evenly and get that lovely golden crust. Lightly brush or spritz them with olive oil for extra crispness while baking.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes. You’ll know the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are ready when they’re cooked through and lightly golden on top. If you want an extra hint of crispiness, broil them for the last minute or two—just keep a close eye so they don’t dry out.

Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

While your meatballs are still warm, whisk together the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a big bowl. Drop in the meatballs and toss gently until every piece is generously coated in that spicy, buttery glaze. Don’t be shy here—the more sauce, the better!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are at their prime right out of the oven, piping hot and perfectly saucy. Plate them up with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, sprinkle on some extra chopped green onions, and get ready to dig in.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

Dress up your platter with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions, a scattering of minced celery, or even a crumble of blue cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Each garnish adds its own character and a bit of coolness to balance the heat.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a bowl of warm rice for a hearty meal, stuff them into lettuce wraps for a crisp, refreshing bite, or go classic with celery and carrot sticks. They’re a hit with potato wedges or a cool, creamy slaw on the side too.

Creative Ways to Present

Party tray time! Skewer each meatball with a toothpick for a bite-sized appetizer, tuck them into sliders for a fun Buffalo twist on sandwiches, or arrange them over a bed of greens for a spicy protein-packed salad. However you serve them, these meatballs guarantee to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Meatballs keep nicely in the fridge for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container to keep that irresistible sauciness and make weekday lunches or snacking an absolute breeze.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead for busy days? Freeze the baked and cooled meatballs (before tossing them in sauce) on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw and reheat—tossing in fresh buffalo sauce brings back all the flavor.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but reheating in the oven keeps their texture spot on. Add a splash more sauce if you want to amp things up again.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute and will soak up the Buffalo flavors just as well, staying moist and tender with the same cooking method.

Are these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs spicy?

They have a classic Buffalo-style kick, but you can make them milder by using a gentler buffalo sauce, or dial up the heat with a dash of cayenne in the meatballs or extra hot sauce on top.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best dipping sauce for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

Ranch and blue cheese dressing are both classics and really help balance the bold flavors. A drizzle of cool Greek yogurt also works great if you want something lighter.

Can I pan-fry instead of bake?

Of course! If you prefer a crispier exterior, pan-fry the meatballs in a little olive oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through, then coat in the buffalo sauce as usual.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Buffalo Chicken Meatballs before, you’re in for a treat—this easy, knockout recipe is sure to win over everyone at your table. Give them a try the next time you want a spicy snack or crowd-pleasing appetizer, and watch them disappear fast!

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a spicy twist on a classic appetizer. Made with ground chicken, celery, green onions, and a flavorful blend of spices, these meatballs are baked to perfection and then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for game days or as a delicious main course served with your favorite dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking:

1 tablespoon olive oil

Buffalo Sauce:

1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, celery, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overwork.
Shape and bake: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden.
Toss in sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce until fully coated.
Serve: Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing.