Get ready to fall head over heels for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs! These irresistibly juicy, flavor-packed bites bring all the quintessential spicy, tangy taste of everyone’s favorite buffalo wings, but in a simple, crowd-pleasing meatball form. Whether you’re planning a game day gathering, looking for a new weeknight dinner winner, or want a snack-sized treat that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds, these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are as easy to make as they are to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a special kind of kitchen joy in recipes that balance simplicity and flavor, and that’s exactly what these ingredients do. Each component of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs plays a key role in flavor, moisture, or that perfect touch of heat—ensuring nothing gets lost in the mix!
- Ground Chicken: Lean, mild, and a perfect blank canvas for big buffalo flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: These hold everything together and give the meatballs their signature tenderness.
- Celery: Adds crunch and a subtle herby freshness that channels classic buffalo pairings.
- Green Onions: For a pop of color and a gentle oniony kick without overpowering the mix.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients so each bite is moist and never crumbly.
- Garlic Powder: A savory background note that elevates the meatball’s flavor.
- Onion Powder: Sneaks in extra savory depth without the bite of raw onion.
- Salt: To bring out every flavor-packed bite.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and balance.
- Butter: The luxurious base for that classic buffalo sauce sheen.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star of the show—you want a sauce with tang and just the right fiery bite.
- Optional Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For dipping and cooling each zippy bite.
- Extra Green Onions: A bright garnish that takes things from delicious to downright stunning.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by adding your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, finely chopped celery, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to a big mixing bowl. Use clean hands or a spatula to mix everything together just until combined—overmixing can make the meatballs dense, so keep it gentle! You’ll notice the mixture holds together easily and already smells fantastic.
Step 2: Shape and Place on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. You should end up with about 20 Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Space them out so they bake up evenly and develop a beautiful golden exterior.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Slide your tray into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The Buffalo Chicken Meatballs should look lightly golden and feel just firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, a quick check with a meat thermometer—looking for 165°F at the center—ensures safe, perfect cooking every time.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the meatballs bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in your favorite buffalo wing sauce until you have a smooth, glossy, and spicy coating. Adjust the amount for your heat preference—add a pinch of cayenne if you love things extra spicy!
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Transfer the baked meatballs to a big bowl, then pour the warm buffalo sauce over them. Use tongs or a spoon to gently toss until each meatball is totally coated and gorgeously glossy. Serve warm, garnished with extra green onions and an optional side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright green onions over your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs not only adds a fresh flavor but also makes the dish look irresistible. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing—or serve the sauces on the side for dipping, so everyone gets their perfect bite.
Side Dishes
These meatballs love a sidekick! Serve them with crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks for a nod to classic buffalo wings. For a meal, nestle your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs over steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or stuff them into a toasted sub roll for a hearty sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Buffalo Chicken Meatballs into sliders by tucking them into mini buns with lettuce and a swipe of dressing. Or skewer them on toothpicks for an effortless party platter. They’re amazing in a grain bowl with roasted veggies or even perched on top of a crisp green salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Meatballs keep beautifully in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container, and they’ll be tasty for up to four days—making them perfect for meal prep or easy snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely, then arrange on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their spicy charm in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw and reheat for a quick flavor-packed meal.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or give them a quick zap in the microwave. Toss with a little extra buffalo sauce to revive that signature zing before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent swap for chicken in this recipe and will still give you tender, juicy meatballs with all the buffalo flavor you crave.
How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
That depends on the wing sauce you use. For medium heat, stick with classic buffalo sauce. For extra kick, add a dash of cayenne or pick a hotter sauce. If you’d like them mild, look for a mild buffalo or use less sauce.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix, shape, and bake the meatballs a day in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just warm them up and toss with the sauce for ultimate convenience and flavor.
What dipping sauces pair best?
Cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressings are the perfect complement to the tangy heat of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. You can even try a garlicky yogurt dip or herbed sour cream for something different!
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
As written, they use regular breadcrumbs. To make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs—everything else stays just as delicious!
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs might just steal the show at your next party or family meal. They’re everything we love in a finger food—spicy, juicy, savory, and utterly addictive. Give them a try, and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a spicy twist on a classic favorite, perfect for game day or as a flavorful appetizer. Made with ground chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a tangy buffalo sauce, these meatballs are baked to perfection and served with a side of cooling dressing.
Ingredients
Main Meatball Ingredients:
- 1 pound 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
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Extra green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, celery, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce until well combined.
- Coat the meatballs: Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- These meatballs make a great appetizer or can be served over rice or in a sub roll for a meal.
- You can use ground turkey as a substitute for chicken.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
