Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful, spicy, and irresistible dish that combines the bold taste of buffalo wings with the satisfying, bite-sized goodness of meatballs. These savory meatballs are made with lean ground chicken and packed with bold flavors from tangy buffalo sauce and aromatic spices. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer for a party, a fun twist on a traditional dinner, or a quick snack to satisfy your cravings, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the perfect choice. They are simple to prepare, juicy, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, making them a crowd favorite every time.

Perfect for:

• Game day parties
• Family dinners
• Appetizers or snacks
• Meal prep for the week
• Spicy food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Here’s why Buffalo Chicken Meatballs will become your go-to recipe for any occasion:

• Bold and Spicy Flavor: These meatballs are coated with a deliciously tangy buffalo sauce, which adds the perfect amount of heat and flavor without overwhelming the taste of the chicken.
• Tender and Juicy: Made with lean ground chicken, these meatballs stay tender and juicy, making them a lighter, yet satisfying, alternative to traditional meatballs.
• Easy to Make: With a short prep time and a simple baking method, these meatballs are easy to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour.
• Great for Sharing: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the perfect finger food for parties and gatherings. Their bite-sized shape makes them easy to enjoy with friends and family.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat level by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce, and you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 20-24 meatballs (depends on size)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 40-50 calories per meatball
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 1g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (make sure to choose one that’s halal and free from alcohol, such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for tossing the meatballs in after baking)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Chicken: Ground chicken provides a lean protein base that ensures the meatballs are tender and juicy while keeping them on the healthier side.
• Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce adds the signature spicy, tangy flavor to the meatballs. Be sure to choose a halal-certified sauce with no pork or alcohol.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the ingredients together and provide a soft, tender texture. You can easily substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: These aromatic spices give the meatballs extra depth of flavor, making them more savory and delicious.
• Butter (Optional): A little butter, melted and tossed with the meatballs after baking, adds extra flavor and richness that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Buffalo Chicken Meatballs:

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the egg and whisk it. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Add the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
4. Add the Breadcrumbs: Stir in the breadcrumbs, which will help bind the mixture and give the meatballs a tender texture.
5. Form the Meatballs: Take small portions of the chicken mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

6. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
7. Toss with Buffalo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by heating it in a small saucepan or microwave. If you like, melt the butter and stir it into the buffalo sauce for added richness.
8. Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the buffalo chicken meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can be served in many creative ways:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve these meatballs with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The cool creaminess of the sauce balances the heat from the buffalo sauce perfectly.
• With Veggies: Pair these meatballs with fresh vegetables like celery and carrots for a classic buffalo wing-inspired side dish.
• In Wraps or Sandwiches: You can also serve these meatballs in wraps or sliders for a fun and portable meal. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
• On a Salad: For a lighter option, toss the buffalo chicken meatballs on a bed of greens and drizzle with a blue cheese dressing for a spicy, hearty salad.
• With Rice or Fries: Serve them alongside crispy fries or over a bed of rice for a more substantial meal.

Additional Tips for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Here are some tips to make your even better:

• Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: When mixing the chicken and breadcrumbs, be sure not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
• Use Lean Ground Chicken: To keep the meatballs healthier, opt for lean ground chicken. However, if you prefer a richer flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken thighs.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer your meatballs to be milder, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce used. You can also add a bit of honey to the buffalo sauce to balance the heat.
• Chill the Meatballs: For firmer meatballs, chill the formed meatballs in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape better.
• Freeze the Meatballs: If you want to make a large batch, freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Variations of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Here are 10 variations of that you can try:

• Cheese-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella cheese before baking for a gooey, cheesy surprise inside.
• Honey Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Add a bit of honey to the buffalo sauce to create a sweet and spicy version of the meatballs.
• Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sliders: Serve the meatballs on mini buns with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese for a fun, handheld snack.
• BBQ Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Mix equal parts buffalo sauce and BBQ sauce for a tangy, smoky twist on the classic buffalo flavor.
• Vegan Buffalo Meatballs: Use a plant-based ground chicken substitute and vegan buffalo sauce for a meat-free version of this dish.
• Buffalo Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs in large lettuce leaves with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Spicy Jalapeño Buffalo Meatballs: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Stuffing: Add crumbled blue cheese inside the meatballs for a rich, creamy center.
• Crispy Buffalo Meatballs: Coat the meatballs in panko breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy exterior.
• Buffalo Chicken Meatball Tacos: Serve the meatballs in soft corn tortillas with a slaw and a drizzle of buffalo sauce for a fun taco twist.

Freezing and Storage for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Freezing: To freeze the meatballs, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen or cook in the air fryer.
• Storage: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Special Equipment for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Here are some special equipment items you might need to make :

• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet to bake the meatballs evenly and prevent them from sticking.
• Parchment Paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Mixing Bowls: Large bowls to mix the meatball ingredients and toss the meatballs in buffalo sauce.
• Tongs: Use tongs to easily transfer the meatballs from the baking sheet to the serving platter.

FAQ Section about Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
   Yes, ground turkey works just as well as ground chicken for this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
2. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs, and check your buffalo sauce for any hidden gluten.
3. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
   The meatballs are done when they are golden brown on the outside and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Can I make these meatballs in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze them before baking and cook them from frozen.
5. What’s the best dipping sauce for these meatballs?
   Ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic dipping sauces for buffalo-flavored dishes, but you can also serve them with a honey mustard or garlic aioli.

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Conclusion: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a tasty, fun, and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them for dinner, or using them for meal prep, these spicy, juicy meatballs will not disappoint. Their bold flavor and tender texture make them a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something spicy and savory. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!