Satisfy your cravings with these spicy and juicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs! Made with lean ground chicken and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, these meatballs are perfect for game day, parties, or a weeknight dinner. Easy to make and full of flavor, they are always a big hit!
Serve over whole wheat pasta, spaghetti squash, brown rice, or mashed potatoes. They are versatile, easy, and incredibly flavorful!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These buffalo chicken meatballs are simple to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game-day party.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or meal prep.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking and experiment with different dipping sauces.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the bold flavor and satisfying texture of these buffalo chicken meatballs.
- Check out these Creamy Alfredo Meatballs for another delicious dinner recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients for buffalo chicken meatballs. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full recipe.
Use ground chicken. Ground turkey works well too.
Whole wheat breadcrumbs bind the meatballs together. If you are gluten free, use gluten free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan cheese adds a delicious cheesy flavor.
Chopped green onions provide a burst of freshness.
An egg helps hold the meatballs together.
Use buffalo sauce without added sugar.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Taste & Texture
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The crispy exterior gives way to a juicy and tender interior, while the tangy and spicy buffalo sauce adds a kick.
Overall, these buffalo chicken meatballs are not too spicy!
How to Make
Step 1
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, whole wheat breadcrumbs (or flour), grated Parmesan (if using), chopped green onions, egg, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 3
Form Meatballs: Using your hands, scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Step 4
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5
Toss with Sauce: If desired, toss the cooked meatballs in additional buffalo sauce for extra flavor right before serving.
Step 6
Serve: Serve these buffalo chicken meatballs warm as an appetizer with a side of celery and carrots, or enjoy them on a salad or in a whole wheat wrap!
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best buffalo chicken meatballs.
Don't Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will impact the flavor of your meatballs.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the meatballs in batches to ensure even browning.
Let the Sauce Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are some fun ways to switch up the flavors of your buffalo chicken meatballs.
Spicy: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Mild: Use a milder hot sauce or omit it altogether.
Cheesy: Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to the meatball mixture.
Herby: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
How to Serve & Store
Serve: Serve these buffalo chicken meatballs immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese.
Store: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Yes, you can use ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken.
Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the buffalo sauce. You can also serve the meatballs with a side of hot sauce for dipping.
Equipment Needed
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You May Also Enjoy
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Meatballs
- Teriyaki Glazed Meatballs with Lettuce Wraps
- Cumin Meatballs
- Swedish Meatballs
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, whole wheat breadcrumbs (or flour), grated Parmesan (if using), chopped green onions, egg, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands, scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Toss with Sauce: If desired, toss the cooked meatballs in additional buffalo sauce for extra flavor right before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer with a side of celery and carrots, or enjoy them on a salad or in a whole wheat wrap!
Notes
- If you're avoiding breadcrumbs, using whole wheat flour will still provide a light, tender texture to the meatballs.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce to your heat preference. You can use mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce, or even mix some honey in for a touch of sweetness.
- These meatballs are versatile! Serve them as an appetizer, in a wrap, over a salad, or alongside some veggies for a balanced meal.
- Prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking to let the flavors meld. This also makes it easier to form the meatballs.
- For a saucier finish, toss the meatballs in more buffalo sauce right after baking, ensuring they’re well-coated before serving.
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Nutrition Facts
Nutrition FactsBuffalo Chicken MeatballsAmount Per ServingCalories 235 Calories from Fat 99% Daily Value*Fat 11g17%Saturated Fat 4g25%Trans Fat 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat 2gMonounsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 103mg34%Sodium 1002mg44%Potassium 634mg18%Carbohydrates 13g4%Fiber 2g8%Sugar 1g1%Protein 23g46%Vitamin A 117IU2%Vitamin C 4mg5%Calcium 69mg7%Iron 2mg11%* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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