These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a spicy and tasty treat! Made with ground chicken, hot sauce, and a few simple ingredients, they’re perfect for snacking or as part of a meal.
My favorite part? They are easy to make and packed with flavor! I love serving them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a great dip. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the meatballs. If you’d like a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian version, consider using chickpeas or lentils mixed with breadcrumbs and spices.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a nice crunch, but you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if needed. For gluten-free options, use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute or you could even use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds that signature kick! If you’re looking for less heat, try a milder hot sauce or even barbecue sauce. Homemade Buffalo sauce is also easy to make with butter and hot sauce!
How Can You Keep Meatballs Tender While Cooking?
The key to tender meatballs is in the mixing and baking. When combining the ingredients, mix just enough until they’re incorporated—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Also, shape them gently; be careful not to pack them too tightly.
- Use a light touch when mixing the ground chicken with other ingredients.
- Form meatballs about 1.5 inches wide; they will expand while baking.
- Baking them on parchment paper allows for even cooking and prevents sticking.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For Coating and Serving:
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Ranch or Blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep, and then 15-20 minutes to bake the meatballs until they are perfectly golden and cooked through. Simple and quick for a spicy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfect cook temperature. While it heats up, you can prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light spray of cooking oil.
2. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your meatballs tough. You want them to be nice and tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
With clean hands, grab a portion of the mixture and shape it into meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes. You want them to be fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, grab a small bowl and mix together the Buffalo wing sauce and melted butter. This combination gives your meatballs that spicy, tangy flavor! Stir until well combined and set aside.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce mixture over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly. Make sure all the meatballs are nicely covered!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving bowl or plate. Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top for extra flavor. Finally, garnish with some extra chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a pop of color.
8. Add Some Crunch:
For a great finishing touch, serve your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with crunchy celery sticks and extra dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your deliciously spicy meatballs!
Enjoy your spicy, tangy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will still yield delicious meatballs. Just make sure to follow the same preparation steps for best results.
How Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
If you want a milder flavor, simply omit the cayenne pepper. You can also reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce or use a milder hot sauce to suit your taste preference.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time! Shape the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow a little extra time in the oven if they’re cold when you bake them.
What Should I Serve with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
These meatballs pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them over rice, pasta, or with sliders for a fun twist!
