Description
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a bold, zesty, and savory twist on a classic appetizer. These bite-sized meatballs are made with ground chicken, seasoned to perfection, and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight meal, these meatballs deliver all the flavors of buffalo wings without the mess. Serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crunchy celery sticks for the ultimate snack or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional for serving: ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Chicken: A lean and versatile protein that’s perfect for soaking up the bold buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show, it provides that signature tangy and spicy flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a subtle savory flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
- Butter: Mixes with the buffalo sauce to create a silky, flavorful coating.
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
- Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Toss the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat.
How to Serve
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can be served in a variety of ways:
- As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.
- As a Main Dish: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- In Sliders: Place the meatballs in slider buns with a drizzle of ranch or extra buffalo sauce.
- Over Salad: Top a bed of greens with the meatballs for a flavorful buffalo chicken salad.
- With Pasta: Toss the meatballs with pasta and a creamy sauce for a unique dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 20g