Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that can turn any meal into a fun-filled celebration. With their bold flavors and juicy texture, these meatballs are not just a scrumptious snack for game days or parties; they’re also perfect for family dinners or a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. The combination of lean ground chicken with zesty hot sauce creates an explosion of flavor that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. With a creamy blue cheese sauce to complement the heat, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and thirds.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
There’s something irresistible about Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. From their juicy interior to the unmistakable kick of heat, they are the embodiment of comfort food that’s both satisfying and versatile. You can enjoy these meatballs on their own, toss them into a salad for a healthful meal, or serve them as part of a platter alongside your favorite dips and snacks. Each bite offers a perfect blend of spiciness and savory goodness, making them suitable for any occasion. Plus, they are simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just whipping up a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients about Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
To create Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 3/4 cup almond meal or almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup finely chopped celery plus another 1/3 cup for garnish
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup fat-free buttermilk
- Juice of 1/4 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for blue cheese sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (for blue cheese sauce)
- 1 tablespoon finely sliced green onion (for blue cheese sauce)
- 3 ounces blue cheese (more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery (more for garnish)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Directions
Making Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is straightforward, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll want to make them again and again. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and achieve that beautiful golden color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this will make clean-up a breeze and prevent the meatballs from sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground chicken with the almond meal or flour. The almond meal adds a lovely nutty flavor and keeps the meatballs moist without the need for bread crumbs. Crack in the large egg, which acts as a binding agent, helping to hold everything together. To intensify the flavor, add in the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, green onions, parsley, salt, pepper, and cayenne. The cayenne gives your meatballs that signature Buffalo kick!
Once all ingredients are well combined, it’s time to form them into meatballs. Use your hands to shape the mixture into balls, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. This size is manageable and allows them to cook perfectly in the oven. Arrange the formed meatballs on the lined baking sheet, making sure they have some space between them to allow for proper cooking.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the Buffalo sauce. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce until well combined.
When the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and place them in the pot with the sauce. Gently toss them to ensure each meatball is coated in that delicious Buffalo flavor. Now, it’s time to whip up the blue cheese sauce that you’ll drizzle over the meatballs. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. For added flavor, stir in sliced green onions.
Next, heat the blue cheese in the microwave for a few seconds so it softens, then fold it into your yogurt mixture along with the chopped parsley and celery. This creamy sauce balances the heat from the meatballs perfectly, creating a rich flavor experience.
To serve, stack your sauced meatballs on a platter and drizzle the blue cheese sauce generously over them. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and crumbled blue cheese for that restaurant-style presentation. Your guests won’t be able to resist!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Serving Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can be as creative as you want it to be. For a classic presentation, arrange the meatballs on a large platter, drizzled with blue cheese sauce and garnished with parsley and extra blue cheese. Pair them with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or family get-togethers.
These meatballs are also fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate your meal, serve them over a bed of mixed greens for a light salad option. You can also place them in a sub roll, add extra hot sauce and toppings, and create your own Buffalo chicken sandwich. For a more festive approach, serve the meatballs alongside celery sticks and carrot sticks for a complete Buffalo wing experience.
Don’t forget to keep some extra sauce on the side for dipping! And if you want to keep it healthy, pair your meatballs with a refreshing yogurt-based dip. This versatility is one of the beauties of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, making them a hit at any gathering.
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
When making Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, a few expert tips can enhance your results and ensure success:
Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be gentle and mix just enough to combine. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
Monitor Cooking Time: Every oven is different. Use a meat thermometer to check for the correct internal temperature rather than relying solely on cooking time.
Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you’re a heat lover, feel free to add more hot sauce to the mix or even experiment with additional spices.
Use Quality Ingredients: Since the recipe relies heavily on the flavors of its ingredients, opt for fresh garlic, quality chicken, and good hot sauce for the best results.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like shredded carrots or bell peppers to add more flavor and nutrition to your meatballs.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Storing your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs properly can help maintain their flavor and texture. Once the meatballs have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, simply freeze them.
To freeze the meatballs, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will remain fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. If they are frozen, you may need to cook them a bit longer to ensure they are heated through.
Variation of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
One of the great things about Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is the versatility in variations you can create.
Cheesy Version: Add shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar into the meatball mixture for a gooey center.
Healthy Alternatives: Swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey or even lean beef and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Vegetarian Option: Use a combination of chickpeas and oats or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian-friendly version of the meatballs.
Different Sauces: Play with other flavor profiles by using teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy mango sauce to coat the meatballs.
Experimenting with these variations can keep the dish exciting and cater to all palates!
FAQ Section
What are Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are flavorful meatballs made primarily from ground chicken, seasoned with spices and tossed in a zesty Buffalo sauce, often served with a creamy blue cheese or ranch sauce for dipping.
How can I make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs healthier?
To make them healthier, you can use lean ground meats, reduce the amount of sauce, and serve with a side of fresh vegetables rather than fatty sides.
Can Buffalo Chicken Meatballs be prepared ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time, storing the uncooked meatballs in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake them.
How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. You can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or the hot sauce to suit your taste.
What should I serve with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
They can be served alone as appetizers, on salads, in sandwiches, or alongside traditional sides like celery and carrots with dipping sauces.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground chicken
- 3/4 cup almond meal or almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 small onion finely chopped
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 1/3 cup finely chopped celery
- 3 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup fat-free buttermilk
- 1/4 lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. salt (for blue cheese sauce)
- 1/4 tsp. pepper (for blue cheese sauce)
- 1 Tbsp. finely sliced green onion (for blue cheese sauce)
- 3 oz. blue cheese more for garnish
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley (more for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped celery (more for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, almond meal, egg, garlic, onion, green onions, celery, parsley, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the Buffalo sauce by melting butter in a pot over medium heat. Stir in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce until combined.
- When the meatballs are done, toss them in the Buffalo sauce to coat.
- For the blue cheese sauce, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and green onion in a small bowl. Fold in blue cheese, parsley, and celery.
- Serve the meatballs drizzled with blue cheese sauce and garnished with extra blue cheese, parsley, and celery.
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