Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs offer a bold, flavorful twist on the classic buffalo wings. These juicy, tender meatballs are perfectly seasoned with a blend of fresh herbs and spices, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack.
With just a few simple ingredients, these meatballs come together quickly, ideal for game day, parties, or casual gatherings. The addition of buffalo sauce and a touch of butter makes each bite fiery and rich in flavor.
Top with a drizzle of ranch dressing and crumbled blue cheese for a creamy contrast that enhances the heat. These meatballs are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional wings, with all the flavor and none of the mess.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Ingredients
Tender ground chicken serves as the hearty base, bringing both flavor and a lighter alternative to traditional meatball recipes. Fresh green onions and parsley infuse a burst of freshness, while paprika and Cajun seasoning lend the perfect balance of smoky heat and spice.
Panko breadcrumbs ensure a crispy, golden crust on each meatball, offering texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior. A dash of buffalo sauce delivers the signature spicy kick, complemented by a rich buttery finish that ties everything together.
For a creamy, tangy touch, blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of ranch dressing create the perfect finishing flavor, elevating each bite with a cool contrast to the heat of the meatballs.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a bold, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo chicken wings, making them the ultimate appetizer for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. These juicy meatballs are packed with spice, freshness, and a touch of creamy richness from blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing. They’re simple to make yet bursting with flavor—your guests won’t be able to stop at just one!
Recipe Tips
1. Keep the Meatballs Juicy
To achieve juicy and tender meatballs, be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make them dense. Gently combine the ingredients until they are just mixed, and handle the mixture with care when shaping the meatballs. Using ground chicken with a fat content no leaner than 93% will also help keep them moist.
2. Perfecting the Crispy Exterior
To get that golden, crispy crust on your meatballs, make sure your skillet is preheated to medium heat before cooking. You also want to avoid overcrowding the pan, as it will cause the meatballs to steam rather than crisp. Cook them in batches if necessary, and make sure to turn them gently so they brown evenly on all sides.
3. Spice It Up
If you like your buffalo chicken meatballs extra spicy, you can increase the heat by adding minced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. Adjust the level of buffalo sauce to suit your preference as well, adding more for an extra fiery kick!
What to Serve with Recipe
1. Carrot and Celery Sticks
Classic pairing with buffalo-flavored dishes, the cool crunch of carrots and celery provide the perfect balance to the spicy heat of the meatballs. Not only does this add a fresh contrast in texture, but it also offers a healthy touch that complements the bold flavors.
2. Creamy Ranch Dip or Blue Cheese Dressing
For a tangy, creamy complement to the heat, serve these buffalo chicken meatballs with a side of ranch dip or crumbled blue cheese dressing. The cool creaminess offers a delightful contrast, tempering the spice while enhancing the flavor of the meatballs.
3. A Simple Green Salad
For a lighter side, a simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment to these hearty meatballs. The salad will help cleanse the palate between bites of the flavorful, spicy meatballs.
FAQ
1. Can I make buffalo chicken meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance by forming them and chilling them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors meld and makes the cooking process quicker when you’re ready to serve them.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute for chicken. Just ensure it is not leaner than 93% to maintain the moisture and texture of the meatballs.
3. How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can add cayenne pepper or minced jalapeños to the meatball mixture. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your desired spice level as well.
4. How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 small bunch green onions
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Begin by finely mincing the green onions and parsley, using a small food processor for efficiency. Once minced, incorporate the paprika, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning, pulsing briefly to blend. If a food processor is unavailable, finely chop the green onions and parsley by hand with a sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, combine the herb mixture with the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, and milk. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into approximately 20 meatballs, each about 2 inches in diameter. For uniformity, a cookie scoop can be used. Place the formed meatballs on a clean plate and cover them. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches of 10-12, turning them to ensure they brown evenly on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Continue cooking until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (measured with a digital meat thermometer). Once done, transfer the cooked meatballs to a clean plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add the buffalo sauce. Whisk the mixture until it begins to simmer and bubble gently.
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the buffalo sauce. Allow the meatballs to soak up the sauce and reheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs with a side of carrots and celery, and top with blue cheese or ranch dressing, fresh green onions, and blue cheese crumbles, if desired.
