Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! If you’ve ever been munching on wings at a game day gathering and thought, “I wish I could have all the buffalo flavor without the mess!”, then boy, have I got the perfect recipe for you. I’m talking about Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, the delightfully messy yet incredibly satisfying dish that has changed my life in the kitchen!
I fell in love with these meatballs during one of my infamous dinner parties when I decided to serve a twist on the usual buffalo wings. The response was overwhelmingly positive—everyone kept asking for the recipe! I love these because not only are they easy to throw together, but they also pack a punch with flavor and spice. Plus, who doesn’t love meatballs? They’re like little bites of joy dressed in buffalo sauce. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
What’s in Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
Ground Chicken: This lean protein is the star of our dish! I usually go for organic ground chicken, but any ground chicken will do. It’s tender and takes on flavors beautifully.
Breadcrumbs: Here we use breadcrumbs to bind everything together and give the meatballs some texture. You can opt for whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs, depending on your dietary needs.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Ah, the magic ingredient! It adds a savory richness that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Green Onions: These fresh little guys add a lovely crunch and flavor. Plus, they make everything more colorful!
Celery: A must for that classic buffalo flavor, finely diced celery gives a nice crunch and a little freshness to balance the spice.
Egg: This is our binder. It helps hold the meatballs together without drying them out.
Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! I recommend Frank’s RedHot for that authentic flavor, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Because no meatball is complete without some aromatic love.
Salt & Black Pepper: Seasoning is key, and these two bring out all the fantastic flavors!
Blue Cheese or Feta Cheese (Optional): If you’re a cheese lover (like me!), do yourself a favor and sprinkle a little crumbled cheese on top before serving.
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (Optional): These herbs add a fresh finish, making the dish look gorgeous when serving.
Is Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health benefits! These glorious meatballs keep things light and are a good source of protein, thanks to the ground chicken. You can make them even healthier by using whole wheat breadcrumbs and reducing the buffalo sauce if you prefer less heat.
**But let’s keep it real**—these are bites of joy, and moderation is key! They might be a bit tempting to eat the whole batch in one sitting, especially with that buffalo sauce on the side! So enjoy them as a part of a balanced meal or as a snack to share with friends. What’s life without a little indulgence, right?
Ingredients List:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for coating)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Blue cheese or feta cheese, for garnish (optional)
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Makes about 24 meatballs (That’s a lot of deliciousness to share!)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your first step towards a mess-free cleanup—thank me later!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, green onions, diced celery, egg, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Don’t be shy—get in there with your hands!
3. Use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. I like them a bit on the larger side, but you do you! Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Brush or drizzle additional buffalo sauce over the meatballs for some extra love.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown—simple as that!
6. Optional: For a crispy top, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Just keep an eye on them; they can go from golden to burnt pretty quickly!
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese and sprinkle on some fresh parsley or cilantro if you like.
8. Serve warm with additional buffalo sauce on the side for dipping. Get ready for the compliments!
Buffalo Bites Extra!
– To spice things up, try adding some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
– You can make these meatballs ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge or freezer before baking, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to impress your guests.
– Consider serving with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
I hope you love these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs as much as I do! They’re always a hit at parties, game nights, or even just a cozy night in. So gather your ingredients, turn up the tunes, and get ready to enjoy some deliciousness! Don’t forget to share how yours turn out; I can’t wait to hear about your flavor adventures!
