Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful, spicy twist on a classic appetizer. Perfect for game day or a casual dinner, they combine tender ground chicken with tangy Buffalo sauce and creamy ranch for dipping.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- ¼ cup ranch dressing, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the Buffalo wing sauce with the melted butter, mixing well.
- Step 3: In a larger bowl, mix the bread crumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons of the Buffalo-butter sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Add the ground chicken and gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 4: Shape the chicken mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Step 5: Remove meatballs from the oven and toss them in the remaining Buffalo-butter sauce. Drizzle with ranch dressing and serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, broil the meatballs for a minute or two after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or a mix of turkey and chicken for a different flavor.
- Serve with celery sticks or carrot sticks for a classic Buffalo wing experience.
- Add finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley to the meatball mixture for a fresh, herbaceous note.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a warm oven until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and shape the balls a day ahead; keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to ensure freshness.
How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
The heat level depends on your choice of Buffalo wing sauce. Use a milder sauce for less spice or a hotter variety if you prefer more heat.
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 20 meatballs 1x
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a delicious twist on classic meatballs, combining the spicy tang of Buffalo wing sauce with tender ground chicken. Baked to perfection and tossed in a buttery Buffalo sauce, they’re finished with a cool ranch drizzle for the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Perfect as an appetizer or a game-day snack!
Ingredients
Sauce and Topping
- ⅔ cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup ranch dressing, store-bought or homemade
Meatballs
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 lb. ground chicken
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Mix Buffalo Sauce and Butter: In a small bowl, combine the Buffalo wing sauce with the melted unsalted butter. This will create a rich, flavorful sauce for the meatballs.
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a separate larger bowl, mix the bread crumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons of the prepared Buffalo-butter sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Once evenly combined, add the ground chicken. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape and Bake Meatballs: Form the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Toss in Sauce and Serve: Once baked, toss the meatballs with the remaining Buffalo-butter sauce to coat them evenly. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top and serve immediately for a delicious, spicy, and creamy dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute plain bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Use homemade ranch dressing for a fresher flavor or store-bought for convenience.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and moist.
- Check meatballs for doneness by cutting one in half; the inside should be fully cooked and white with no pinkness.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken meatballs, spicy chicken meatballs, appetizer recipes, game day snacks, baked meatballs, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, chicken recipes
