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
Scale
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
