These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are spicy, tasty, and oh-so-satisfying! Made with ground chicken and a kick from Buffalo sauce, they’re perfect as a snack or a meal.
I’ve made these for game days and parties, and they always disappear quickly! Serve them with some ranch or blue cheese dip for extra yummy goodness. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the meatballs. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based ground meat.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs add texture, but panko breadcrumbs are lighter and give a nice crunch. If gluten-free is a must, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even oatmeal for a healthier twist.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Ranch Dressing: This is a key ingredient for flavor. You can use homemade ranch dressing or try a dairy-free ranch if needed. For a spicy kick, add some extra hot sauce to the mix!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s is popular, but any brand will work. For less heat, look for milder sauces, or mix your own with hot sauce and melted butter.
How Can I Ensure My Meatballs are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking meatballs can be tricky, but here are some steps to get them just right:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Size Matters: Aim for uniform meatball size (1 to 1.5 inches) for even cooking. A cookie scoop can help with this.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check for doneness. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let Them Rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest a few minutes before tossing in sauce. This helps maintain their shape.
Follow these tips, and your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs will turn out delicious every time!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Blue cheese crumbles (for garnish, optional)
- Celery leaves or small celery pieces (for garnish)
- Toothpicks or small skewers for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 to 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to get these flavorful meatballs ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly. Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a light greasing with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped celery, minced garlic, egg, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything gently, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. You can check if they’re done by making sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Heat the Buffalo Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, heat the Buffalo wing sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until it’s warm. This will help the sauce coat the meatballs better.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven and carefully toss them in the warmed Buffalo sauce until they’re all nicely coated. You can do this in a bowl or right on the baking sheet.
7. Prepare for Serving:
Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving platter. Drizzle some ranch dressing underneath or over them for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Garnish:
Sprinkle the meatballs with blue cheese crumbles if you’re using them, some chopped fresh parsley for color, and small celery leaves or pieces for that crunchy touch.
9. Add Toothpicks:
To make serving easy, insert toothpicks or small skewers into each meatball. This makes them perfect for grabbing and enjoying!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs immediately, alongside extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy the spicy, tangy flavors with friends or family!
Enjoy your spicy, tangy, and delicious Buffalo Chicken Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work perfectly, giving you a similar texture and taste. Just keep in mind that turkey can sometimes be a bit drier, so be sure not to overcook the meatballs.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Spicier?
If you’re looking for an extra kick, try adding some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or increase the amount of Buffalo wing sauce. Another option is to sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into the chicken mixture to give it a warm heat.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, you can bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for about 2 months!