These spicy Buffalo chicken meatballs are a fun twist on a classic dish! Made with ground chicken and tossed in zesty Buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for any gathering.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear faster than you can say, “Who wants seconds?” I love pairing them with some crunchy veggies for a tasty snack! 🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish! If you want a bit more flavor, you can use ground turkey instead, which is leaner. For a richer taste, chicken thighs work well too.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Both options will keep the meatballs nice and tender.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice. If you want something milder, try Sriracha or BBQ sauce for a different take. For a creamier sauce, mix in a little ranch dressing directly into the buffalo sauce.
Cayenne Pepper: This ingredient adds heat, but feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan of spicy foods. A sprinkle of paprika can also offer a nice flavor without the heat.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Tender?
A common concern with meatballs is dryness. Here are some tips to keep them moist:
- Don’t overmix the ingredients! Mix just until combined to prevent them from becoming tough.
- Using an egg helps bind the meatball while keeping it moist. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Baking is great, but don’t skip the tossing in buffalo sauce afterward. This adds moisture and flavor!
Finally, try not to crowd the meatballs on the baking sheet. Give them space to cook evenly and get that nice browning.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce (or other buffalo wing sauce), plus extra for tossing
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- Crumbled blue cheese for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or celery leaves for garnish
- Celery leaves or small celery sticks for topping (optional)
- Toothpicks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes. You have about 10 minutes for prep time to mix everything together and form the meatballs, and then they bake for 18-20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, making clean-up a breeze later on.
2. Mixing the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, the egg, minced garlic, diced onion, and if you’re feeling cheesy, add the cheddar. Don’t forget the star of the show: 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce! Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together gently—just until combined—so we keep those meatballs nice and tender.
3. Shaping the Meatballs:
Now you get to have some fun! Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Keep them spaced out for even cooking.
4. Baking the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake those beauties for about 18-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown. You want them to be delicious!
5. Warming Up the Buffalo Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, grab a small saucepan (or a microwave-safe bowl) and warm up the remaining buffalo sauce. This will be the finishing touch!
6. Tossing the Meatballs:
Once your meatballs have finished baking, transfer them to a bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the top and gently toss them until they’re nicely coated.
7. Serving Them Up:
Arrange the sauced meatballs on a serving platter. Drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing over them and around the plate for extra flavor!
8. Adding the Final Touches:
Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top. Don’t forget to add some chopped parsley or celery leaves for a fresh look, and if you want, place a few small celery sticks around the platter for dipping. Yum!
9. Enjoy!
Finally, stick toothpicks into each meatball for easy serving. Now gather your friends and family, and enjoy these flavorful, spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs as an awesome appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and provides a lean option. Just follow the same instructions for mixing and baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them for a quick snack or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make These Meatballs Spicier?
Yes! If you love heat, add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also serve with a spicier dipping sauce for an extra kick.
Can I Freeze These Meatballs?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs before baking. Lay them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.