These buffalo chicken meatballs are quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. You just mix everything in one bowl, bake, and coat with buffalo sauce. They work great as a snack, party food, or even a simple dinner.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These meatballs aren’t just tasty—they’re super practical too. First, they’re baked, not fried, which means less mess and fewer calories. Second, they use ground chicken, making them a leaner option while still giving you that hearty, satisfying feel. Third, they’re covered in buffalo sauce, which brings just the right amount of heat and tang.
You’ll love how quickly they come together—just mix, roll, bake, and drizzle. You can make them ahead of time, serve them hot or cold, and pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. Plus, they’re perfect for both adults and kids. Whether you serve them at a party, pack them in a lunch, or make them part of your weeknight dinner, they fit right in.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
To make buffalo chicken meatballs, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some fresh items. Here’s everything you should gather before you start:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce, divided
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ cup grated carrots*
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or ⅓ cup packed almond flour (52 grams)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving
- Blue cheese crumbles, for serving (optional)
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving (optional)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Directions
You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make these buffalo chicken meatballs. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a flavorful appetizer or meal ready in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the meatballs don’t stick.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, ¼ cup of the buffalo sauce, egg, green onions, grated carrots, breadcrumbs or almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to blend everything until it’s fully combined. It might be a little sticky—this is totally normal.
Next, grab a cookie scoop or small spoon and scoop out equal portions of the mixture. Use your hands to roll each scoop into a ball. You should get around 12 to 15 regular-sized meatballs, or up to 25 if you’re making mini ones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, with a bit of space between each ball.
Put the tray in the oven and bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes. You want them to be golden on the outside and fully cooked in the middle. To check, cut one open—it should not look pink at all.
Once they’re cooked, take them out of the oven and drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of buffalo sauce over the top. Gently toss the meatballs so they’re all coated in the sauce. Use a spoon or tongs for this step.
Serve them hot with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Sprinkle a few more green onions on top for color and added taste.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
You’ve got lots of options when it comes to serving buffalo chicken meatballs. For a party, place them on a platter with toothpicks so guests can grab one easily. Add a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, and you’re good to go.
If you’re serving them as a main dish, pair them with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes. You can also stuff them into a sub roll with shredded lettuce and drizzle of sauce for a buffalo chicken meatball sandwich. They work great for meal prep too—just pack a few meatballs with rice or quinoa and a veggie for a filling lunch.
Want to go low-carb? Serve them with celery and carrot sticks. You’ll get that classic buffalo wings combo but with a healthier twist. No matter how you serve them, these meatballs bring serious flavor to the table.
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Here are some helpful tips to make your buffalo chicken meatballs even better:
- Use gloves when rolling meatballs: Ground chicken can be sticky. Wearing gloves can make the shaping process easier and cleaner.
- Chop the carrots finely: If you’re using pre-shredded carrots, give them a quick chop so you don’t get long, stringy pieces in your meatballs.
- Choose your heat level: Not all buffalo sauces are the same. Some are mild, others are fiery. Pick one that matches your taste.
- Add cheese inside: Want a surprise in the middle? Try stuffing each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar before baking.
- Make them ahead: You can prep the meatballs a day before and bake them when you’re ready to serve. They reheat well too.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
After cooking, let the meatballs cool completely. Then place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in the oven or microwave until warm. Add a bit more sauce to freshen them up.
Variation of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
You can easily switch things up with this recipe to match your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Use ground turkey: It works just as well and has a similar texture and flavor.
- Go dairy-free: Skip the cheese crumbles and use a dairy-free dressing if needed.
- Make them spicy-sweet: Mix a little honey or maple syrup into the buffalo sauce to add a hint of sweetness to balance the heat.
- Turn them into sliders: Serve the meatballs on small buns with lettuce and dressing for easy buffalo sliders.
- Try different sauces: Swap the buffalo sauce for barbecue, teriyaki, or even a smoky chipotle for a whole new flavor.
FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Can I make buffalo chicken meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead of time, then bake them when you’re ready. They also reheat well, making them great for meal prep.
What can I serve with buffalo chicken meatballs?
You can serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, fresh veggie sticks, on buns, or even over rice or salad for a full meal.
Are buffalo chicken meatballs spicy?
That depends on the sauce you use. Most buffalo sauces have a medium spice level, but you can choose a mild or hot version based on your preference.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, they freeze really well. After baking, let them cool and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready.
Is almond flour a good replacement for breadcrumbs?
Definitely, it works great for a gluten-free option and gives the meatballs a slightly nutty taste while still holding them together.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (divided)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ cup grated carrots
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or ⅓ cup packed almond flour, 52 grams)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing (for serving)
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional, for serving)
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, ¼ cup buffalo sauce, egg, green onions, grated carrots, breadcrumbs or almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Drizzle remaining ¼ cup buffalo sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with additional green onions.
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