Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are easy to make, high in protein, and bursting with bold flavor. They’re baked (not fried), making them a lighter alternative to traditional wings. The hot sauce brings heat, while the addition of blue cheese or ranch dressing creates a creamy, balanced bite. Serve them with toothpicks or over salad, rice, or a bun for a versatile and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground chicken
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Onion powder
• Celery (finely chopped, optional)
• Salt and pepper

For the sauce:

• Buffalo-style hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• Butter
• Honey or brown sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
• Blue cheese or ranch dressing (for serving, optional)
• Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, celery (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly golden.
5. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce and optional sweetener, simmering gently for 2–3 minutes.
6. Toss the cooked meatballs in the warm buffalo sauce until fully coated.
7. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 meatballs.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor.
• Mix blue cheese crumbles directly into the meatball mixture.
• Add shredded carrots or celery for extra texture and nutrition.
• Make them spicier by adding cayenne or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• Serve on slider buns with coleslaw for buffalo chicken sliders.
• Add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing before serving.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or a salad for a low-carb option.
• Use a sugar-free hot sauce for a keto-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place meatballs in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
For freezing, allow meatballs to cool, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before tossing in fresh buffalo sauce.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works great and gives a similar texture and flavor.

How spicy are these meatballs?

That depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can choose mild, medium, or hot varieties to control the heat.

Do I need to use celery in the meatballs?

No, it’s optional. It adds a nice crunch and nod to the classic buffalo wing combo, but you can leave it out.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the meatballs ahead, then reheat and toss in the sauce just before serving.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Yes. Bake or sear the meatballs first, then place them in a slow cooker with the sauce on low for 2–3 hours.

What dipping sauces go best with buffalo chicken meatballs?

Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing are perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Can I air fry the meatballs?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your hot sauce is gluten-free.

Are they good for meal prep?

Definitely. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and reheat for easy meals or snacks.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a bold, flavorful dish that brings the classic taste of buffalo wings into a lighter, mess-free form. Whether served as a party appetizer, a protein-packed snack, or the centerpiece of a meal, these spicy meatballs are always a hit. Easy to make and packed with heat, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are tender, spicy meatballs made with ground chicken and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce. They’re a lighter, mess-free alternative to wings and perfect as appetizers, snacks, or main dishes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 20–24 meatballs
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground chicken
2. ½ cup bread crumbs
3. 1 egg
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 tsp onion powder
6. ½ cup celery, finely chopped (optional)
7. 1 tsp salt
8. ½ tsp black pepper

For the sauce:

• ½ cup buffalo-style hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
• Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.

1. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, celery (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place evenly on prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake 15–18 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden (internal temp 165°F).
4. While baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in buffalo sauce and honey/brown sugar (if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Toss baked meatballs in buffalo sauce until coated.
6. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with parsley or green onions.

Notes

• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes as an alternative to baking.
• Mix blue cheese crumbles into the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
• Add shredded carrots or more celery for texture and nutrition.
• For extra spice, add cayenne or chili flakes to the mixture.
• Keep warm in a slow cooker with sauce for parties.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 80mg