Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs, combining the bold flavors of Buffalo sauce with tender ground chicken. This recipe is perfect for game day snacks, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner. Ready in under an hour, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Buffalo Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/3 cup hot sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot)
Kosher salt, to taste
For the Meatballs:
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup sliced green onions, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt, to taste
1 pound ground chicken
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Brush a large baking sheet with extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, crumbled blue cheese, and hot sauce. Season with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, whisking frequently, until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped celery, egg, chopped garlic, panko bread crumbs, sliced green onions, onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix until well incorporated. Add the ground chicken and half of the prepared Buffalo sauce, mixing gently to combine without overmixing.
4. Form and Bake the Meatballs:
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.
5. Coat the Meatballs with Sauce:
Transfer the warm meatballs to a large bowl and pour the remaining Buffalo sauce over them. Toss until well coated.
6. Serve:
Transfer the sauced meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and serve with blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Chicken Meatballs!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Brush a large baking sheet with extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, crumbled blue cheese, and hot sauce. Season with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, whisking frequently, until the butter and blue cheese have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
3. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped celery, egg, chopped garlic, panko bread crumbs, sliced green onions, onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Add the ground chicken and half of the prepared Buffalo sauce to the bowl. Mix gently until the mixture is just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Form and Bake the Meatballs:
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven until the meatballs are lightly golden and cooked through, about 15 to 17 minutes.
5. Coat the Meatballs with Sauce:
Once baked, transfer the warm meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the remaining Buffalo sauce over the meatballs. Toss until all the meatballs are well coated with the sauce.
6. Serve:
Transfer the sauced meatballs to a serving platter. Sprinkle additional sliced green onions over the top for garnish. Serve with blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
Storage:
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the meatballs before or after baking. If freezing raw meatballs, place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, let them cool before freezing.
Variations:
Try substituting ground turkey for ground chicken, or experiment with different types of hot sauce for varied heat levels.
Serving Suggestions:
These meatballs pair well with celery sticks and carrots as a side or can be served as an appetizer for parties.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures an even cooking temperature from the beginning, allowing your meatballs to cook thoroughly and evenly.
Making Buffalo Sauce
Combining butter with hot sauce and blue cheese creates a rich, flavorful sauce that adds moisture and a kick to the meatballs. Whisking helps achieve a smooth consistency.
Mixing Ingredients
When mixing the meatball ingredients, it’s crucial to combine them just until mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Use your hands or a spatula to gently incorporate the chicken and sauce.
Forming Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your hands helps in forming uniform meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly. Aim for about 1-inch sizes for consistent cooking time.
Baking the Meatballs
Baking at a high temperature achieves a nice browning on the outside while keeping the inside moist. Using a lightly oiled baking sheet prevents sticking.
Coating Meatballs with Sauce
After baking, tossing the meatballs in the remaining Buffalo sauce allows for an even coating of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Garnishing with sliced green onions adds a fresh touch, while serving with blue cheese dressing provides a cool contrast to the spicy meatballs.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, beef, or pork if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat used.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To make the meatballs spicier, consider adding more hot sauce to the mixture or garnishing with sliced jalapeños.
Can I prepare the meatball mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What should I serve with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad. They are also great as an appetizer for parties.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a delightful addition to any meal or gathering, bursting with flavor and perfect for dipping. Their combination of tender chicken, zesty Buffalo sauce, and creamy blue cheese makes them irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
A vegetarian alternative, these bites combine crispy cauliflower with the same spicy Buffalo sauce for a hearty and satisfying snack.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Shred the leftover Buffalo chicken meatballs and wrap them in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing for a quick lunch.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Top a pizza crust with Buffalo chicken meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and drizzles of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a fun twist on pizza night.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Serve meatballs on slider buns with a slice of cheese for a tasty mini sandwich that’s perfect for parties.
Vegetarian Buffalo Quinoa Bowls
For a healthy option, replace chicken with cooked quinoa mixed with Buffalo sauce, topped with green onions and blue cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Combine cooked pasta with diced Buffalo chicken meatballs, celery, and a creamy dressing for a delicious side dish or main meal.
