Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing snack that brings serious flavor with minimal effort, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs should be at the very top of your list. Juicy chicken, zesty spices, and tangy buffalo sauce unite for a spicy bite-sized treat that’s perfect for game day spreads, family gatherings, or even just a casual weeknight dinner. These fiery little meatballs deliver all the classic comfort of buffalo wings, but in a neater, meatier package—be sure to have extra napkins handy, because nobody can stop at just one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is that they use straightforward, no-frills ingredients, but each one brings something essential to the party. Here’s what you’ll need—and why they matter.

• Ground chicken: Lean, mild, and perfect for soaking up all that spicy buffalo flavor.
• Minced garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic depth to every bite.
• Cayenne pepper: For that signature warming heat in true buffalo fashion—adjust to your spice preference!
• Coarse black pepper: Infuses a peppery kick and a bit of rustic texture.
• Coarse sea salt: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the other savory flavors.
• Italian herb seasoned bread crumbs: These not only bind the meatballs, but add herby undertones and help maintain a tender texture.
• Milk: Keeps the meatballs juicy and moist—don’t skip this soaking step!
• Large egg: Acts as the glue that holds everything together for perfect, plump meatballs.
• Chopped parsley: Brings a fresh, green pop both inside and as a garnish.
• Buffalo sauce: The heart and soul of this recipe—choose your favorite for either bold heat or a more mild tang.
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing: A creamy finish that tames the heat and ties everything together.
• Blue cheese crumbles (optional): For lovers of classic buffalo flavor combos, this garnish is a must.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Breadcrumb and Milk Mixture

Start by adding your seasoned bread crumbs and milk to a medium bowl. Give them a gentle stir, then let the crumbs soak and soften for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs turn out mouthwateringly tender, keeping the lean ground chicken from drying out.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base

Add your ground chicken, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, sea salt, beaten egg, and chopped parsley directly into the breadcrumb mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly—you want the spices and herbs dispersed evenly, without overworking the meat, to guarantee juicy, flavor-packed bites every time.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop (or a heaping spoon and your hands), portion out the mixture and roll it into balls. Uniform meatballs not only look impressive, but they’ll also cook evenly. Arrange them in neat rows on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and consistent browning.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the tray into your preheated 425°F oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the centers read 165°F on a meat thermometer. Keep an eye on them, since ground chicken cooks quickly and you want them just cooked through—never dry.

Step 5: Sauce and Finish

As soon as your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs come out of the oven, transfer them to a bowl and toss with a generous splash of buffalo sauce. The residual heat helps the sauce cling beautifully to the meatballs. Arrange them on a platter, drizzle with more buffalo sauce and either ranch or blue cheese dressing, then sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and blue cheese crumbles if you like that tangy kick.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

No Buffalo Chicken Meatballs platter is complete without a pop of color and flavor from garnishes! A shower of chopped fresh parsley adds freshness, while blue cheese crumbles offer a creamy, salty contrast. Even a just-right drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing ties everything together, making those flavors unmistakably classic and irresistible.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are stars on their own, but they also love company. Try pairing them with cool celery and carrot sticks to echo the traditional buffalo combo. A crisp slaw or a creamy potato salad also pairs well, helping balance the heat and creating a satisfying spread for parties or a game day feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spear each Buffalo Chicken Meatball with a celery stick or serve them in lettuce cups for a lighter approach. Stack them onto mini slider buns for buffalo meatball sliders, or set them atop a bed of greens for a spicy, satisfying salad. They’re bite-sized for a reason—get playful with how you plate them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs keep beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place them in a shallow, airtight container and add a drizzle of buffalo sauce to prevent dryness. When you’re craving a quick snack, just grab a few and reheat!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead (or save a few for another occasion), these meatballs freeze like a dream. After baking and cooling, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Wait to toss in buffalo sauce until reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat Buffalo Chicken Meatballs and keep them moist is in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, give them a quick zap in the microwave, drizzling on extra buffalo sauce before serving to bring back that tangy heat and shine.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey has a similar moisture content and will work seamlessly in this recipe. Just make sure to use the same weight and follow the same moistening steps for a juicy result.

What type of buffalo sauce should I use?

There’s no wrong answer: any hot sauce labeled “buffalo” works! Whether you love a milder version or want maximum heat, pick the brand that matches your spice preferences. Homemade buffalo sauce is fantastic if you have time, but bottled works just as well for busy days.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

The secret lies in soaking the bread crumbs with milk before mixing and in monitoring the bake time carefully. Remove the meatballs from the oven as soon as they hit 165°F—they’ll be juicy, not crumbly.

Can I double the recipe?

Go ahead! This batch makes about 20 meatballs, but the recipe scales beautifully. Just double every ingredient and use a second baking tray if needed. They’re perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Are Buffalo Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses Italian seasoned bread crumbs which likely contain gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free bread crumbs—everything else stays the same and the flavor shines just as brightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring the ultimate party pleaser to your table, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the answer. They’re spicy, juicy, and simple enough for even the busiest weeknight. Give them a try and see just how quickly these little bites disappear at your next gathering—don’t forget to grab one for yourself before they’re all gone!

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