Enjoy a batch of spicy chicken meatballs that resembles the taste of Buffalo wings.
One thing I’ve always liked about meatballs, aside from the fact that they’re delicious, is how many different varieties there are and how easy they are to customize. As a lover of spicy food and chicken wings, it shouldn’t be a surprise that this recipe for Buffalo chicken meatballs is one of my faves. It merges the taste of Buffalo wings with tender, juicy meatballs—it’s the best of both worlds, in my opinion.
The preparation process isn’t much different than any other type of meatball, so they’re easy to prepare and great to serve at any occasion. I especially like serving them as an appetizer for a special party or perhaps a potluck. If you have any guests like me, who love wings and spicy foods, they are sure to be a big hit.
In addition to the tasty Buffalo sauce that coats the meatballs, this recipe also builds delicious flavor into the meat with the addition of onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. The meatballs themselves—so long as you’re gentle while mixing the meat—will come out super tender and juicy. Between the tender meat and the spicy kick of the sauce, these might be my favorite meatballs ever!
A few ways to level up your meatballs
There are a few secrets you can follow to give your meatballs a bit more flavor. The first tip is to add a little brown sugar to the meat mixture. Some consider this the ultimate secret ingredient because the sweetness gives the meatballs a deeper flavor profile while also balancing out some of the spice. Honey can be a potential substitute if you don’t have brown sugar.
You might also consider chopping up scallions or chives and including them in the meat mixture for additional flavor. You can do the same with a small amount of crumbled blue cheese to make the meatballs a little creamier and balance out the spiciness of the Buffalo sauce. Finally, if you want to go the extra mile when it comes to giving these meatballs a spicy kick, try including a diced jalapeño in the mixture.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow your leftover Buffalo chicken meatballs to cool and then store them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they should stay good for 3-4 days. You can also freeze your leftover meatballs in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Place them in the fridge to thaw overnight, and then reheat them in the microwave or the oven.
Serving suggestions
One thing you should always have with Buffalo chicken meatballs is a good dipping sauce. I prefer to serve them with either a Blue Cheese Dip or Homemade Ranch Dressing. Like all other meatballs, this recipe can be a good side dish for pasta, including Creamy Tomato Pasta or even Spinach Pasta. Of course, you might also consider these meatballs as the main course. In that case, you may want to serve at least one vegetable side dish. I would recommend something simple but delicious like Steamed Cauliflower or Air-Fryer Asparagus.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 6 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup Buffalo sauce divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- Carrot and celery sticks for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of Buffalo sauce. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wet your hands lightly to prevent sticking, and roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter with the remaining Buffalo sauce. Stir until the sauce is warmed through, then add the baked meatballs and gently toss to coat. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with carrot or celery sticks, if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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