Easy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs baking in the oven – it’s like game day and comfort food had the most delicious baby. I’ll never forget the first time I made these little gems. My nephew was visiting, and he’d been raving about some fancy appetizer he’d tried at a sports bar. “Aunt Michelle,” he said, “you’ve got to try making something like this!” Well, challenge accepted.

What started as an attempt to recreate a restaurant favorite turned into one of our family’s most requested recipes. These meatballs capture everything we love about buffalo chicken wings – that tangy, spicy kick balanced with cool ranch flavors – but in a much more manageable, fork-friendly package. Trust me, once you smell these baking, your whole house will feel like it’s ready for a celebration.

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

• Easy to Make: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Most items are likely in your pantry, and they come together in just 30 minutes.
• Irresistible Flavor: Each bite delivers the classic buffalo wing experience – spicy sauce, cooling ranch, and perfectly seasoned ground chicken.
• Neat and Tidy: Unlike traditional wings, these meatballs mean no sticky fingers or bones to navigate.
• Versatile: Perfect for game day parties, dinner guests, or a jazzed-up weeknight meal. Plus, they freeze beautifully for unexpected entertaining.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what makes these buffalo chicken meatballs so special:

• Ground Chicken or Turkey : Chicken stays moist and tender; turkey works well too. Use an 85/15 blend for juicy results.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Lighter than regular breadcrumbs, they keep the meatballs tender. Regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent. Room temperature mixes best.
• Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce: Choose your favorite buffalo sauce for that signature kick.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds savory depth. Don’t skip it!
• Ranch Seasoning Packet: Brings classic ranch flavor without extra moisture.
• Green Onions: Adds crunch and freshness. Reserve some for garnish.
• Celery: For that classic buffalo wing bar crunch.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile.
• Black Pepper: Rounds out the flavors.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For serving, the perfect cooling companion.

Let’s Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko, egg, buffalo sauce, garlic, ranch seasoning, onion powder, pepper, celery, and green onions. Mix gently with hands until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
3. Form Meatballs: With slightly wet hands, shape into tablespoon-sized balls (about 20-24). Rustic shapes are fine!
4. Bake: Cook for 18-20 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
5. Add More Sauce: Brush with extra buffalo sauce while warm for a flavor boost (optional).
6. Serve: Garnish with reserved green onions and celery. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Serving Suggestions

• Game Day: Serve on a platter with toothpicks and dipping sauces for easy grabbing.
• Main Dish: Pair with mashed potatoes and extra buffalo sauce for a comforting meal, or toss with pasta and pan juices for a quick dinner.
• Light Option: Serve over a buffalo chicken salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles.
• Sandwiches: Stuff into pita pockets with shredded lettuce and ranch for a handheld treat.

Make buffalo chicken meatballs Your Own

• Adjust Heat: Use 2 tbsp buffalo sauce for milder flavor or add cayenne for extra spice.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ranch seasoning and serve with avocado crema.
• Gluten-Free: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Protein Swap: Try ground turkey or a chicken-pork mix, keeping the total at 1 lb.

Kitchen Tips

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
• Make-Ahead: Form raw meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for enhanced flavor.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled meatballs in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

More Related Recipes

• Carne Asada Grilled Steak : Grilled steak marinated in citrus, garlic, and spices.
• Authentic Birria Tacos : Crispy tacos filled with slow-cooked spiced beef.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo : Creamy orzo with garlic and parmesan.
• Korean Beef Bowl : Savory ground beef over rice with sweet soy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a game-changer, bringing all the beloved buffalo wing flavors into a tidy, delicious package. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or any time you want something special, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable. Make them your own and share the joy with your loved ones!

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