Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Are you ready to spice up your dinner plans? Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are packed with flavor and are super easy to make. Using simple ingredients like ground chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing dish in no time. Whether it’s game day or a family meal, these meatballs are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe together!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound ground chicken

– 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup buffalo sauce

These main ingredients form the heart of your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Ground chicken gives them a juicy base. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nice texture. Parmesan cheese brings in a rich flavor. Buffalo sauce gives that spicy kick we love.

Optional Ingredients

– 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

– Fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks for serving

Blue cheese crumbles add creaminess and sharpness. Fresh celery and carrots are great for crunch. They make a perfect side for your meatballs.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancements

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Seasoning is key for great taste. Garlic and onion powder boost the flavor. Salt and black pepper add balance. This simple mix makes your meatballs sing!

For the full recipe, be sure to check out the entire guide on making these delightful Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the meatballs from sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

– 1 pound ground chicken

– 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

– 1 large egg

– 1/4 cup buffalo sauce

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mix these ingredients well. Use your hands or a spatula. You want everything to blend evenly.

Forming the Meatballs

Once your mixture is ready, take small portions. Shape them into meatballs about 1 inch wide.

Place the meatballs on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out. This helps them cook evenly.

Cooking Process

Now it’s time to bake! Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Halfway through, turn the meatballs. This helps them brown nicely.

When done, take them out of the oven. For extra flavor, toss the meatballs in more buffalo sauce.

Serve hot and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs! Check out the Full Recipe for more details.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To ensure even cooking of your meatballs, keep them spaced apart on the baking sheet. This helps hot air circulate around them. Turn the meatballs halfway through baking. This way, both sides cook evenly. For the perfect texture, aim for a mix that’s not too wet or dry. The breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and keep the meatballs light.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your meatballs with blue cheese crumbles for added flavor. Blue cheese pairs well with the spicy buffalo sauce. Ideal accompaniments are fresh celery and carrot sticks. These veggies add a nice crunch. You can also serve them with a small bowl of extra buffalo sauce for dipping.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container. They can last up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, do so in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, cover them with foil to keep moisture. This helps maintain flavor and texture. For best results, reheat at a low temperature. This warms them through without drying them out.

For the full recipe, check above!

Variations

Flavor Variations

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

If you love heat, add more buffalo sauce. Mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. These tweaks will give your meatballs an extra kick. You can also switch the sauce to a hotter brand to raise the spice level.

Honey BBQ Chicken Meatballs

For a sweeter twist, replace buffalo sauce with honey BBQ sauce. This change creates a tasty contrast. You can still use the same ground chicken and breadcrumbs. The meatballs will have a rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.

Dietary Variations

Gluten-free alternatives

To make these meatballs gluten-free, swap whole wheat breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can use crushed rice crackers or ground oats as a substitute. These options will keep the texture and flavor intact.

Vegetarian substitutions

If you want a meatless option, try using lentils or chickpeas. Mash them well and mix with breadcrumbs and spices. This will create a hearty and satisfying meatball that everyone can enjoy.

Sauce Variations

Different sauces for coating

Feel free to experiment with sauces. You can use teriyaki, ranch, or even a tangy mustard sauce. Each sauce will bring its own unique flavor and vibe to the dish.

Homemade buffalo sauce recipe

You can easily make your own buffalo sauce. Mix 1/2 cup hot sauce with 1/4 cup melted butter. Add a splash of vinegar and a pinch of garlic powder. This simple recipe gives you a fresh, customizable sauce for your meatballs.

For the full recipe, check out Buffalo Chicken Meatballs .

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Breakdown

Each serving of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs has about 250 calories. This recipe packs a punch with a balanced macronutrient profile. Here’s the breakdown:

– Protein: 25 grams

– Carbohydrates: 15 grams

– Fat: 12 grams

This mix gives you energy while keeping you full.

Health Benefits

These meatballs shine with their high protein content. Protein helps build muscles and repair tissues. Ground chicken offers lean protein without too much fat. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber, which supports digestion. The buffalo sauce gives flavor without too many calories. If you add blue cheese, you get calcium for strong bones.

Portion Control

For a meal, two to three meatballs make a good serving. If you host a gathering, you can easily double the recipe. Just ensure you have more buffalo sauce and veggies for dipping. Adjusting the size of the meatballs can help too. Smaller meatballs are great for appetizers, while larger ones fit well in sandwiches. Enjoy your meal with friends and family!

FAQs

Common Questions

How do I make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs moist?

To keep these meatballs moist, use ground chicken with a bit of fat. Add breadcrumbs to hold moisture. Mixing in an egg binds the ingredients well. Don’t overmix, as that can make them tough. You can also add a splash of buffalo sauce to the mixture for extra flavor and moisture.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They last up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

Serve these meatballs with celery and carrot sticks for crunch. Pair them with ranch or blue cheese dip. You can also add a side of pasta or a fresh salad. They make a great snack for game day or a fun dinner.

Cooking Questions

Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying them?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. It gives a nice texture without using extra oil. Just preheat your oven to 400°F and follow the baking steps. They will still be juicy and tasty.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can swap ground turkey for chicken. It will still taste great. Keep in mind that turkey can be leaner, so add a bit more buffalo sauce or oil for moisture.

Storage and Reheating Questions

How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first before sealing.

What is the best way to reheat meatballs?

To reheat, place meatballs in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but they might get a bit chewy. For best results, add a little buffalo sauce before reheating for extra flavor.

For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe] section.

In this blog post, we explored making delicious Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. We covered main ingredients, like ground chicken and buffalo sauce. We detailed step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. I shared tips for perfect texture and serving suggestions, along with variations for different tastes.

Remember, you can customize these meatballs to suit your needs. Whether you prefer spicy or a sweet twist, these meatballs are versatile. Enjoy cooking and impressing your family or friends with this tasty recipe!

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Spice up your snack time with these delicious Buffalo Chicken Meatballs! Made with ground chicken and coated in zesty buffalo sauce, they are perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family dinner. This recipe is simple, featuring wholesome ingredients like whole wheat breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Click through for the full recipe and learn how to make these mouthwatering meatballs that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

  

1 pound ground chicken

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (both white and green parts)

1 large egg

1/4 cup buffalo sauce (with extra for drizzling)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)

Fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks for serving

Instructions

 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped green onions, large egg, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients well until everything is evenly integrated.

Once mixed, take portions of the mixture and form small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball neatly onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to ensure even cooking.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They should be thoroughly cooked and achieve a golden-brown color. To ensure even cooking, turn the meatballs halfway through the baking time.

After baking, carefully remove the meatballs from the oven. For an added burst of flavor, toss them gently in a bit more buffalo sauce to coat them evenly.

Serve the meatballs while hot, garnished with optional blue cheese crumbles for richness. Accompany with fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: About 4

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the meatballs on a serving platter with a small bowl of buffalo sauce for dipping. Place the celery and carrot sticks around the platter for a vibrant and appetizing display.