Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: A Zesty Appetizer for Every Occasion
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that packs a punch of flavor? These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are spicy, savory, and irresistibly delicious.
Perfect for game days, parties, or any casual gathering, these bite-sized delights are baked to perfection and coated in a tangy buffalo sauce.
Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with celery and carrot sticks, for a classic pairing that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
🔥 Bold and Spicy
Buffalo sauce gives these meatballs their signature zesty kick.
🕒 Quick and Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for last-minute get-togethers.
🍗 Healthier Option
Baked instead of fried, these meatballs are a lighter take on traditional buffalo wings.
🌿 Versatile
Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with a side salad.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, green onions, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
2️⃣ Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3️⃣ Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
4️⃣ Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together buffalo sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using). Heat until warm and smooth.
5️⃣ Coat the Meatballs
Transfer the baked meatballs to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over them and toss gently to coat.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the meatballs on a serving platter with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery and carrot sticks. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
🍗 Don’t Overmix the Meat
Mixing the chicken mixture too much can make the meatballs dense. Mix until just combined.
🔥 Adjust the Heat
Add more buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra spice, or balance the heat with a touch of honey.
🧊 Make Ahead
You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and reheat them in the buffalo sauce before serving.
🌿 Garnish Smartly
Fresh parsley or green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch to the final presentation.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ingredients for Recipe Card
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup green onions
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp honey optional
Instructions
- Mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, green onions, and spices in a bowl.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Heat buffalo sauce, butter, and honey in a saucepan.
- Toss meatballs in the warm sauce to coat.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.
