Name: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce; 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup salted butter, melted; 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something spicy, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor, these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are going to become your new go-to snack or appetizer. Picture tender, juicy ground chicken meatballs infused with Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce, baked to perfection, and then tossed in a buttery, spicy glaze that clings to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want a fun twist on classic buffalo chicken, these meatballs bring a perfect balance of heat, savory goodness, and that crave-worthy tang that makes buffalo chicken so beloved.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is refreshingly straightforward and hits all the right notes. Each item has its role—from adding moisture and spice to creating the perfect texture and that signature buffalo flavor you’re after. Let’s dive into what makes these meatballs so special.

1 lb ground chicken: Provides a lean, tender base that soaks up all the flavor perfectly.
1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce: Adds that classic tangy heat right into the meat mixture.
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs: Keeps the meatballs light and helps bind everything together without getting heavy.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory warmth to complement the buffalo spice.
1 tsp onion powder: Boosts depth with a gentle sweetness and aroma.
1/2 tsp parsley: Offers a fresh herbal note and a touch of color.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances every ingredient’s flavor without overpowering.
1/8 tsp pepper: Balances the spice with a mild kick of heat.
1/4 cup salted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps mellow out the sharpness of the hot sauce.
1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce: For tossing the cooked meatballs in that perfect, glossy buffalo coating.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s nice and hot to give your meatballs that golden, crispy exterior they deserve.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, 1/4 cup of Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix these gently but thoroughly until every bit is evenly incorporated—this ensures each meatball bursts with balanced flavor.

Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs

Using about a tablespoon-sized scoop, roll the mixture into round meatballs. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to keep things easy when it’s time to clean up. You should have around 20 meatballs ready to bake.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the meatballs for 13 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides. You’re looking for a beautiful golden color and cooked-through centers—no pink should remain inside.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Glaze

While the meatballs are in the oven, mix the melted butter with the remaining 1/2 cup of Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce until it’s smooth and luscious. This glaze is what takes your meatballs from tasty to downright addictive.

Step 6: Toss and Coat

Once the meatballs come out of the oven, transfer them to a mixing bowl and pour the buffalo glaze over them. Toss carefully so every meatball is fully coated with that shine of spicy, buttery goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are ready to dive into! Serve them alongside fresh veggie sticks and your favorite blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping—that way you have the perfect balance of heat and cool.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of green and freshness that complements the spicy, rich meatballs beautifully. You might also try a few celery sticks tucked alongside for that classic buffalo pairing.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair wonderfully with crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, celery, or cucumber to lighten the bite. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or even a crisp side salad balance out the heat perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Ready to impress? Try serving these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs on skewers with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, or pile them high in a warm pita pocket with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of cool dressing for an irresistible sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. This gives you quick access to a tasty snack or easy dinner addition during the week.

Freezing

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your meatballs in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them covered for a couple of minutes—just be careful not to overdo it and dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Definitely! Ground turkey works especially well as a lean alternative, and ground beef will add a richer flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly.

How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to the Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce. If you like it milder, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce used. For more kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the mixture.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. They’ll still hold their shape and be delicious.

What dipping sauces go best with these meatballs?

Classic options like ranch and blue cheese dressing shine with buffalo flavors, but you could also try a cooling cucumber yogurt dip or even a creamy avocado sauce for a fresh twist.

Are these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! Their quick bake time and easy storage make them ideal for meal prep lunches or snacking throughout the week. Just portion and store with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Final Thoughts

Once you whip up a batch of these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. So gather your ingredients, crank up the oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most flavorful, saucy snacks you’ll ever make. Trust me, these meatballs will be flying off the plate!

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs combine juicy ground chicken with a flavorful blend of spices and Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce, then baked to golden perfection and coated in a buttery buffalo sauce. Perfect as a spicy appetizer or a crowd-pleasing main dish, served alongside fresh veggie sticks and your favorite blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready to cook the meatballs evenly.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form Meatballs: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, form the chicken mixture into about 20 evenly-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked inside.
Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine melted butter and 1/2 cup buffalo sauce in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Coat Meatballs: Once baked, transfer meatballs to the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss gently to coat each meatball evenly with the buttery sauce.
Serve: Serve hot with fresh vegetable sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your spicy, flavorful buffalo chicken meatballs!

Notes

Using panko breadcrumbs adds a lighter texture to the meatballs compared to regular breadcrumbs.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
Make sure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
These meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven before serving.
Serve with celery or carrot sticks for a classic buffalo flavor pairing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American