Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs offer a bold, spicy flavor with tender, juicy meatballs coated in tangy buffalo sauce, perfect as an appetizer or a hearty meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken (breast or thigh, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix gently until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
- Form the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter using your hands or a small cookie scoop.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and meatballs are cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, heat the buffalo sauce and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the butter has melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs hot, optionally with celery sticks and a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or yogurt-based dip.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Saucepan
- Parchment Paper
Notes
Use ground chicken thigh for juiciness, rest the mixture 10 minutes before baking, use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness, and broil for 2 minutes for extra crispiness. Variations include adding cheese inside meatballs, using ranch seasoning, grain-free alternatives, and slow cooker methods.