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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are baked, juicy, and full of flavor, made with lean ground chicken, celery, carrots, and hot sauce. This healthier take on Buffalo wings is perfect for parties, meal prep, or game-day snacks.

A Healthier Twist on Classic Buffalo Wings

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a savory, spicy, and protein-packed appetizer perfect for game days, parties, or a nutritious snack. These oven-baked meatballs are made with lean ground chicken, finely chopped celery and carrots, and a touch of garlic for extra flavor. Instead of deep-frying, they are baked until golden brown and then coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, making them a healthier alternative to traditional Buffalo chicken wings.


These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, offering the same bold, tangy, and spicy kick that Buffalo wings are known for. Serve them with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for the ultimate combination. Whether you are watching the game, meal prepping, or just craving a spicy bite, this Buffalo Chicken Meatball recipe is sure to be a hit.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier Alternative to Wings – All the Buffalo wing flavor without the deep frying.

  • Easy to Make – Just mix, roll, bake, and toss in sauce.

  • Perfect for Parties – A great finger food appetizer for game day.

  • Baked, Not Fried – Lower in fat and calories but just as flavorful.

  • Meal Prep Friendly – Great for making ahead and reheating.


Tips & Tricks for the Best Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

  • Use Lean Ground Chicken – Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.

  • Breadcrumbs for Texture – Panko helps bind the mixture while keeping the meatballs light.

  • Spice Level – Adjust the heat by adding more or less Buffalo sauce.

  • Make it Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free ranch dressing or skip the blue cheese.

  • Make Ahead – These meatballs store well and can be reheated easily.

  • Serve with a Dip – Blue cheese or ranch dressing balances the heat.


A Brief History of Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 at Anchor Bar, where it was first used to coat deep-fried chicken wings. The tangy, spicy, buttery sauce quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in American sports bars and game-day menus. Today, Buffalo flavors are used in pizza, dips, wraps, and these delicious meatballs, offering the same bold and spicy kick in new and creative ways.


Commonly Asked Questions

1. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and bake them in advance, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes before tossing in Buffalo sauce.


2. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well.


3. How do I store leftovers?

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.


4. Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

Yes! Freeze the cooked meatballs before adding sauce, then reheat and toss in Buffalo sauce when ready to serve.


5. What can I serve with these meatballs?

Pair them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, blue cheese dressing, or ranch for a classic Buffalo-style experience.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a spicy, protein-packed alternative to Buffalo wings, perfect for parties, game day, or meal prep. They are easy to make, oven-baked, and full of bold flavor. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.


Try this healthy and delicious twist on Buffalo wings, and enjoy the perfect balance of heat, tang, and flavor in every bite.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients

  • Oil spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

  • 1 ¼ lb ground chicken

  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 scallions, chopped

  • ⅓ cup finely minced celery

  • ⅓ cup finely minced carrot

  • 1 clove crushed garlic

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

  • ⅓ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce

  • ¼ cup skinny blue cheese dressing (optional)

  • Finely chopped celery leaves for garnish (optional)


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Lightly spray a non-stick baking sheet with oil to prevent sticking.


Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, scallions, celery, carrots, and garlic.

  2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  3. Using clean hands, mix until well combined.


Step 3: Shape and Bake

  1. Roll the mixture into 26 even-sized meatballs (about 1/8 cup each).

  2. Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.

  3. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.


Step 4: Coat in Buffalo Sauce

  1. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a bowl.

  2. Add Frank’s RedHot sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.


Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve immediately, drizzled with blue cheese dressing, and garnish with chopped celery leaves if desired.

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