If you love buffalo wings, you’ll enjoy these easy and mess-free buffalo chicken meatballs. They capture all the bold, spicy flavors of classic buffalo wings but in a healthier and baked form. Perfect for parties, game days, or even a fun dinner, these meatballs come together in just 30 minutes!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lb ground chicken
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 small carrot, finely grated
• 1 stick celery, minced
• 2 green onions, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp kosher sea salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s)
• 3 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko, and egg. Let the panko soak in the egg for 5 minutes.
3. Add the grated carrot, minced celery, green onions, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything until just combined—avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Remove from the oven and transfer the meatballs to a large bowl. Add the buffalo sauce and gently toss to coat.
7. Serve immediately with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, or keep them warm in a slow cooker for a party.

Tip: Want an extra cheesy bite? Try stuffing or folding in ⅓ cup of blue cheese or mozzarella before baking!

Nutrients (Per Meatball, Approximate)

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 33mg
• Sodium: 203mg
• Potassium: 169mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 400 IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 8mg
• Iron: 1mg

These buffalo chicken meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser—enjoy them as a party appetizer, meatball sub filling, or even a protein-packed dinner option! 🔥

The Origin of Buffalo Chicken Flavors

The classic buffalo sauce was created in Buffalo, New York, at the Anchor Bar in 1964. The original recipe combined cayenne pepper sauce, butter, and seasonings to coat deep-fried chicken wings. Since then, buffalo sauce has become a staple in American cuisine, inspiring everything from dips to sandwiches and, of course, meatballs. The tangy heat of buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, making it a favorite among spicy food lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the biggest advantages of these buffalo chicken meatballs is their versatility. Unlike traditional buffalo wings, which can be messy and time-consuming to make, these meatballs are simple, quick, and oven-baked. They’re also great for meal prep, allowing you to make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Additionally, the use of ground chicken makes them a leaner alternative to deep-fried wings while still delivering the same delicious buffalo flavor.

The Healthier Alternative to Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are typically deep-fried and coated in butter-heavy sauce, making them high in fat and calories. By baking these meatballs, you cut down on unhealthy oils while still achieving a satisfying texture. The inclusion of vegetables like carrots, celery, and green onions adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, enhancing the nutritional value. Plus, using ground chicken instead of dark meat or skin-on chicken wings reduces the overall fat content.

The Perfect Party Appetizer

If you’re planning a gathering or game day party, these buffalo chicken meatballs make an excellent appetizer. They’re bite-sized, easy to serve, and pair wonderfully with a variety of dips. You can keep them warm in a slow cooker, making them a convenient and stress-free option for entertaining guests. Their bold flavor ensures they’ll be a hit with both spice lovers and those who enjoy classic American comfort food.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

These meatballs are not just for parties—they’re also a great option for meal prep. You can make a batch in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave and toss them in buffalo sauce before serving. This makes them an excellent option for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

There are many ways to enjoy these flavorful meatballs beyond just serving them with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Here are a few ideas:

• Meatball Subs: Place them in a toasted sub roll with melted cheese and extra buffalo sauce.
• Salads: Toss them over a crisp green salad with ranch dressing for a protein-packed meal.
• Rice or Quinoa Bowl: Serve them over cooked rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use butter lettuce or romaine leaves to make a low-carb, high-protein wrap.
• Pizza Topping: Chop them up and sprinkle them on top of a buffalo chicken pizza.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

To achieve the best texture and flavor, follow these key tips:

• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the meatball ingredients can lead to a tough and dense texture. Mix gently until just combined.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly.
• Bake on a Lined Sheet: To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Check Internal Temperature: Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before removing from the oven.
• Coat in Sauce While Warm: Toss the meatballs in buffalo sauce immediately after baking to help them absorb the flavor.

Customizing the Recipe

This recipe is highly adaptable based on personal preferences. Here are some easy modifications:

• Make Them Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use an extra hot buffalo sauce.
• Reduce the Heat: Use a mild buffalo sauce or mix buffalo sauce with a little honey to balance the heat.
• Cheese Lovers’ Version: Stuff each meatball with a small piece of blue cheese or mozzarella before baking for a gooey, cheesy center.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Skip the cheese and serve with a dairy-free ranch dressing.

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken meatballs are a fantastic alternative to traditional buffalo wings, offering all the flavor with less mess and fewer calories. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, a meal prep staple, or a fun weeknight dinner, they are sure to be a hit. With endless serving possibilities and easy customizations, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors. Try them today and elevate your buffalo chicken experience!