If you love the bold, tangy kick of buffalo wings but want something a little different, the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a total game-changer. These meatballs burst with juicy ground chicken, zesty ranch seasoning, and gooey blue cheese that melts right inside. Coated in buttery Buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave that smoky, spicy flavor wrapped up in a cozy bite. Let me share how you can easily whip up this irresistible dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe are simple yet pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role — from tender chicken providing a juicy base, to ranch seasoning adding a herby depth, and blue cheese bringing that creamy boldness right in the center of every meatball.
- 1 pound lean ground chicken: The perfect lean protein that keeps the meatballs tender and moist.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds savory warmth that complements the tangy sauce.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the mixture together for perfectly shaped meatballs.
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Provides a little crunch and holds moisture inside the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning: Infuses that classic, herby buffalo wing flavor.
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles: Melts inside for rich pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick): Adds silkiness to the sauce coating the meatballs.
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce: Brings the iconic spicy, tangy, and buttery flavors that make buffalo wings famous.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your meatballs bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Ready your workspace because the magic starts now!
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, ranch seasoning, egg, and Italian-style breadcrumbs. Use a fork to gently stir until all ingredients are well incorporated but don’t overmix — you want the meatballs tender and not tough. This is where your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe starts to come alive with flavor.
Step 3: Stuff with Blue Cheese
Here’s the secret to show-stopping meatballs: press a small cube of blue cheese into the center of each portioned ball of meat mixture. Then fold the chicken mixture around the cheese and roll it to seal in that creamy surprise. This step makes these meatballs a delightful blend of spicy and creamy goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your stuffed meatballs on the prepared sheet and bake in the oven for about 16-18 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point are already hinting at the deliciousness to come.
Step 5: Coat and Warm in Buffalo Sauce
For the final step, transfer the baked meatballs to a slow cooker along with the unsalted butter and Buffalo sauce. Set the cooker to high and let everything mingle for 20 minutes until hot and saucy. Keep them warm in the cooker to serve up that luscious Buffalo chicken flavor at its best.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten the plate and enhance the flavors, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top of your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe. A few celery sticks on the side add a refreshing crunch that pairs wonderfully with the spicy meatballs.
Side Dishes
These Buffalo chicken meatballs play beautifully with creamy sides like cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauces. For something heartier, serve them alongside crispy potato wedges, a crunchy garden salad, or even fluffy white rice to balance the spice and soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a fun twist? Skewer these meatballs with colorful veggies for a finger-food platter perfect for gatherings. Or pile them onto slider buns with a sprinkle of shredded lettuce and extra cheese for an irresistible mini sandwich treat. Whatever way you serve them, they’re destined to be devoured quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their delicious flavor for up to 3 days — perfect for quick lunches or second-day snacks.
Freezing
This Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange baked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, handy for those busy days when you want a tasty meal ready in minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the meatballs in a microwave or oven until heated through. For the best taste, reheat them in a skillet with a splash of Buffalo sauce and butter to refresh that vibrant flavor and keep them juicy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will maintain that lean, tender texture. The flavor will be slightly milder but still delicious with the Buffalo sauce and seasonings.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
No problem! You can swap the blue cheese with shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a milder, melty center. The meatballs will still be fantastic and gooey in every bite.
Is Buffalo sauce very spicy?
Buffalo sauce has a moderate heat level balanced by butter and vinegar, giving it that tangy, spicy kick without overwhelming heat. You can always adjust by adding more or less according to your spice tolerance.
Can I bake the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them before coating with the sauce. Reheat in the slow cooker or oven with the Buffalo sauce before serving for a quick prep on game day or gatherings.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Serve the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe in a slow cooker to keep them warm and saucy all party long, paired with plenty of dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese and crunchy celery sticks for a classic combo everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about the combination of spicy Buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melty blue cheese packed into these meatballs. The Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a flavorful, comforting meal. Give this recipe a try—you’re going to wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 meatballs
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and spicy appetizer or main dish perfect for game day or casual dinners. Juicy ground chicken meatballs are stuffed with melting blue cheese, baked until golden, then simmered in buttery buffalo sauce to coat every bite with tangy heat.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the meatballs don’t stick and set it aside.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, ranch seasoning, egg, and Italian-style breadcrumbs. Use a fork to stir everything together until well mixed.
- Form meatballs with blue cheese center: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the chicken mixture. Press a cube or small amount of blue cheese into the center of each portion, then fold the meat mixture over the cheese and roll it into a tight ball ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Bake meatballs: Arrange the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Simmer in buffalo sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs to a slow cooker. Add the unsalted butter and buffalo wing sauce. Set the slow cooker to high heat and cook for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce heat through. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use lean ground chicken to avoid excess fat while keeping the meatballs moist.
- If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own by mixing dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Blue cheese crumbles can be substituted with feta or omitted if preferred.
- Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop to maintain texture and flavor.
