Are you ready for a flavor explosion? Introducing the irresistible Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. They mix spicy and savory in a perfect way. You’ll want more and more.
These tasty bites are easy to make. They’re also a hit with everyone. Get ready for a culinary adventure!
Table of Contents
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Equipment
- Mixing bowl For combining meatball ingredients
- Baking sheet For baking the meatballs
- Parchment paper To prevent sticking
- Small saucepan For heating the buffalo sauce
- Tongs For coating meatballs in sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or panko
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until fully combined, but do not overwork the meat.
- Scoop out small portions and roll into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Meatballs
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Coat with Buffalo Sauce
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and mix it with the buffalo sauce.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss them in the warm buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Serve
- Place the buffalo-coated meatballs on a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese if desired.
- Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce or a side of ranch dressing.
Nutrition
Introduction to Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Get ready to spice up your game day snacks or tailgate spread with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs! These meatballs mix the heat of buffalo sauce with the taste of ground chicken. It’s a bold and flavorful twist on buffalo wings.
What Are Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs mix Italian-American meatballs with buffalo wing flavors. They use ground chicken, buffalo sauce, and spices. This creates a juicy, tender meatball with a spicy kick and tanginess.
Origins and Popularity of Buffalo Flavors
The love for buffalo flavors started with buffalo wings in Buffalo, New York. These saucy, spicy wings became a hit for game days and tailgates. Now, buffalo sauce is in many dishes, like these meatballs, loved by many.
| Serving Size | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| 1 meatball | Calories: 395kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 168mg, Sodium: 1380mg, Potassium: 715mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 414IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 64mg, Iron: 2mg. |
This recipe makes about 20 meatballs. They’re great for game days, tailgates, or quick meals. You can make them in just 30 minutes, adding bold flavors to your dishes.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Essential Ingredients to Gather
To make tasty Party Finger Foods and Easy Appetizer Recipes like Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, you need a few things. Start with 1 lb of ground chicken. It’s leaner than ground beef.
You’ll also need hot sauce. Use about 1/3 cup in the meatballs and another 1/2 cup to coat them after baking. Breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, and onion powder are also needed. They help bind and season the meatballs.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
To make your Party Finger Foods and Easy Appetizer Recipes even better, add some optional ingredients. Blue cheese crumbles, finely diced celery, or shredded carrots add texture and flavor. You can also try a Hawaiian twist with pineapple, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and ginger.
This recipe is very flexible. You can adjust the spice and protein to your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Chicken | 1 lb |
| Hot Sauce | 1/3 cup + 1/2 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion Powder | 1 tsp |
| Blue Cheese Crumbles (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Celery, finely diced (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded Carrots (optional) | 1/2 cup |
“The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – feel free to adjust the spice levels and protein choices to suit your personal taste preferences.”
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Making Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is easy. This guide helps you make Gluten-Free Meatballs or Keto-Friendly Snacks. You can adjust them to fit your diet.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- In a big bowl, mix 1 lb ground chicken, 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup diced green onions, 1/4 cup diced carrots, and 1/3 cup almond flour.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the mix.
- Mix everything well but don’t overdo it.
- Make the mix into 1.5-inch meatballs. You’ll get 12-15 regular or 25 mini ones.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Meatballs
To bake, heat your oven to 400°F. Put the meatballs on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until they’re 165°F inside. Or, cook them in a skillet over medium heat, turning them often, until done.
For slow cooker meatballs, put the raw meatballs in the crockpot. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup buffalo sauce over them. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until they’re hot and cooked.
For Gluten-Free or Keto-friendly meatballs, use almond flour instead of panko breadcrumbs. This low-carb choice makes the meatballs healthier, with only 2g carbs per serving.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Nutrition Facts
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are great for Meal Prep Friendly and Healthy Appetizers. They taste amazing and are good for you too. These meatballs have a lot of buffalo flavor and are very nutritious.
Protein Content and Health Benefits
Each serving of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs has about 19 grams of protein. This is a lot of protein. Protein helps build and fix body tissues and keeps you full.
These meatballs also have vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and zinc. These help keep you healthy and strong.
Caloric Breakdown and Dietary Considerations
A serving of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs has about 336 calories. They have 17g of fat, 28g of carbs, and 19g of protein. This makes them good for many diets, like low-carb and gluten-free.
They are made with lean ground chicken and baked, not fried. This makes them a healthier choice than buffalo wings.
| Nutrient | Small Serving (260g) | Large Serving (430g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 322 | 499 |
| Total Fat | 12g (15% DV) | 17g (22% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 2g (8% DV) | 2g (11% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 51mg (17% DV) | 59mg (19% DV) |
| Sodium | 120mg (5% DV) | 160mg (7% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g (8% DV) | 32g (12% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g (5% DV) | 2g (6% DV) |
| Protein | 30g | 43g |
Adding Buffalo Chicken Meatballs to your diet is a smart choice. They taste great and are full of protein. They’re a healthy and tasty option for any meal.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Serving Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is a great way to excite your taste buds. You can enjoy them in many ways, from classic to creative.
Classic Pairings: Sauces and Sides
Every Buffalo Chicken Meatballs dish needs classic sides. Try them with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Crunchy celery sticks add a nice crunch and cool down the spicy meatballs.
For a bigger meal, pair Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with white rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice. The meatballs’ sauce will mix well with the sides, making a tasty mix.
Creative Serving Ideas for Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Don’t stick to just one way of serving Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Try them in sliders, on pizza, or with pineapple and sweet sauce. They’re fun and tasty in many ways.
These meatballs are also great as a snack on toothpicks. No matter how you serve them, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs will be a hit!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Variations
Want to try something new with Chicken Appetizers or Gluten-Free Meatballs? Buffalo chicken meatballs can be made in many ways. They fit many diets, like low-carb, keto, or vegetarian.
Low-Carb and Keto Options
For a low-carb or keto version, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Add a sugar-free buffalo sauce for a tasty treat.
Vegetarian Adaptations Using Alternative Proteins
Vegetarians can enjoy buffalo chicken too. Use plant-based meat or mix mushrooms and cauliflower. The buffalo taste will still be strong.
Try using ground turkey or beef for a different taste. Or, add teriyaki or barbecue flavors. For a spicy twist, add pineapple and jalapeños.
“The beauty of buffalo chicken meatballs is that they can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary need. With a little creativity, you can enjoy this classic flavor profile in so many delicious ways.”
Looking for a low-carb or vegetarian option? Buffalo chicken meatballs offer endless choices. Explore and find your new favorite dish.
Storing and Reheating Meatballs
These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are great for meal prep and easy snacks. They’re perfect for planning meals or for game-day. Storing and reheating them right keeps them tasty and fresh.
Best Practices for Storage and Safety
Keep your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze them for up to a month if you need to. Let them cool down first to stop moisture and bacteria.
When you reheat, make sure they get to 165°F. This keeps them safe to eat.
Tips for Reheating Without Losing Flavor
- Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring now and then, until hot.
- Warm in a covered skillet over medium heat, tossing to keep moist.
- For a crispy outside, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, checking often.
- Thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Follow these tips to enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for days. They’re perfect for meal prep and snacks.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in Meal Prep
Adding Buffalo Chicken Meatballs to your meal plans is a great idea. It makes cooking easier and satisfies your cravings. You can make a big batch and use them all week.
Integrating Meatballs into Your Weekly Meal Plans
Make a big batch of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs on the weekend. Then, use them in salads, wraps, or with sides for quick meals. They go well with quinoa, greens, or roasted veggies for a tasty meal.
Freezing Tips for Long-Term Storage
Freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Cook them first, then freeze in a single layer. Put them in a freezer bag and label it. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight.
These meatballs are perfect for busy nights or game day snacks and tailgate food. Meal prep makes it easy to enjoy their flavor anytime, without cooking from scratch.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 483 |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Protein | 31g |
Make a big batch of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs to save time. They’re perfect for a busy week or tailgate food. They’re a must-have in your kitchen.
Pairing Drinks with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
When it comes to Party Finger Foods and Game Day Snacks, nothing quite hits the spot like a plate of piping hot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. But what beverages pair best with this spicy and tangy delight? Let’s explore some delicious drink options that will perfectly complement your meatball masterpiece.
Beer and Wine Pairings to Consider
For beer enthusiasts, light lagers or wheat beers are a fantastic choice. They balance the bold flavors of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. The crisp, refreshing notes of these brews can help tame the heat, allowing you to fully enjoy the meatballs’ tangy buffalo sauce. IPA lovers might also appreciate the contrast of the hoppy bitterness against the spicy and saucy meatballs.
Wine connoisseurs can explore pairing the meatballs with a crisp Riesling or a fruity Zinfandel. The slightly sweet and acidic notes in these wines can beautifully accentuate the flavors of the meatballs, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Non-Alcoholic Options to Compliment Your Meal
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, consider quenching your thirst with a citrus-infused sparkling water or an iced tea. The light, refreshing qualities of these beverages can help cool the palate after indulging in the spicy meatballs. For a Hawaiian-inspired twist, a pineapple juice-based mocktail or a coconut water spritzer can also be a delightful accompaniment.
No matter your beverage preference, the key is to choose a drink that can balance the bold flavors of the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, allowing you to fully savor every bite while quenching your thirst. So, gather your friends, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the perfect pairing for your Party Finger Foods and Game Day Snacks!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs and Game Day
Buffalo chicken meatballs are a hit for Tailgate Food and Easy Appetizer Recipes. They’re great for any sports event, like a backyard BBQ or a watch party.
Perfect Appetizers for a Sports Gathering
Buffalo chicken meatballs are easy to serve. Keep them warm in a slow cooker. This lets guests grab them easily.
Offer toothpicks or small forks for easy handling. Set up a meatball bar with different sauces and toppings. This way, everyone can make their own.
How to Serve Meatballs at Parties
For tailgating, make the meatballs ahead of time. Reheat them at the event. Serve them with chips, veggies, and dips for a fun spread.
Buffalo chicken meatballs are always a hit. Their tasty flavor and easy serving make them perfect for any sports event.
Customer Favorites and Top Reviews
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a hit with home cooks. People love their bold flavor and how easy they are to make. Slow cooker versions are especially popular.
These meatballs mix hot sauce and butter for a true buffalo taste. Cooks say not to overwork the meat to keep it juicy. They also suggest using a meat thermometer to cook them right.
Some say to make more because they go fast at parties. They’re great for meal prep and leftovers too. This makes them very popular.
Personal Experiences with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
“These meatballs are a game-changer! The perfect balance of spice and flavor, they’re a hit with my whole family. I love how easy they are to make and how versatile they are for different occasions.”
Top-rated Recipes and Cooking Tips
- Recipe rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews
- Key ingredients: ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, shredded carrots, green onions, buffalo wing sauce, chives, ranch seasoning, gorgonzola cheese
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes in the oven at 425°F
- Cooking tips:
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are cooked through without drying out
- Consider doubling the recipe as these Spicy Meatballs tend to disappear quickly
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are loved for their taste and flexibility. They’re a favorite for parties and meals. The great reviews and recipes show they’re a must-try for a tasty Spicy Meatball dish.
Conclusion: Enjoying Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a hit with everyone. They’re great for many occasions. You can enjoy them in many ways, from classic to new flavors.
Final Thoughts on Making and Serving Meatballs
Making meatballs from scratch is easy. Just a few ingredients and steps, and you’re done. They’re perfect for dinner, appetizers, or meal prep.
Encouragement to Experiment with Recipes
These meatballs are super flexible. Try different sauces and spices to find your favorite. They’re perfect for quick dinners or parties. Get creative and have fun!
