Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Name: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken, hand torn into small pieces; 1 egg, beaten; 3/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs, or plain with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon minced dried onion; 1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne; 1 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce; 2 tablespoons blue cheese dressing, plus more for dipping; 2 tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled; Cooking Spray

By:

dani

Published:

May 5, 2026

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Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a fantastic twist on a classic flavor that everyone loves. The irreplaceable taste of zesty buffalo sauce combined with the juicy texture of tender meatballs creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. They’re perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night at home with some game-day snacks. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, taking just about 20 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes total including baking. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a main dish, these meatballs are bound to become a go-to favorite.

I first whipped up a batch of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for a casual get-together with friends. The compliments just kept coming, and it became clear these meatballs were a hit! The spicy-sweet buffalo sauce paired perfectly with the crumbled blue cheese, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! These meatballs not only deliver on taste, but they also offer a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. So let’s get cooking and bring this crowd-pleaser to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping these buffalo chicken meatballs takes only 20 minutes, so they’re perfect for spontaneous gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: The bold taste of buffalo sauce melds beautifully with the chicken and blue cheese, creating a savory experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These meatballs are fun and vibrant, making them an impressive appetizer.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, game day, or a casual dinner, they shine in any setting.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt with gluten-free ingredients for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground chicken: Lean and flavorful, chicken keeps these meatballs tender; turkey is a great substitute if desired.
1 egg, beaten: Helps bind all the ingredients together for a cohesive meatball.
3/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs: Adds texture and flavor; use plain bread crumbs with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning if you prefer.
1 tablespoon minced dried onion: Infuses a subtle yet savory taste; fresh onion can work if you adjust for moisture.
1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the meat; sea salt is a good alternative.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides warmth without overpowering the dish.
1/8 teaspoon cayenne: Adds a hint of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
1 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star ingredient here—choose your favorite brand, or make a homemade version for extra kick!
2 tablespoons blue cheese dressing: Adds creaminess; ranch dressing is a tasty alternative.
2 tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled: For that tangy flavor that perfectly complements buffalo sauce.
Cooking spray: Ensures the meatballs don’t stick to the baking dish.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Ground chicken can stick easily, so this step is crucial.
Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground chicken, 1 beaten egg, 3/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon minced dried onion, 1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne. Mix thoroughly with clean hands, or wear non-powder latex gloves for a cleaner process.
Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs. The mixture might be sticky, so feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two of bread crumbs to help with forming.
Bake the meatballs: Place them in the prepared baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, until the outsides are cooked and a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine 1 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce and 2 tablespoons blue cheese dressing in a medium saucepan over low heat. You can also keep it warm in a slow cooker or Instant Pot if hosting a party.
Coat the meatballs: Once baked, add the meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve and enjoy: Top with 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese and serve hot. Don’t forget the extra blue cheese dressing for dipping!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours, or refrigerate them for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Just remember that the texture may soften slightly after freezing, but a quick reheat will revitalize their flavor!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing in the initial meatball mixture, as this can make them tough. Just mix until combined.
If your chicken is really cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
For added flavor, consider mixing in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
If you prefer larger meatballs, adjust the baking time accordingly.
You can easily prep these meatballs the day before and refrigerate them, making meal prep a breeze.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are more than just delicious; they’re a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you enjoy them by themselves, teamed up with some crunchy veggies, or tucked into a sandwich, the options are endless. I encourage you to get creative and perhaps try different sauces if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s all about enjoyment in the kitchen after all!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different meat for these meatballs?

Absolutely! Turkey or lean beef can be used instead of ground chicken. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you change the protein, as different meats may require different cooking times.

How can I make these meatballs spicier?

To kick up the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or even some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture. For an extra zing, consider mixing in some hot sauce directly into the chicken mixture before forming the meatballs.

Can I prepare these meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Just form them, bake them, and then refrigerate or freeze. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat them in the sauce as directed in the recipe.

What dipping sauces pair well with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs?

Classic options include blue cheese or ranch dressing. You can also serve them with a side of celery sticks and carrots for that traditional buffalo wing experience!