Name: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs; 1 large egg; ¼ cup celery, minced; ¼ cup carrot, shredded; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce (or more to taste); 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or more to taste); 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, grated; ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)

Jump to Recipe

There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into spicy, juicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs that burst with flavor in every bite. These little bites combine the bold kick of Frank’s Hot Sauce with the tender goodness of ground chicken, balanced by fresh veggies and a cooling blue cheese yogurt dip that keeps your tastebuds excited and satisfied. Whether you’re throwing a party, craving a cozy night in, or just in the mood for something fantastic and easy to whip up, these meatballs truly deliver a winning bite every time.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together beautifully in Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, each playing a vital role in texture, flavor, and that irresistible zing. From the mild, tender chicken to the crunchy celery and the creamy, tangy touches, these components make all the difference.

Ground chicken (1 pound): The perfect lean protein base for tender, juicy meatballs that soak up all the flavors.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the heat.
Panko bread crumbs (⅓ cup): Adds a light, airy texture to keep the meatballs moist but sturdy.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold everything perfectly together.
Minced celery (¼ cup): Provides a fresh, crisp bite and subtle crunch for freshness.
Shredded carrot (¼ cup): A sweet, colorful addition that blends seamlessly.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Deepens the flavor with that classic savory note.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds mild sweetness and aromatic depth.
Frank’s Hot Sauce (¼ cup): The star of the show, bringing that signature tangy Buffalo heat.
Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): The creamy base for the blue cheese dip, balancing the spice with cooling richness.
Crumbled blue cheese (2 ounces): Offers punchy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo heat.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the dip with a fresh, zesty kick.
Finely chopped chives (1 tablespoon): Adds mild oniony freshness and color.
Grated garlic (1 clove): Fresh garlic for layered depth in the dip.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon or to taste): Seasoning to bring all dressing flavors together.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Flavors

Start by combining all the ingredients except for your ground chicken in a mixing bowl. This prep ensures the veggies, spices, and hot sauce are evenly distributed as you fold in the chicken gently – making sure not to overwork the meat, which keeps your meatballs tender and juicy rather than dense.

Step 2: Shape Those Meatballs

Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture roughly onto a cookie sheet. Then, wet your hands slightly and gently roll each portion into small, uniform meatballs—about 24 total. Getting them evenly sized helps them cook perfectly through.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

You can air fry or bake the meatballs depending on what’s convenient. For the air fryer, preheat to 375°F, spray the basket with cooking spray, and cook in batches for about 5-7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Baking requires a 400°F oven, a lightly greased baking sheet, and about 8-10 minutes until cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip

While your meatballs cook, whisk together the Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, grated garlic, chopped chives, and salt. This dip is creamy, tangy, and cools down the spicy heat of the meatballs beautifully.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or additional crumbled blue cheese atop the warm meatballs adds extra color and flavor. Celery sticks on the side also complement the buffalo theme perfectly, bringing that satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, which help soak up every bit of that delicious spicy sauce. For a lighter option, crisp green salads or steamed veggies balance out the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these meatballs into party stars by serving them on toothpicks with little cups of the blue cheese yogurt dip. Alternatively, toss them in extra buffalo sauce for wings-style fun or tuck them inside warm pita bread with a little lettuce for a hearty slider that’s bursting with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs keep remarkably well in the fridge for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. They’re easy to grab for a quick snack or meal addition that still tastes fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these meatballs freeze beautifully. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready to come to the rescue on a busy day.

Reheating

Reheat your meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive their crispy edges. Microwaving works too, though the texture might be a little softer.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and will still yield juicy, flavorful Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with the same great texture and taste.

How spicy are these meatballs?

The level of heat is moderate and can be adjusted by adding more or less Frank’s Hot Sauce based on your spice preference. The blue cheese yogurt dip also helps balance the heat.

Can I bake all the meatballs at once?

Yes, just make sure to spread them out evenly on the baking sheet with a little space around each one to ensure they cook through uniformly and get a slight crisp on the outside.

Is the blue cheese yogurt dip necessary?

While optional, this dip pairs perfectly with the spicy meatballs by adding creamy coolness and tang that complements the heat wonderfully. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, a ranch dip or simple yogurt dip works too.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

To make the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs gluten-free, swap the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bring together spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors with a burst of fresh texture. Whether you’re serving them up as appetizers or a fun weeknight dinner, they’re simple to make and absolutely delicious. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make these your new go-to for any occasion—you won’t regret it!

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 24 small meatballs 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and protein-packed appetizer or main dish featuring ground chicken mixed with classic buffalo sauce spices. Served with a tangy bleu cheese yogurt dip, they offer a perfect balance of spicy and creamy flavors. Easily cooked in an air fryer or oven, these meatballs are perfect for game day or a tasty weeknight meal.

Instructions

Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, egg, celery, carrot, garlic powder, onion powder, Frank’s Hot Sauce, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix well until combined. Add ground chicken and gently fold in until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix to keep meatballs tender.
Form meatballs: Using a cookie scoop, roughly portion out meatball mixture onto a cookie sheet. With wet hands, shape the scooped portions into approximately 24 small meatballs to prevent sticking.
Cook in air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Cook the meatballs in batches for 5-7 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through.
Alternate baking method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Arrange the meatballs ½ inch apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make bleu cheese yogurt dip: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, chopped chives, grated garlic, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well to create a creamy and flavorful dip.
Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken meatballs warm alongside the bleu cheese yogurt dip. They make a great appetizer or can be paired with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

Ground turkey can be used as an alternative to ground chicken.
Adjust the amount of Frank’s Hot Sauce to control the spiciness of the meatballs.
Use wet hands when shaping meatballs to prevent sticking and ensure even shape.
Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer or Baking
Cuisine: American