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.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 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)
Blu Cheese Yogurt Dip
- 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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with dip (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken meatballs, buffalo meatballs, chicken appetizer, party food, air fryer meatballs, spicy chicken meatballs, bleu cheese dip
