Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the ultimate answer to your buffalo wing cravings without the mess! Made with lean ground chicken, crispy panko breadcrumbs, and a generous dose of Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce, each bite delivers a fiery kick balanced with creamy, buttery goodness.

Whether you’re prepping for game day, hosting friends, or just craving something savory and satisfying, these meatballs deliver on every front. Serve them with crunchy veggie sticks and cool ranch or blue cheese for the full flavor experience. Perfect as an appetizer, meal prep option, or protein-packed dinner, they’re versatile, delicious, and impossible to stop eating.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp dried parsley

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce

Optional for serving:

• Celery sticks

• Carrot sticks

• Blue cheese or ranch dressing

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, roll into meatballs, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Makes approximately 20 meatballs.

4. Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

5. While the meatballs bake, whisk together the melted butter and 1/2 cup buffalo sauce to create the creamy coating.

6. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a large mixing bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.

7. Serve warm with crunchy veggie sticks and dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 190 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Why Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Deserve a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

Buffalo chicken is a flavor profile that has stood the test of time tangy, spicy, buttery, and completely addictive. It has long been associated with game-day gatherings, late night takeout, and bar food classics. But what happens when you take those bold, crowd pleasing flavors and transform them into a more refined, less messy dish? Enter: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. These bite-sized powerhouses take everything you love about traditional buffalo wings and reimagine them into a leaner, cleaner, and more versatile recipe that fits seamlessly into today’s fast-paced, health-conscious lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll dive into why this dish works so well, how it can fit into different lifestyles and dietary needs, and the many ways you can serve, store, and enjoy it. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for something quick, spicy, and satisfying for dinner, buffalo chicken meatballs hit the mark every time.

The Origin of the Buffalo Flavor Craze

To fully appreciate why these meatballs are so special, let’s take a quick look at where it all started. The iconic buffalo flavor we know today originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The story goes that Teressa Bellissimo tossed leftover chicken wings in hot sauce and butter, serving them with celery and blue cheese dressing to a group of hungry patrons at the Anchor Bar. The rest is history.

Buffalo sauce has since exploded in popularity, becoming a staple in American cuisine. It’s used on everything from pizza to cauliflower, mac & cheese to popcorn. But meatballs? That’s where creativity and practicality come together.

A Healthier Take on a Classic

One of the most appealing aspects of buffalo chicken meatballs is their nutritional profile. Traditional buffalo wings, while delicious, are often deep-fried and served with heavy, high-calorie dips. Buffalo chicken meatballs, on the other hand, are typically baked, not fried, and made with lean ground chicken, which reduces both calories and saturated fat.

They’re also inherently low carb and high-protein, making them a solid option for those following a keto, paleo, or high-protein diet. If you’re watching your sodium intake or managing specific food sensitivities, you can easily modify the recipe by using homemade sauces, lower sodium seasonings, or gluten-free binders. The customization possibilities are nearly endless.

The Ultimate Game-Day Snack

Let’s be honest buffalo-flavored anything is a game day win. But meatballs give you a practical advantage over wings: they’re less messy. No bones, no sauce-covered fingers, and no piles of used napkins. Just neat, poppable bites of spicy goodness. You can make a big batch ahead of time and reheat as needed, keeping the stress of hosting to a minimum.

Place them on a platter with carrot and celery sticks, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese, and you’ve got a dish that will have your guests circling back for seconds (and thirds). You could even skewer them with cocktail picks and serve them as passed appetizers at more upscale events.

Not Just for Parties: Everyday Meal Potential

These meatballs may have been inspired by party fare, but they’re perfect for everyday meals too. Toss a few on a salad for a protein boost with a punch, or serve them over cauliflower rice or mashed sweet potatoes for a spicy and satisfying dinner. They also work beautifully in lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas if you’re looking to keep things light.

Meal prep fans will love this dish for its reheating power. Unlike many other baked proteins that can become dry or rubbery when stored, these meatballs retain their moisture and flavor thanks to the fat from the buffalo sauce and the juiciness of the ground chicken. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze for longer-term storage.

Elevate with Sauces and Dips

Buffalo chicken meatballs are flavorful on their own, but the right dipping sauce can elevate them to something truly next level. Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing is always a win, especially when paired with crunchy celery or cucumber slices. For something a little different, consider a drizzle of garlic aioli, honey mustard, or even a Greek yogurt-based tzatziki for a creamy, cooling contrast to the heat.

If you’re looking to impress, try glazing the meatballs after baking with a bit of extra buffalo sauce mixed with a touch of maple syrup or honey. This will give them a glossy finish and a subtle sweet-spicy balance that’s irresistible.

Kid-Friendly with a Kick

Surprisingly, these meatballs can even appeal to younger eaters. While buffalo sauce can be spicy for sensitive palates, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your family. Mix the buffalo sauce with more melted butter or a splash of cream to tone it down, or offer the sauce on the side for dipping.

Serve them alongside roasted potatoes, mac and cheese, or veggie sticks for a wholesome, kid-friendly meal that introduces bold flavor in a manageable way.

A Recipe That Adapts to You

One of the biggest strengths of this dish is its adaptability. Don’t eat chicken? Ground turkey works just as well. Want to make it dairy free? Skip the butter or use a vegan alternative. Going low-sodium? Use a homemade buffalo sauce to control the salt levels. Gluten-free? Use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a binder.

You can even switch up the flavor profile entirely try an Asian twist with sriracha and soy sauce, or go Mediterranean with lemon zest and tzatziki. The base method remains the same, making this a recipe you can revisit again and again with fresh inspiration.

Presentation and Hosting Tips

If you’re serving these meatballs at a gathering or dinner party, presentation is key. A few simple touches can take them from casual to classy:

• Serve them in a white ceramic dish for contrast with the bright orange sauce

• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for color and flavor

• Include dipping sauces in small ramekins or shot glasses for individual servings

• Use appetizer picks or mini skewers for easy serving and portion control

Pair them with a crisp beer, a chilled white wine, or even a mocktail with cucumber and lime to balance the heat.

The Verdict: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are one of those recipes that check all the boxes. They’re:

• Quick to make, often in under 30 minutes

• Customizable to your taste, spice level, and dietary needs

• Perfect for meal prep or last-minute hosting

• Flavor-packed and universally appealing

• Balanced and nutritious, especially when paired with veggies or whole grains

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this dish delivers on flavor, function, and feel good food factor. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be greasy or guilt inducing it can be clean, exciting, and even a little bit elegant.

Conclusion

In the ever expanding world of buffalo-inspired dishes, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs stand out not just for their taste, but for their practicality and flexibility. They’re more than a trend they’re a solution to weeknight dinners, potluck planning, and game-day grubbing all rolled into one. Whether you’re making a big batch for freezing or just need a spicy kick mid-week, this is one recipe that deserves a permanent place in your rotation.

So next time you reach for that bottle of buffalo sauce, think beyond the wings and let these juicy, spicy, savory meatballs steal the spotlight.