Get ready to discover your ultimate obsession: our recipe for The Best Buffalo Chicken Meatballs! These irresistible meatballs are drenched in a luscious, spicy buffalo sauce and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as a hearty meal in bowls, wraps, or sandwiches, or as an unforgettable appetizer with cool ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing on the side, they promise a burst of flavor that will leave everyone craving more.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Why These Are The Best Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Key Ingredients for Flavorful Meatballs
- Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
- Other Ways to Cook Your Meatballs
- Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs Every Time
- Delicious Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Making Them Gluten-Free or Keto-Friendly
- Storing and Freezing Meatballs for Later
- More Spicy Appetizer Recipes
- Full Recipe Card
Introduction to Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
At our house, buffalo sauce and delicious meatballs are absolute essentials. So, when the idea of creating buffalo chicken meatballs came to life, it wasn’t enough for them to be just good—they had to be truly exceptional. This recipe delivers on that promise, offering a unique twist on two beloved classics that come together in a symphony of savory, spicy, and satisfying flavors. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs infused with the iconic zing of buffalo sauce, ready to elevate your mealtime or party platter. This isn’t just another meatball recipe; it’s an experience that guarantees smiles and empty plates.
Why These Are The Best Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
What sets these buffalo chicken meatballs apart from all others? It comes down to three fundamental techniques and ingredient choices that ensure unparalleled flavor, texture, and cooking perfection. We’ve meticulously tested and refined this recipe to bring you meatballs that are consistently moist on the inside with a desirable exterior.
- A Strategic Blend of Ground Chicken and Ground Pork: While many recipes stick to a single type of ground meat, we’ve found that a combination of ground chicken and ground pork achieves optimal balance. Ground chicken offers a lean base, but ground pork introduces a crucial element of fat and rich flavor. This thoughtful blend prevents the meatballs from becoming dry, ensuring they remain incredibly moist and tender throughout the cooking process. The pork adds a depth of savory goodness that purely chicken meatballs often lack, making each bite more satisfying.
- The Power of Egg Yolks: Eggs are a common binder in meatball recipes, but focusing solely on the egg yolks is a game-changer. By omitting the whites, we add essential fat that contributes to the meatballs’ succulence without introducing excess moisture that can dilute the flavor or lead to a tougher texture. The yolks act as a powerful emulsifier, binding the ingredients together flawlessly while enhancing the richness and overall tenderness of the meatballs. This subtle adjustment makes a significant difference in the final product.
- The Broiling Advantage: Forget frying or traditional baking; broiling is the secret to perfectly cooked buffalo chicken meatballs. This high-heat method allows the meatballs to cook rapidly, forming a beautiful, caramelized brown crust on the outside. This exterior provides a delightful textural contrast while sealing in all the juices, ensuring the inside remains incredibly tender and flavorful. Broiling not only speeds up the cooking process but also imparts a depth of flavor and an appealing appearance that other methods simply can’t match.
These aren’t just occasional treats; they’ve earned a permanent spot in our monthly meal rotation. We often prepare a double batch, freezing half for convenient future meals. The golf ball size makes them incredibly versatile, whether you’re tossing them into pasta, layering them in salads, stuffing them into sandwiches or wraps, or simply serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. From start to finish, you’re looking at just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, culminating in a dish that consistently earns rave reviews and exclamations of “these are the best meatballs I’ve ever had!”
For party gatherings, keeping these spicy morsels warm in a slow cooker with an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce is a smart move. And for the ultimate indulgence, always offer a side of cooling ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for dipping. The combination of juicy, saucy meatballs with a creamy, cooling dip is an absolute winning pair that guests will adore.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Meatballs
Crafting exceptional buffalo chicken meatballs starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful dish:
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing our aromatic vegetables. You can also use another neutral-flavored vegetable oil, such as canola or avocado oil.
- Onion, Celery, and Carrots: This classic trio, often known as mirepoix, forms the flavor foundation of our meatballs. Finely dicing these vegetables is crucial to ensure they blend seamlessly into the meatball mixture, contributing moisture and a subtle sweetness without altering the texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves are non-negotiable for the best, most vibrant flavor. Pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch, but the intensity of fresh garlic truly elevates the taste.
- Ground Chicken: Provides the lean, tender base for our meatballs. Look for it in the meat aisle of your grocery store.
- Ground Pork: The secret weapon! Combining ground pork with chicken adds essential fat and rich flavor, ensuring the meatballs remain incredibly juicy and tender. While an all-chicken version is possible, the pork truly enhances the texture and depth of flavor.
- Chili Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Black Pepper: This blend of spices perfectly seasons the meat, complementing the buffalo sauce without overpowering it. For an extra layer of complexity and a bolder kick, consider substituting these seasonings with 2 tablespoons of your favorite chicken wing seasoning.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape and contributing to their tender texture. For a keto-friendly alternative, substitute with pork panko (pork rind crumbs).
- Parmesan Cheese: More than just a flavor enhancer, grated Parmesan cheese serves as an additional binder and infuses the meatballs with a delightful salty, umami taste. Standard grated Parmesan from a shaker works perfectly here.
- Large Egg Yolks: As mentioned, using only the yolks adds richness and moisture while binding the ingredients effectively. Save the egg whites for another culinary creation!
- Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! Frank’s RedHot is a widely recognized and beloved brand for its authentic buffalo flavor, but feel free to use your preferred brand of buffalo sauce. Ensure it’s a good quality sauce to achieve that signature tangy heat.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these sensational buffalo chicken meatballs is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly saucy and spicy results every time. Visual aids are provided below to guide you through each stage of the process.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your finely diced carrots, celery, and onions to the skillet. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing its fragrant aroma to develop. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set the vegetables aside to cool slightly. This step is crucial for incorporating tender veggies into the meatballs without a raw crunch.
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground chicken, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg yolks, and buffalo sauce. Add the sautéed diced vegetables to this mixture.
- Gently Mix Ingredients: Using a spatula or your clean hands, gently combine all the ingredients until they are just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix the meatball mixture, as excessive handling can lead to tough meatballs. Mix only until no streaks of unmixed ingredients remain.
- Form and Broil Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into approximately 40 1-inch, or golf ball-sized, meatballs. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a large, foil-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet on the middle to lower rack of your oven, directly under the broiler set to high. Broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). The broiling will give them a beautiful browned crust.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the meatballs from the oven. They are best served hot, perhaps with extra buffalo sauce drizzled over them or alongside generous portions of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, spicy, and saucy buffalo chicken meatballs!
Other Ways to Cook Your Meatballs
While broiling offers incredible results, these versatile buffalo chicken meatballs can be prepared using several other cooking methods, depending on your preference and available equipment:
- Baking (Oven): If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can bake the meatballs instead of broiling. Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange the meatballs in a single layer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned. This method yields evenly cooked meatballs with a slightly less crispy exterior than broiling.
- Air Fryer: For a quick and crispy option, the air fryer is fantastic. Place the meatballs in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space around each one for even cooking. Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in 4-6 batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): Ideal for keeping warm at parties or for a tender, simmered texture. After forming the meatballs, we highly recommend browning them lightly under the broiler for 2 minutes first. This quick sear helps them hold their shape and prevents them from sticking or falling apart in the slow cooker. Once lightly browned, transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker. Cover them with about 1 cup of buffalo sauce to keep them moist and infuse them with even more flavor. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooker method results in incredibly tender, sauce-soaked meatballs perfect for gatherings.
Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs Every Time
Mastering these buffalo chicken meatballs is easy with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you achieve the best flavor, texture, and convenience:
- Make Ahead for Convenience: These meatballs are excellent for meal prep. You can prepare the meatball mixture and form them up to 3 days before you plan to cook them. Store the uncooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ready to be baked or broiled when needed. This saves valuable time on busy days.
- Keep Cooked Meatballs Warm: If you’re hosting a party and want to keep your baked meatballs warm, transfer them directly from the oven to a slow cooker or Crock Pot set to the “warm” setting. To ensure they stay extra saucy and moist, pour an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of buffalo sauce over them in the slow cooker. This keeps them tender and delicious for hours.
- Avoid Over-mixing: This is a crucial rule for any meatball recipe. Only mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Over-mixing can break down the protein fibers in the meat, resulting in tough, dense meatballs. Gently fold the ingredients together until no dry spots remain.
- Achieve Uniform Size: For even cooking, it’s essential that all your meatballs are roughly the same size. Variances in size will lead to some meatballs being overcooked and dry, while others might be undercooked. If eyeballing isn’t your strong suit, use a cookie scoop to create consistently sized meatballs every time. For easy release, spray the scoop with a little cooking spray beforehand.
- Do Not Overcook: Just like over-mixing, overcooking is the enemy of tender meatballs. Follow the recommended cooking times closely to ensure your meatballs remain juicy and tender, not dry and rubbery. A meat thermometer is your best friend here, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Pre-Cook Vegetables: Resist the urge to add raw onions, celery, and carrots directly into the meatball mixture. These vegetables need to be sautéed until tender first. This not only ensures a smooth texture within the meatball but also allows their flavors to soften and integrate beautifully, avoiding any undesirable raw crunch.
Delicious Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
The versatility of these buffalo chicken meatballs is one of their greatest assets. They shine equally bright as a standalone appetizer or as the star of a complete meal. Here are some fantastic ideas to serve them:
- Classic Appetizer Style: Serve them on their own, generously drizzled with extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing. For a presentation reminiscent of traditional buffalo wings, arrange them with crisp celery and carrot sticks on the side. A sprinkle of diced green onions adds a fresh garnish, though it’s entirely optional.
- With Pasta: Transform your pasta night! Our Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe has been a fan favorite for years, and you can easily swap out the shredded chicken for these meatballs to make it even more flavorful and substantial.
- Sub Sandwich Sensation: Create an epic buffalo chicken meatball sub. Lightly toast a hoagie roll or hot dog bun, then load it with these delicious meatballs. Drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing and extra buffalo sauce. Elevate it further with blue cheese crumbles, shredded pepper jack cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, tangy sliced pepperoncinis, or thinly sliced red onions.
- Hearty Buffalo Chicken Soup: Elevate your soup game! This creamy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Soup is the perfect canvas for these meatballs. Simply add them directly to the soup from the oven, fridge, or freezer for a comforting and spicy bowl.
- Comforting with Mashed Potatoes: For a truly satisfying “meat and potatoes” meal, pair these meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes. Our Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes offer a quick and easy side. For an extra buffalo kick, try them with these incredible Buffalo Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes.
- Power Bowls and Salads: These meatballs are excellent for meal prepping. Cook a batch and add them to your weekly bowls or salads. Try them in a Buffalo Chickpea Buddha Bowl by substituting the chickpeas, or replace the bacon in this vibrant Blue Cheese Salad. They also work wonderfully in a Keto Buffalo Chicken Bowl with Cheesy Zucchini Noodles.
- Quick and Easy Wraps: For a delicious and simple meal, warm a large tortilla, then fill it with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Add your buffalo chicken meatballs, a generous drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing, and then wrap it up for a satisfying on-the-go lunch or dinner.
Making Them Gluten-Free or Keto-Friendly
These buffalo chicken meatballs are incredibly adaptable to various dietary needs, making them a crowd-pleaser for everyone:
- Gluten-Free Meatballs: To easily convert this recipe to be gluten-free, simply swap out the regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. It’s also crucial to verify that your chosen buffalo sauce is certified gluten-free. Many popular brands, including Frank’s RedHot (as featured in this recipe), are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the label to be safe.
- Keto and Low-Carb Meatballs: For those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, these meatballs can be perfectly tailored. The key substitution is to replace the traditional panko breadcrumbs with pork panko (crushed pork rinds). This simple swap significantly reduces the carbohydrate count. With this modification, each meatball contains approximately 0.3 total carbs and 0.1 net carbs, making them a virtually carb-free and delicious option for your keto meal plan.
Storing and Freezing Meatballs for Later
These buffalo chicken meatballs are perfect for making ahead and enjoying whenever a craving strikes. Proper storage and freezing techniques ensure they stay fresh and delicious:
- Refrigeration:
- Uncooked Meatballs: Leftover raw meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows for convenient prep in advance of cooking.
- Cooked Meatballs: Cooked buffalo chicken meatballs will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. They’re great for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Freezing is an excellent way to keep a batch of these meatballs on hand for future meals. They can be frozen either raw or cooked, depending on your preference.
- Freezing Raw Meatballs: To prevent raw meatballs from sticking together in the freezer, first arrange them about 1/2 inch apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm enough on the outside to handle. Then, transfer the partially frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This flash-freezing step ensures they remain separate and easy to portion later.
- Freezing Cooked Meatballs: Ensure your cooked meatballs have cooled completely to room temperature before freezing. Once cool, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Freezer Lifespan: These meatballs can be safely frozen for up to 6 months. Always remember to label your freezer bags or containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Defrosting Meatballs:
- Refrigerator Thawing: For best results, transfer frozen meatballs from the freezer to the refrigerator 12-24 hours before you plan to use them. This slow thawing process helps maintain their texture and moisture.
- Quick Defrost (Microwave): If you’re short on time, place the frozen meatballs on a plate and use your microwave’s defrost function. They should defrost in just a few minutes.
- Reheating Meatballs:
- Already Fully Cooked: To reheat cooked and thawed meatballs, you have a few options:
- Oven/Broiler: Place them under the broiler for 3-4 minutes for a quick crisp, or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Reheat in a single layer in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Slow Cooker: As mentioned above, they can be reheated in a slow cooker with extra sauce on the warm setting.
- Raw (Thawed) Meatballs: If you’ve thawed raw meatballs, cook them using the broiling, baking, air frying, or slow cooker methods outlined in the “Other Ways to Cook Them” section above.
- Already Fully Cooked: To reheat cooked and thawed meatballs, you have a few options:
More Spicy Appetizer Recipes
If you’re a fan of the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo sauce, you’re in for a treat! Don’t miss these other tried-and-true appetizer recipes, all featuring that irresistible buffalo kick:
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Boneless Wings
Pull Apart Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Buffalo Cheeseburger Dip
Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Introducing your new favorite way to eat meatballs! This recipe for THE BEST Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is saucy, spicy and easy to make in 30 minutes! Serve them in bowls, wraps, or sandwiches for a delicious meal. Or with ranch, or blue cheese dressing on the side, for a flavorful party appetizer!
- Servings: 40 meatballs
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Author: Whitney Bond
- Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ½ cup carrots, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the finely diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ground pork, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg yolks, and buffalo sauce. Add the sautéed, minced vegetables and gently stir to combine all ingredients without over-mixing.
- Once the ingredients are combined, use your hands to form the mixture into approximately 40 1-inch, or golf ball-sized, meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet and under the broiler, on the middle rack of the oven, for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve immediately with buffalo sauce, blue cheese, or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor and spice, you can substitute the chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper with 2 tablespoons of your favorite chicken wing seasoning.
- These meatballs can also be cooked in an air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd) and cook at 380°F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes. You may need to work in batches.
- Meatballs can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored raw in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to cook.
- To keep baked meatballs warm for serving, transfer them to a slow cooker set to “warm” and pour ½ – 1 cup of extra buffalo sauce over them to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Always avoid over-mixing the meatball ingredients to prevent a tough texture. Mix just enough to combine.
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. A cookie scoop can help achieve consistent results. Spray the scoop with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- For gluten-free meatballs, use gluten-free panko bread crumbs and verify your buffalo sauce is gluten-free (Frank’s RedHot is).
- For a keto-friendly option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with pork panko (crushed pork rinds). This makes each meatball virtually carb-free.
- Cooked meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 6 days. For longer storage, freeze them raw or cooked for up to 6 months. Refer to the “Storing and Freezing Meatballs” section above for detailed freezing and reheating instructions.
Nutrition Facts (per meatball)
Calories: 63kcal (3%)
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 5g (10%)
Fat: 4g (6%)
Saturated Fat: 2g (10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 28mg (9%)
Sodium: 195mg (8%)
Potassium: 113mg (3%)
Fiber: 0.2g (1%)
Sugar: 0.3g
Vitamin A: 381mg (8%)
Vitamin C: 0.4mg
Calcium: 23mg (2%)
Iron: 0.3mg (2%)