Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

When game day rolls around, nothing beats the excitement of gathering with friends and family, and serving up some delicious snacks. One of my absolute favorites to whip up are Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. These little bites of joy are not only easy to make, but they pack a flavor punch that will have everyone coming back for seconds! I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of baking meatballs and spicy sauce filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my loved ones. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty spices, and that classic buffalo sauce creates the perfect balance of heat and savory goodness. It’s a recipe that has quickly become a staple in my household for any occasion, especially when hosting my friends for the big game.

Everything You Need for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Creating the perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs starts with the right ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building flavor and texture. Key players like ground chicken provide the meatiness, while Frank’s Red Hot sauce delivers that signature kick. Together, they create a delightful combination that’s sure to leave your taste buds wanting more!

• 2 pounds ground chicken: The main ingredient that holds everything together. It’s lean and perfect for forming meatballs.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning the meatballs and enhancing the overall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: A staple seasoning that infuses the meat with rich flavor.
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic: Ground garlic provides a robust taste that complements the chicken.
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs moist and gives them a light texture.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
• 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil: Used for sautéing and adds moisture.
• 8 ounces butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and adds depth to the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic quality that’s hard to resist.
• 8 ounces Frank’s Red Hot sauce: The star of the show, bringing heat and tanginess.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex flavor that balances the sauce.

Directions for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tray of delicious meatballs ready for your next gathering. Let’s get to cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Make sure to spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial as it ensures your meatballs won’t fall apart when you take them off the tray.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, granulated garlic, panko breadcrumbs, egg, and vegetable oil. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. You want to be able to form the meatballs without them falling apart.

3. Roll about 1 to 1 ½ ounces of the mixture into meatballs, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each meatball so they cook evenly.

4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. They should be cooked through and browned on the bottom, giving them that crispy texture we love.

5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the butter and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat until the garlic becomes fragrant, which should take about a minute.

6. Next, stir in the Frank’s Red Hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until the sauce is uniform and heated through. This sauce is what will coat your meatballs, adding that spicy flavor.

7. Once the meatballs are done baking, add them directly to the saucepan with the hot sauce. Place a lid on the saucepan, and turn the heat to low. Let the meatballs simmer for a few minutes until they’re heated through. This step allows the meatballs to absorb all that delicious flavor.

8. Remove the meatballs from heat and serve them warm. You can garnish them with some chopped green onions or blue cheese crumbles for an extra touch. Enjoy!

Making Adjustments

Making adjustments to your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can elevate your dish further! Here are some helpful tips to personalize your meatballs.

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: You can freeze these meatballs after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve your meatballs with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo wings experience.
• Variations: For a different flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the mixture.
• Cooking Method: Feel free to cook these meatballs in an air fryer for a crunchier texture. Adjust cooking times as necessary.

Perfect Pairings for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

When it comes to serving Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great pairings to consider:

• Celery and Carrots: These crunchy veggies are perfect for dipping in blue cheese dressing and complement the spicy meatballs beautifully.
• Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the meatballs.
• Sliders: Serve the meatballs on small slider buns for a fun twist. Add some lettuce and tomato for a complete mini-meal.
• Game Day Snacks: Pair them with other game day favorites like chips and guacamole, or a hearty seven-layer dip for a complete spread.
• Cheese Platter: Include some sharp cheese and crackers to create an appetizer platter that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are truly a highlight for any gathering. Their combination of juicy chicken and zesty buffalo sauce makes them irresistible to all guests. I highly encourage you to try your hand at making these tasty bites for your next event; they’re bound to be a hit!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Craving the ultimate comfort food? These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are bursting with flavor and are the perfect easy weeknight dinner. With juicy chicken and a spicy buffalo sauce, they're a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1.5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 ounces butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 8 ounces Frank’s Red Hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Make sure to spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial as it ensures your meatballs won’t fall apart when you take them off the tray.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, granulated garlic, panko breadcrumbs, egg, and vegetable oil. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. You want to be able to form the meatballs without them falling apart.
3. Roll about 1 to 1 ½ ounces of the mixture into meatballs, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each meatball so they cook evenly.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. They should be cooked through and browned on the bottom, giving them that crispy texture we love.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the butter and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat until the garlic becomes fragrant, which should take about a minute.
6. Next, stir in the Frank’s Red Hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until the sauce is uniform and heated through. This sauce is what will coat your meatballs, adding that spicy flavor.
7. Once the meatballs are done baking, add them directly to the saucepan with the hot sauce. Place a lid on the saucepan, and turn the heat to low. Let the meatballs simmer for a few minutes until they’re heated through. This step allows the meatballs to absorb all that delicious flavor.
8. Remove the meatballs from heat and serve them warm. You can garnish them with some chopped green onions or blue cheese crumbles for an extra touch. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Tip 2: You can freeze these meatballs after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months.
• Tip 3: Serve your meatballs with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo wings experience.
• Tip 4: For a different flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the mixture.
• Tip 5: Feel free to cook these meatballs in an air fryer for a crunchier texture. Adjust cooking times as necessary.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.