Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Game Day Appetizer (Print Version)
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs deliver all the classic flavor in a bite-sized form. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight meal. Easy to make!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Savory Chicken Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground chicken
02 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
1/4 cup finely diced celery
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 tsp onion powder
07 -
1/2 tsp kosher salt
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Fiery Buffalo Glaze
09 -
1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
10 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
12 -
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
13 -
1 tsp honey
→ Cooling Counterpoints & Garnish
14 -
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prepares your workspace for baking the delicious Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, ensuring they don't stick.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs lean ground chicken, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup finely diced celery, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
03 -
Using a small scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into approximately 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing. This ensures uniform cooking for your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.
04 -
Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). While they bake, you can prepare the fiery buffalo glaze.
05 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot), 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp honey until well combined. This creates the signature flavor for your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.
06 -
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the bowl with the buffalo glaze. Toss gently until all the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are evenly coated in the rich, spicy sauce.
07 -
Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese and 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful main dish.
# Notes:
01 -
For a make-ahead option, cook and glaze the meatballs, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
02 -
Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for extra heat, or use a milder hot sauce if preferred.
03 -
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are fantastic served with extra blue cheese dressing or ranch, alongside celery and carrot sticks for a classic pairing.
04 -
Feel free to substitute lean ground turkey for the ground chicken for a similar texture and flavor profile.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
Baking sheet
03 -
Parchment paper
04 -
Small saucepan
05 -
Whisk
06 -
Measuring cups and spoons
07 -
Meat thermometer
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 296 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
Protein: 48 g