Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Introduction

If you love the bold, tangy heat of classic buffalo wings but want a cleaner, easier, and less messy way to enjoy those flavors, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the perfect solution. These oven-baked meatballs capture everything people crave about buffalo-style dishes—spice, richness, and irresistible savory flavor—without the bones, frying, or sticky fingers.

Created by Kayla Berman, this recipe transforms simple ground chicken into tender, juicy meatballs seasoned with garlic, onion, parsley, and Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce. After baking, the meatballs are tossed in a buttery buffalo sauce that coats every bite with creamy heat. The result is an appetizer that feels indulgent yet approachable, making it ideal for parties, game days, meal prep, or easy weeknight dinners.

What makes this recipe stand out is its balance. The meatballs are flavorful without being overwhelming, spicy without being harsh, and creamy without feeling heavy. Baking them in the oven keeps the process simple and hands-off, while still delivering golden, cooked-through meatballs with great texture.

Whether you’re hosting guests, planning appetizers for a gathering, or just looking for a protein-packed dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, these buffalo chicken meatballs are a reliable and crowd-pleasing option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor of buffalo wings without frying or bones
• Oven-baked for a cleaner, no-mess cooking process
• Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
• Perfectly tender, juicy chicken meatballs
• Ideal for parties, appetizers, or meal prep
• Naturally adaptable for serving in multiple ways

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 20 meatballs

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper

Buffalo Sauce

• ¼ cup salted butter, melted
• ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or small cookie scoop (tablespoon size)
• Parchment paper
• Baking tray
• Oven
• Medium mixing bowl for sauce
• Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, ¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Shape the Meatballs
   Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture at a time. Roll gently into balls and place them on the prepared baking tray. You should end up with approximately 20 meatballs, spaced evenly apart.
4. Bake
   Place the tray in the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Flip the meatballs halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Cook until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through in the center.

Making the Buffalo Sauce

5. Prepare the Sauce
   While the meatballs are baking, combine the melted salted butter and ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
6. Coat the Meatballs
   Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a clean mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the meatballs and toss gently until each one is evenly coated.

Serving

7. Serve Immediately
   Serve the buffalo chicken meatballs warm with fresh veggie sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Texture and Cooking Tips

• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning
• Flip the meatballs halfway through baking for uniform color
• Do not overmix the chicken mixture to avoid dense meatballs

Dietary Considerations

• Nut-Free: Naturally nut-free
• Dairy-Free: Contains butter; dairy-free substitutions would alter the recipe
• Gluten-Free: Not gluten-free due to panko bread crumbs

Heat Level Adjustments

• The spice level is moderate and classic buffalo-style
• Serve with cooling dips and veggies to balance heat

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These buffalo chicken meatballs are savory, tangy, and mildly spicy with a creamy finish from the butter-based sauce. The garlic and onion powders add depth, while parsley brings subtle herbaceous balance. The panko keeps the meatballs tender and moist, preventing dryness often associated with lean ground chicken.

They pair especially well with crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots, which provide contrast in both texture and temperature.

Nutritional Overview

Nutritional values will vary based on serving size and dipping sauces used. These meatballs are protein-rich and satisfying, making them suitable as both an appetizer and a main dish component when paired with sides.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Meatballs can be mixed and shaped ahead of time, then refrigerated until ready to bake
• Bake meatballs in advance and reheat before tossing with sauce
• Sauce can be prepared ahead and gently rewarmed before use

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
This recipe is written specifically for ground chicken. Substituting meats would change texture and flavor.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
They should be golden on the outside and fully cooked in the center with no pink remaining.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes. Bake them ahead of time and reheat before tossing with sauce.

Do I need to flip the meatballs?
Flipping halfway through ensures even browning but does not affect doneness.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, using the same ingredient ratios and cooking method.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	13–15 minutes
Total Time	About 35 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a platter with veggie sticks for a classic presentation
• Use toothpicks for easy appetizer-style serving
• Keep warm in a low oven for parties

Recipe Variations

Using the same ingredients and method, these meatballs can be:

1. Served as sliders with a bun and crisp lettuce
2. Added to wraps with crunchy vegetables
3. Paired with a fresh salad for a light meal

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Chicken

Ground chicken is lean, mild, and ideal for absorbing bold flavors like buffalo sauce. Using breadcrumbs helps retain moisture and prevents the meatballs from becoming dry.

Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce

This sauce delivers classic buffalo flavor with balanced heat and acidity. It works both inside the meatballs and as the base of the finishing sauce, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use a spoon or small scoop for evenly sized meatballs
• Handle the mixture gently to keep meatballs tender
• Toss meatballs in sauce while they are still warm for best coating

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Freezing: Freeze cooked, unsauced meatballs for longer storage
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven until warmed through, then toss with sauce

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Estimates will vary based on portion size and sauce usage.

Nutrient	Approximate
Calories	Moderate
Protein	High
Carbohydrates	Moderate
Fat	Moderate

Dietary Notes: Nut-free, contains dairy and gluten.

Expanded Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a smart, flavorful alternative to traditional buffalo wings. They offer the same bold taste in a cleaner, easier-to-serve format that works for nearly any occasion. With simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and dependable results, this recipe is a go-to option for anyone who loves buffalo flavor but wants something more convenient.

Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or versatile protein option, these oven-baked meatballs deliver on flavor, texture, and ease. Once you try them, they’re likely to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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