These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a tasty treat! Made with ground chicken and a spicy buffalo sauce, they’re packed with flavor. Plus, they come with a creamy bleu cheese dip for dipping goodness!
Whenever I make these, my friends can’t get enough! They’re great for game day or just a fun snack. I love having them with some crunchy veggies on the side. What’s your favorite dip? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the meatballs. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey for a leaner option. Ground beef adds a richer flavor, but it will change the overall taste.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for its flavor and heat. For a milder dip, try a milder sauce like Cholula. If you want an extra kick, use a spicier sauce like Sriracha or, for sweetness, try honey hot sauce.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a lighter texture, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can substitute if necessary. Another option is crushed crackers or oats, as they also bind the meatballs together.
Blu Cheese: If you’re not a fan of bleu cheese, you could use feta cheese or even cream cheese mixed with a little sour cream to create a similar creamy texture.
Celery and Carrots: These are great for crunch, but feel free to add other fresh veggies like bell peppers or cucumber sticks for dipping!
How Do You Make the Meatballs Juicy and Flavorful?
Making juicy meatballs relies on the right mix of ingredients and cooking technique. Here’s what to do:
- Combine the chicken with breadcrumbs, vegetables, and spices gently. Overmixing can make meatballs tough.
- Shaping the meatballs into consistent sizes ensures even cooking.
- When cooking, whether in a skillet or oven, ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) internally. This keeps them safe to eat while preserving their juiciness.
For a nice crispy exterior, pan-fry in hot oil first, then finish them in the oven to cook through. Enjoy your cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Bleu Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
For the Bleu Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup crumbled bleu cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
For Serving:
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook, depending on your cooking method. So in total, you should set aside around 30-40 minutes to whip up these tasty Buffalo Chicken Meatballs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped celery, green onions, egg, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. We want them to be tender!
2. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a small meatball scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should end up with roughly 18-20 meatballs, depending on how big you make them!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure to leave space between each one to ensure even cooking. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently to brown all sides and ensuring they cook through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you prefer, you can also bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Make the Bleu Cheese Dip:
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the bleu cheese dip. In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled bleu cheese, lemon juice or vinegar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix everything together, leaving some texture from the bleu cheese. Taste your dip and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a little extra heat, now’s the time to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes!
5. Serve:
Once the meatballs are cooked and nicely browned, arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley or chives to make them look extra appetizing. Serve alongside the bleu cheese dip and plenty of crunchy celery and carrot sticks for dipping.
Enjoy your spicy, flavorful Buffalo Chicken Meatballs dipped in creamy bleu cheese sauce! They’re perfect for parties, game day, or just as a tasty snack anytime. Have fun cooking!
Can I Substitute Ground Chicken with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey for a leaner option or ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the overall taste and fat content will change slightly.
Can I Make a Gluten-Free Version of This Recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use oats as a binder for the meatballs.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs and dip in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the meatballs in a microwave or on a skillet over low heat to warm them gently. The dip can be served cold, but if desired, you can also slightly warm it in the microwave.
Can I Prepare These Meatballs in Advance?
Yes! You can mix the meatball ingredients ahead of time and shape them into balls. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. They can also be frozen raw and cooked later. Just make sure to increase cooking time if cooking from frozen.
